Vagina kayak artist arrested in Japan

What's wrong with a vagina kayak? I mean, all kayak already look like a vagina.

I wish the police would aim their zealousness at organised crime. The Japanese police force is making itself into a parody of a law enforcement institution.

meanwhile, Japan continues to churn out child porn and violent manga whose producers claim any restriction to limit is a violation of their freedom of expression...

No more or less offensive than the penis/vagina festivals, imo. But it would appear that it's the distribution of images of her toot toot that the Bill object to.

Yet anal or oral sex is perfectly legal and districts offering such services are adjacent to residential or commercial districts. Oh, I see, those are all run by men/mafia for men, so it's all good. But one girl's muffin provokes this from the authorities.

A vagina obscene?

Pathetic nonsense......

You can’t have your kayak and eat it too!

Again! Poor Rokude! She should go claim political asylum somewhere more friendly, that doesnt lock up it's artists. This was not meant for sexual titilation, it was a feminist artistic statement. I do not understand how the very very explicit manga is legal but this isnt.

How can this be obscene? We all had to pass through it when we were born into this world.

I bet she is pissed of for being arrested by a bunch of twats.

“I don’t believe my vagina is anything obscene,”

Amen, sister! I support your cause!

Huge wooden penises ok, fiberglass vagina not ok :O

Get onto YouTube and have a look at some of her other creations. She makes little sculptures from plaster casts of her pussy.

I can see how this could be considered obscene and some people may be offended, but it is art! Was Michelangelo arrested for his nude sculptures? Of course he wasn't! Grow up Japanese police and start hunting down the real sex offenders making child porn and prostituting teenage girls!

Japan has a notoriously vibrant pornography industry that caters to a vast array of tastes.

Understatement of the year?

There is nothing obscene about a vagina or a kayak shaped like a vagina. What is obscene is the police in a democratic nation arresting this artist. Is there nothing better than can be doing to "protect" Japan's citizens? Another thing that is obscene is the double standard this shows in regards to attitudes towards artistic expression of a woman's anatomy and materials that actually are of a prurient nature and intent. Keep paddling against the stream, Rokude Nashiko! We desperately need people like you!

I have to think she was arrested more for defying the authorities than violating an obscenity law. They couldn't let her continuously thumb her nose at them and get away with it. That won't happen in Japan.

Censorship at it's worst! Like many others here have expressed, what baffles the most is how the authorities turn a blind eye to much more serious issues, like child pornography and all the penis matsuri and penis temples. Go Go ms. Rokude!

Tamarama, you're right! How is this vagina kayak offensive and the giant wooden dong they tote around during the penis festival not?

If nobody said "It's a vagina kayak!" I would have simply thought it to be a weirdly designed kayak. But there's NO mistaking the giant wooden dongs. How are they not considered depictions of genitalia??

obscenity laws still forbid the depiction of actual genitalia, which usually appear censored or pixellated in images and videos.

I wonder if sending a link that shows a plan to create a dildo using three-dimensional data to a large number of people would prompt the police to act in a similar manner? Maybe it should be pixellated?

This is the norm in Japan! Stick out and the system will hammer you down! Abe is right when he say China and Japan have a lot in common. Unfortunately they both take unkindly to those who they judge to be brow-raisers and police in both countries act quickly to make an example of those people in an attempt to stop others from doing the same. Yes, they do share a lot in common.

Rokude Nashiko, paddle on girl

Disgraceful action on the part of Japan. Maybe we can hope this will raise support for changing the law, though.

Simply and utterly ridiculous. Leave the woman alone.

Japanese logic for obscenity and etc:

A 3d printed kayak of your vagina: CRIME

Stalk and email poor women: naaa, just change your e-mail then, we will call him and tell to stop it.

Sell a file of your 3d vagina: CRIME

Sell mangas depicting CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, rape and sexual harassment: Hey, its the freedom of the artists, those are only drawings.

Send link of your adult 3d vagina: CRIME

Sell JUNIOR IDOLS magazines with children in sexual positions: That's fine, they are wearing bikini.

I wish police could be this hard on people who are doing real bad stuff. Japan, PLEASE, reform your EDO laws.

Wow, you can legally buy manga depicting a school girl being anally raped, but can't have a funny shaped kayak. Talk about hypocrisy.

The power of the police in Japan is frightening. Rather than respond to victims or to public need, they simply choose random old laws to enforce at will - while ignore other more important laws they don't want to enforce. None of this reflects the will of the public - it's purely a police power play.

They banned dancing for example, something you would expect in Taliban controlled areas but not in a modern country. No they hound this poor woman for no reason other than they want to demonstrate their power.

A police department that freely acts so much at odds with the wants and needs of society is a danger to everyone.

Is that a two man kayak?

Does the kayak come with a skirt?

I suppose she is arrested for violating some kind of law. So, legally, this might be the correct action, and since no Japanese in law enforcement or in a bureaucrat position ever has spoken up against a superior, we get what we get. People here do as they're told, all with the luxury of non-thinking. That being said, the anti-genital law seems frickin' outdated today, when porn is readily available everywhere. But what do you expect from a country who hasn't kept up with the times and has had a law prohibiting dancing after midnight up until this very year (still in effect, right?)

I think Rokude is in the right here. Stick it to them old boys (I bet they take great interest in her works, anyway)!

ReformedBasher, if you get such a knit cap, then you may accurately be called d**knead.

I'll have you know I don't need the cap ;-)

When a 6 story sex shop goes up in Akihabara no one bats an eyes but when a woman wants to share the shape of her vagina everyone loses their minds.

People should have better priorities in life like me not commenting on this article.

but penis festival is ok? i think the depictions sold in thousand.. and you can ride on a dick there... I think she irked someone at police the wrong way and that is what pressures them to do something

What a STUPID law! Let her go! Let her go NOW! She did NOTHING wrong!!

Yoda_Jedi_Master Dec. 04, 2014 - 10:47AM JST

People these days flaunt the law, push the envelope past what is decent and moral, then complain when they reap the consequences of their warped actions. No wonder the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

I'm surprised by the authorities when I think about what is allowed to take place in the public in Japan. Take the Tagata Jinja which hosts the Honen-sai Matsuri where they parade their giant, 2.5 meter long, 280 kilogram penis made from cypress around town and there are other shrines throughout Japan with similar traditions. They sell all sorts of foods and souvenirs (mostly phallus-shaped or related) at these events and this has been going on for hundreds some cases over a thousand years and enjoyed by all. There are phallus-shaped souvenirs, statues, all sorts of things and you can purchase on the internet and children are brought along too!

Oh my god, so sorry, she's talking about vaginas, not penises, that's a-whole other story! Japanese society won't tolerate kayak-shaped vaginas. I for one think she should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for distributing, or holding obscene materials!

So, what does she call her creation? I would call it a "vagayak". It has a nice ring to it.

why are English names for intimate body parts always clinically scientific, crude or childish?

Because people choose to interpret them those ways. Maybe that's the confined way of thinking that this artist is trying to challenge.

Why don't they leave this woman alone and look for real criminals? Oh yes, that would involve getting off your bum and doing some proper policework.

Penis envy

(of vagina).

Japanese police have nothing better to do that look for porn / look at porn? What a excuse for work!

That being said, the anti-genital law seems frickin' outdated today, when porn is readily available everywhere.

Agreed. It is ridiculous that they still censor genitals when the porn itself is so obscene. Who are they protecting?

I can't believe this. Where is another petition we can sign to get this woman away from these stupid cops?

The double standard is clearly ridiculous. The Japanese people need to understand that freedom of speech applies to everyone. Civil rights case if I've ever seen one.

Poor Freud, born in the wrong era and wrong location. He could have had an absolute blast in Japan!

The only crimes committed here, is that J-cops arrested her for nothing. The other crime is that J-cops were told to do this, they didn't get the idea all on their own. Though I feel this is a great injustice, it seems like a perfect diversion away from even more important topics like the secracy act, which will be up and running this month. Why is such an important subject not receiving any media attention?

japanese police are notorious for not applying common sense but for being anal retentive when dealing with the public. when it cones to serious crime syndicates however, they look the other way.

But the Kanamara Matsuri is ok?

It's all about suppressing women.

ReformedBasher, if you get such a knit cap, then you may accurately be called d**knead. Sounds fun!

Why doesn't this person just buy a factory-made kayak in a nice shade of pink and get it airbrushed?

Have to wonder how the major media stations and print are covering this! Is it just thrown in somewhere and people stumble upon it, are they going to bring out experts or other artists to discuss the validity of the charges and possible ramifications? Probably not!

I hope that Rokude Nashiko does not give up her quest, what ever it is, and takes the establishment on!

As I said, comics and anime with child porn and gang rape have in the past been under threat of censorship but the illustrators argue it's their right of 'freedom or expression' and is considered 'art', with many posters on this site DEFENDING such content, but here you have a woman's vagina -- the very natural body organ and a woman who wants to express its beauty being censored, called 'profane', and even kept in prison for six weeks. Does it have to be abused by men in masks for it to be 'art'? I don't personally find her art appealing, but she should be allowed to express it, particularly where there are shrines that worship the male phallus, as well as festivals, little girls are mounted on such statues at old temples to promote fertility. No complaints about the latter. There's also the old ukioe drawings that are extremely graphic with penetrating sex shown, etc. Are the old men who make these laws ashamed of the fact that they come out of a vagina?

I challenge anyone to design a kayak that doesn't look like a vagina.

(Horrible word; why are English names for intimate body parts always clinically scientific, crude or childish?)

It is not double jeopardy, she was never tried in court, she was arrested and released. This is called rearrest.

I find this of such importance as a fly being swatted with all the more important problems facing this archipelago. It does give the keystones an opportunity to say, "See we are doing something. We are earning our pay."

And any person posting on this thread, supporting the authorities, is just a minge-fearing flathead mummy's boy, who has been reared on too much pixel-pussy.

Great marketing ploy that will maker her and her sex toy shop collaborator wealthy women.

Her second arrest is the best high-profile PR possible for her 'products'. It's even being prominently featured by the Guardian and other foreign papers.

"However, its obscenity laws still forbid the depiction of actual genitalia, which usually appear censored or pixellated in images and videos."

Guess the cops had better get ready to round up the monks and vendors at the next fertility festival at Kanamaru Shrine next April -- according to the article, there seems to be a gross violation of law. Google it and one will see numerous photos of the male genitalia....

Now I'll never be able to look innocently at a kayak again.

Sigh, I can't say enough about Japan's censorship laws. They're vastly outdated and downright stupid.

"I'll have you know I don't need the cap ;-)"

It's good to see some humor get through here for a change.

So, after she succeeds in getting her much desired kayak, will it be available for others to give it a go? Got to make sure it's swarthy.

I think what they find obscene is the fact that it and around water. Nobody wants to see a WET vagina kayak. As a man I'm a bit put off to see anything coming out of it. I just faint.

They need to release her. this is double jeopardy if i ever seen it they just wanted to avoid shame which is exactly what this is a dam shame. Artists need to be free of these laws and free to express themselves no matter the content thats what makes art art. Japanese Government protect your own artistic treasures. Because uniquely is what makes art so precious.

I like kayaks

What a field day would have Freud with all this!!

To me, it is a weird-looking Kayak, it is painted yellow and not even pink, How is that perceived as a vagina? If you don't tell me, I would never know it is a depiction of genitalia

Brings a new meaning to being up the creek without a paddle, eh?

But honestly, I don't see why they are causing such a fuss. But I'm sure the free publicity isn't going to hurt.

They couldn't let her continuously thumb her nose at them and get away with it. That won't happen in Japan.

But hang on, last time I checked Japan was a.......ahem........democracy

But gang rape of children is "freedom of speech" and "art". Quite the nation.

John Galt Dec. 04, 2014 - 11:52AM JST

So, after she succeeds in getting her much desired kayak, will it be available for others to give it a go?

Yes, I think she intends to make it available to all but her lawyers are looking into whether or not she can charge a fee as authorities might view that as a violation of Japanese prostitution laws!

this is a dam shame.

Kayak, water, dam... : )

Well, she certainly got a rise out of JT readers.

"Omeko Kayaku" mmmm sounds natural has a ring to it!

Life is stranger than fiction.

Japan; Kiddie porn okay, Vagina boats - lock em up.

That's a messed up mentality.

Ok where do i sign to end this madness? You walk proud young lady!

so if a lady who is not waring any underwear one day and its a bit windy or a but roars passed her and her short skirt lifts up, would she be arrested under these laws because her bits are on show? its seams rather pathetic to me

Looking on the bright side - hopefully it raises public awareness of her work.

Today's euphemistic phrase:

I'd like to paddle her kayak.

Im not sure this story is more about a giant vag, or the huge male members that the Japanese police are being. Either way its an awful lot of genitalia for one story. Rokude, forget Japan, just leave and make your foofoo art elsewhere.

I am sure all of these lawmakers/police officers have seen vagina and saw that there was no harm done. Unless they made babies with their eyes closed.....

Despite her super kawaii smile Rokude Nashiko seems a very determined person and I would be looking forward to the trail, but am afraid that the state prosecutor will eventually puss out again to avoid a more in-depth discussion of the topic.

But seriously, it is completely out of proportion to arrest her for what the police is accusing her of and appears like an act of intimidation on the side of the Tokyo police.

Hawkeye:

" This is not art but cheap sensationalism. "

Yes, it is. But since when is cheap sensationalism a crime? If it was, you might as well arrest the entire Japanese "talento" crowd. And don´t even think about Hollywood.

This is very clever public relations.

PR 101 says that the best way to get free publicity is to create controversy. She has more than accomplished this with the added bonus of being able ignite a second controversy by raising the awareness of the double standard of manga pornography without really trying.

Very sly.

I think it is demeaning to women

The law is pretty awful, but calling it "demeaning to women" goes too far (j/k the law is demeaning) ;-)

I don't see how its okay to have a penis festival, and have young children sucking on penis popsicles, and yet have this be illegal. A law with double standards...ridiculous!!!

Couldn't they just pixelate the kayak, huehue?

What a bunch a baloney!! A marketing concept just like any other in Japan, and just because it derives from a female point of view, she gets whacked by law enforcement. Who remenbers profanity was inadmissable in music and now...it's splattered everywhere. Let her be!! She is not harming anyone!!!!

It's already been pointed out that word

vagina

is not the anatomically correct one to describe the kayak. So why don't you adopt a pun from Shakespeare (in Hamlet) and call it a country kayak.

(I understand the Hamlet is worth a read, even apart from this)

The problem is not a vagina shaped kayak, teapot or cellphone.

She accused of distributing pornographic material and such distribution is regulated.

TumbleDry: "She accused of distributing pornographic material and such distribution is regulated"

Well, that's part of the BIGGER problem, isn't it? By that I mean "it's regulated" selectively. The laws are in place, and it was intepreted that she broke them, while in other cases the rules are bent or simply not followed and the 'art' is allowed to be shown publicly. If they are going to crack down on some things, they need to be consistent.

Oddly enough, I am offended by phallic festivals, but Megumi and her Kayak? That's just cute. Though I can understand a police officer wanting to put her in handcuffs and give her a spanking and use his ... no i'll stop there.

Sounds like it has to do with the local written and unwritten prohibitions on showing female genitalia. If I say that it does not offend me, does that make me a pervert?

That's got to be one of the most talked about vaginas of this year! I guess she pissed some one off with it! Sex sells what I can't understand is why everyone is up tight about it when we all came from a Vagina!

What a loon!

She pushed it too far when she covered the kayak in pubic hair.

Frankly, I think she's leaving herself wide open for prosecution. I hope the authorities give her a good tongue-lashing.

I think it is demeaning to women.Other than that its just tasteless and blatant attention seeking . Japan has the biggest porn industry in the world. So if she wants herself seen in that light, then thats probably the best route for her to take.

I'll ask my wife to knit a hat that looks like my pee pee.

Profit?

Everyone, well almost everyone posting here is supporting this so called artist, why I dont know. Why is her kayak yellow and is there some type of subliminal symbolism going on here. Why is she sitting or protruding from the large opening of her kayak with that stupid smile. Maybe she is giving birth to herself? If this is truly art, maybe I can defecate on the sidewalk and call it self expression cause I feel like s**t today. Lol

She's only doing it to get noticed. She knows the law. Doesn't bother me if it's about artistic expression or being a self publicist... the law on distributing 3D modelling files of her 'lady parts' exists and flouting that law has landed her in trouble.

StewieDec. 04, 2014 - 09:31AM JST

Wow, you can legally buy manga depicting a school girl being anally raped, but can't have a funny shaped kayak. Talk about hypocrisy.

No one gets hurt for a manga. The reader understands what he is reading.

It OK to possess a funny shaped kayak. Displaying it in public space is a crime under present interpretation of obscenity law of Japan.

When a 6 story sex shop goes up in Akihabara no one bats an eyes but when a woman wants to share the shape of her vagina everyone loses their minds.

Like with all things in Japan, this is the case of "if you don't see it - it isn't there". This woman threatens the ever present Japanese status quo and therefore faces the concequences. In the case with your sex shop, or the weiro porn they produce over here, or the fact that this place is filled with the trashiest of all institutions - the love hotel, if it isn't out in the open, it's secret and a non-issue. Lid on, that's the Japnese motto.

No one gets hurt for a manga. The reader understands what he is reading.

Not in Japan, they don't.

This is a perfect example of a hasbeen / wannabe who doesn't have the talent to make true art so she does something 'outrageous' to grab her 15 minutes of fame, and stay in the spotlight for that extra minute.

In Hollywood they have a saying: The only thing worse than people talking about you is people not talking about you.

My spelling mistake trying to use my not so smart phone to type and autofill

While I agree with most people's comments in here, I'm gonna side with the cops on this one. She's been arrested for "selling" the obscene data. If you know you are already crossing some boundaries do it a smart way. She could have played it safe (safer) by distributing the data to the people helping or sponsoring the project and not "selling" it.

People these days flaunt the law, push the envelope past what is decent and moral, then complain when they reap the consequences of their warped actions. No wonder the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

What's wrong with a vagina kayak? I mean, all kayak already look like a vagina.

titaniumdi0xide. Majority of Japanese peoples are conservative even though most of today young Japanese's sexual liberation is same as western young peoples and they are not behind their counterparts. However Japanese peoples are rarely talking about Vagina and “Vagina” word even between wife and husband in Japanese culture. They thought it's private. I have Gaijin friend and he told me about he can't ask his girl friend how to call vagina in Japanese.

Well, nothing wrong with Vagina Kayak but this is Japan. It's offensive to many Japanese peoples. I do understand Megumi Igarashi is trying to impress her talent but most of Japanese peoples don't think it was talent but they think her work and behavior is 15 minute of fame. That kind of publicity does not work in Japan and its offensive to majority of Japanese community. They call her “Baka”.

I don’t know about Megumi Igarashi. Does she have any other talent in art? No one will be taken as offensive if she performed “Puppetry of Vagina” show in Red light district but not just for publicity stunt.

This is not art but cheap sensationalism. Making kayak shaped like her our vagina sounds like a desperate plea or shour for attention. How do we know if the kayak really looks like the real thing? Just another sleazy japanese wannabe porn star who can't find work and came up with a novel idea to make headlines and few yen.