In anticipation of the next review that the Japanese government will make on the so-called “New Pornographic Content Law“, enacted in June 2022, professionals in the adult film industry in Japanwhich include production staff and actresses, They have started a campaign to collect signatures and a peaceful demonstration throughout the country since last February 9.
In the demonstration and collection of signatures on February 10 in Akihabara, Tokyo, the participation of porn actresses was observed Riko Hoshino (星乃莉子), Sawa Sasaki (佐々木咲和)and Kotoko Sakurawa (桜和ことこ).
On the other hand, directors and production members declared: «Soon, the pornographic film industry in Japan will disappear. People who are dedicated to this industry also have a life like everyone else. It was always a mistake for Congress to pass a law like this»; «I would like this new Law to go through a review process so that it is more considerate to those of us who work in this industry.»; and “I oppose any discrimination simply for working in this industry. I really care about the actresses, the ones most affected by this Law. Please support us so that Congress finally listens to us».
Riko Hoshino, a pornographic film actress, commented: “If things continue like this, the adult film industry in Japan will disappear and the work environment will be completely impossible to tolerate. I want Congress to hear from those of us who are actually involved in this industry. I feel like our human rights and the pride we take in our work are being trampled by Congress».
At the end of January, Congressman Satoshi Hamada (浜田聡) offered a hearing to members of the pornographic film industry in Japan, who reported that the number of adult films (known as JAV) had decreased considerably as a result of the “New Pornographic Content Law”, so many actresses had lost their jobs. This not only causes actresses to withdraw from a business that is no longer profitable, but also to seek opportunities in independent pornographic cinema, which is not fully regulated by the Law in question and which operates clandestinely.
A director commented on this: «I would like Congress to sit down and listen to the opinions of the women who actually work in this industry. This Law was created by people who reject the adult film industry and believe that Japanese women are being forced to participate in this type of productions. In Congress they think that a woman cannot decide for herself, and they are taking away job opportunities just because.».
The Association for the Standardization of the Pornographic Industry, which organized the signature campaign, pointed out that the main problem is that, After signing the contract, the actresses cannot start recording until a month later. Added to this, After finishing the recordings, the production company cannot release the film to the market until another four months have passed (delaying income for actresses and production members). This hinders various forms of work and constitutes excessive regulation that violates the “freedom of choice of occupation” and the “right to freedom of trade” according to Article 22 of the Constitution of Japan.
Hitoshi Futamura, one of the initiators of the association, stated: «The New Law has positive aspects, but also too many negative aspects. Above all, the name is insulting. Legally, it is known as the “Law for the Prevention and Relief of Harm from Performances in Pornographic Films,” which attacks women who participate in this industry. Regarding recording periods and so on, I think it is a good thing for women who participate in a pornographic recording for the first time, but I would like it not to affect women who have been in this industry for quite some time and who, obviously, they work on this by their own decision».
Fountain: Livedoor News
