TOKYO (TR) – The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity for adult video (AV) starlet Saori Hara.
Just prior to being served papers in January for an “indecent” appearance in the photo book “No Nude by Kishin 1 20XX Tokyo,” Hara released her memoir “My Real Name is Mai Kato: Why I became an AV Girl.”
But certainly most memorable was her crowning last month as Best Actress at the Sky PerfecTV! Adult Broadcasting Awards. “I am so surprised to have received this wonderful award,” beamed the 22-year-old, attired in a low-cut light purple dress during the ceremony that took place at a theater in the love hotel area of Tokyo’s Shibuya district.
Now in its sixth year, the somewhat tongue-in-cheek event was a mix of accolades and entertainment that featured many of the hottest stars performing regularly in bondage and fetish roles on programming carried by satellite broadcaster Sky PerfecTV!
Hara, who was joined by erotic photographer Kishin Shinoyama in being cited for violations of public decency laws after she appeared unclothed in photographs taken outdoors, was not exactly a surprise choice. Weekly tabloid Shukan Shincho (Mar. 25) reported that following the incident the second printing of “My Real Name is Mai Kato,” which pulls few punches in detailing just what is going through an AV gal’s mind during filming, sold 10,000 copies.
Representing channel Midnight Blue, Hara was not the only heavy-hitting talent on hand. Risa Tsukino (Enta! 371) was the recipient of a media prize supported by evening tabloid Nikkan Gendai. Maria Ozawa (Queen Bee), one Japan’s most recognizable AV stars, claimed another media award sponsored by Web portal Livedoor. “I was not at all expecting this,” said the 24-year-old, who has such films as “Obscene Nymphomaniac 5” and “Let’s Do It at School” on her resume. “I look forward to receiving further support from my fans down the road.”
The winners of the transparent trophies, seductively licked and gripped multiple times for the benefit of photographers and spectators throughout the evening, were determined through a mix of online voting by fans and organizational committee opinion, which considered the approximately 10,000 programs broadcast over the provider’s 31 channels during 2009.
In this reporter’s experience, spanning four ceremonies, this year’s event was easily the most emotional.
The winner of Best New Actress, Shelly Fujii (Rainbow Channel), could not stop the tears from flowing upon presentation of her prize from Haruka Ito, who claimed the award one year ago. “I want to thank all my fans,” blubbered the newcomer. “Please don’t take any photos now because my face is a wreck. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.”
Equally moving was the speech given by Yuzuka Kinoshita (Channel Ruby). The actress, also a rookie, claimed the Best Program prize for her role as a large-breasted angel who descends from heaven. “While this is considered my piece of work, it was a true team effort,” said Kinoshita.
Paradise TV, known for its mix of wacky and provocative programming, won Best Production in HD (high definition) for its effort that featured an assembly of 10 women engaging in copious debauchery. “I have now been reassured that people enjoy works featuring mature women,” said Riri Koda, 36, representing the lascivious ladies. “I hope that we were able to convey the fun we had while shooting the film.”
Perhaps the biggest upset was pulled off by kimono-clad Natsumi Horiguchi (Perfect Choice), who, aged 29, managed to snatch Best Mature Actress from a field that included substantially elder nominees, with Koda among them.
The evening’s proceedings were concluded by a special stage show that featured erotic games and displays. In honor of recent technological advances in 3D film, audience members were provide polarized glasses as three actresses competitively shook their chests and pushed their rear ends forward in front the camera, whose video output was projected on the screen above the stage.
Yet this was truly Hara’s night. Just prior to the announcement of her win, last year’s champion, Kirara Asuka, was on hand to offer a taste of what lies ahead for Japan’s newest AV queen. “I won the award through the support of everyone,” said Asuka, fitted in a conservative but appropriately tight brown dress. “And after winning, I was able to grow throughout the year as a result of my many experiences.”
The festivities closed with the traditional panty-toss to the audience.
For coverage of this event from 2007, 2008 and 2009, go here, here and here.