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Japan sees surge in aspiring adult film actresses; 6,000 said to debut each year

116 Comments
By Steven Simonitch

The Japanese sex film, or adult video (AV), industry is big business. It’s said that around 20,000 videos are released annually and some Japanese AV actresses have achieved celebrity status even outside of Japan.

And it’s not just demand for Japanese skin flicks that’s thriving.

According to nonfiction writer Atsuhiko Nakamura, who has published several books based on interviews with AV actresses, the number of Japanese women seeking work in the adult video industry has increased dramatically over the past decade, with some 6,000 girls making their debut every year.

Atsuhiko Nakamura has interviewed over 500 AV actresses and made headlines in Japan for casting light on the dark side of the AV industry with his bestselling book, “Namae no nai Onna-tachi” (“The Nameless Women”).

“Actresses come and go every day and it’s likely that there are about that many [6,000] women in the industry at all times,” explained Nakamura during a recent investigative television program.

“Until the late '90s, a lot of people said they wouldn’t appear in an AV even if they were paid 10 million yen, but that rapidly changed over the decade and now normal girls are rushing for a chance to make it into any kind of production.”

While there were always spots open for amateurs in the '90s, now it’s said only 15 out of 100 aspiring actresses can get a role and the rest are turned away at the door. It’s just like applying for a part-time job at a convenience store.”

While the adult video industry is known for being recession-proof, Nakamura points out that not all applicants are in it for the money: “One girl had been working for a major bank for one or two years and had begun to feel unsure if it was the right career choice for her. She likes sex and realized she could be an AV actress, and told me she was really happy with her career change.”

And, despite the nature of the work, a strong academic or educational background is valued by producers when trying to sift through so many applicants. “Girls from top-tier colleges are often chosen over those who have a weak academic background,” said Nakamura. “Those with credentials and a job are also more likely to make the cut, especially teachers and nurses.”

Wait ... so you mean those are actually REAL nurses in "Giant-Breasted Nurse Hell 2!?!?" (actual title)

“Most amateur contracts stipulate a set compensation rate for three videos, two pair and one solo. The rates range from 150,000 to 200,000 yen, 250,000 and 300,000 yen, depending on the applicant’s experience and background.”

However, it seems the 150,000 yen rate makes up 60-70% of contracts and recently, some girls are told that due to low demand they’re only needed for one video and can only be paid half the normal rate, leaving them with a take-home of less than 30,000 yen.

Source: Gadget Tsushin, News Post Seven

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116 Comments
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Shocking isn't it. Women like sex too. Wonders will never cease.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

Pay seems low considering the profits likely to be made.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

One girl had been working for a major bank for one or two years and had begun to feel unsure if it was the right career choice for her. She likes sex and realized she could be an AV actress, and told me she was really happy with her career change.

God Bless Her! I'm going to be having fantasies every time I go to the bank now....

17 ( +21 / -4 )

Still, it's a sad industry. It seems many of the girls who enter the industry are suffering some form of mental illness, like depression.And ever seen any of these women after they retire and get a a bit older? The few I've seen look really ropey and strung out.

-5 ( +11 / -16 )

I think it's rather sad that so many women would rather not find a decent job (and one that doesn't put their health at risk) and do this type of work. Work that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. IF they ever get a decent job, imagine the horror they'll feel if say someone at work finds out what they did. Same could be said for future boyfriends/husband/kids... To each his own but it seems clear to me that J women want their own money, they just still aren't ready to really work for it.

-8 ( +16 / -24 )

30,000yen.. wow.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I had the thought once while walking the streets of Tokyo: How many of those young attractive women I see are adult film actresses? Considering the numbers given here, maybe quite a few.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

SEX SELLS! Surprise, surprise! But 30,000 crappy yen to get raped by a bunch of STD infested yakuza scum?? That is what man of these Japanese porn videos are about, but the sad thing is that these stupid girls who think that this easy money will help them out are only fooling themselves. Once you do PORN, no decent Japanese TV station, etc..will ever employ you.

-12 ( +10 / -21 )

30 000 Yen?! That is rather low pay for the job they are doing. No wonder the Japanese AV stars are all so hot! They are turning away thousands of them because of over supply.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Once you do PORN, no decent Japanese TV station, etc..will ever employ you.

I know of at least one porn star who later went to star in a children's TV show (in a costume that showed off her cleavage no less). (Carefully) look up Nao Oikawa to see who I mean. It's not impossible and there's no guarantee that a TV station would hire someone in any case.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Wow... 30,000 for having god knows what done to them on the screen. If they truly enjoy it, and are successful and end up doing quite well for themselves, then all the power to them. I also hope that it doesn't screw up their lives later -- it's pretty hard for more successful AV stars to shake that image if/when they try to move on to regular TV/Movies, or even just a regular life.

Still... something seems wrong if thousands of girls are flocking to the AV scene in a single year. It might be easy money if they get in, but is it worth it?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The gangsters running the show must be coining it if they only pay Y30000 per video. The girl mentioned in the article would earn much more by staying at the bank.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I doubt she would've said she was happy with the career change if that were the case.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Theres a clear link between the economic fundamentals in a given country, and with the number of women prepared to work in the sex industry. Nothing new about that, particularly in Asia. Not saying that there arent exceptions who actually want to do this work, but in my mind that would be a minority. If you think differently then you have probably fallen for the myth of the sex industry - i.e. all women want it. Generally if women could earn a decent wage doing something else then generally they would prefer that. It`s safer and carries less stigma.

So in my opinion, another indication that Japan is economically broken - but we knew that already.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

By the sheer number of Delivery Health, water trades and pink zones in reality in the cities, towns and villages and on the internet, the industry as a whole must see 6000 a day. As a percentage of total female population it seems a lot of women decide to make a buck in the oldest profession in the world, in Japan.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

“One girl had been working for a major bank for one or two years and had begun to feel unsure if it was the right career choice for her. She likes sex and realized she could be an AV actress

damn and you never thought of slipping that little piece of information to the foreign customers at your bank.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

GaroJ. I checked out Ms. Oikawa. Very, very hot! I wonder if that is her that left the first comment today?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Thumbs down for stating the truth? Oh right, those government workers must be on here "working"...

I've taught a few girls who wanted to "grow up and be a hostess". When you ask why they think it is glamorous, they want to find a rich husband and not work. Um, yes, because that's what happens to all hostesses in the future....

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

I like Yumi Kazama.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Just a sign of the times. The materialism that is at the core of this society's culture is the main cog.

Louis Vuitton Bag = $100,000 Adult Video = $150,000 plus an orgasm (Less than 3 hours work.....WIN)

People have argued that pornography is degrading to women BUT I would argue that in Japan it's degrading to men. You rarely see the men's faces for one. On top of that the industry here is so honest, you already know the women are doing it only to get money from the men. The men are victims here.

I doubt these girls pay any taxes on the money they earn. TAX Free porno money. Great

0 ( +6 / -6 )

tmarie

Personally I gave your comment a thumbs down because I think you're projecting your opinions onto someone else's life which you have absolutely no right to do. What to someone is or is not a decent job is purely an opinion, it might be the opposite to another person, and you have no right to say they are wrong for their way of thinking. I would actually agree with your opinion of what a decent job is but that isn't the point, if other people don't they are free to choose as much as for anything in life.

As for the health risks that is a no-starter. If anything the porn industry is probably cleaner than most people are due to the nature of the work. Even common or garden sex shops usually test their workers and they're a lot less high profile.

And as for "haunting them for the rest of their lives" and "imagining the horror", that is pure speculation and not even an opinion. Some people are not embarrassed about having sex in front of others. Who are you or anyone to tell them they should be.

Finally, I wonder what the comments would be here if the article was about men in the AV industry. There must be millions of them trying to get in! And they probably have to pay-to-play..

7 ( +14 / -7 )

People have argued that pornography is degrading to women BUT I would argue that in Japan it's degrading to men. You rarely see the men's faces for one.

Most of society would agree that preserving a person's anonymity is a way of avoiding degrading them.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Onniyama

Sorry to spoil your fantasy but no it wasn't. Although she has been an inspirational figure in my life ;)

I prefer Yu Namiki now though.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Oikawa

Personally I gave YOUR comment a thumbs down and Tmarie a thumbs up. There have been many bloggers here who post the truth about Japan and those that can't digest it give them a thumbs down.

She's absolutely right about Japanese women. I think you need to live in Japan to know the truth.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

According to a documentary I saw a few years ago, the regular male 'actors' who aren't the film company owners/affiliates might come away, so to speak, with a few thousand yen and transportation money. The TV show in question interviewed a number of uni students who shagged part time (including a couple of fellas who were unlucky enough to get the clap!).

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Someone who made it BIG time and is respectable in Japan as well as abroad is Sora Aoi. Probably one of my favs and of course Ozawa Maria. ^^

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

only needed for one video and can only be paid half the normal rate, leaving them with a take-home of less than 30,000 yen.

One video and 30,000yen! exploitation is more like it.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Huge business, plenty of girls want to get in, just like the airlines. High volume of potential employees who can be used for a short period (2 or 3 films) helps to keep the costs down.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I think you're projecting your opinions onto someone else's life which you have absolutely no right to do

What?? tmarie would never do that hahaha!

7 ( +9 / -2 )

tmarie, keep those phone numbers!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I also gave tmarie a thumbs up. I know I'll sound like an old fart for saying this, but would you be cheering for your daughter if she decided she wanted to become a porn star? I think not...

I'm not against porn, and for those who choose it as a career, then I respect that as their career choice - but as for those who do it part time for a bit of extra cash, it is sad to see they have sold their morals for such a small price.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

so as a career it's acceptable but as a part time job it's morally wrong? don't get that papasmurf.

j-porn should dump the mosaic, and then they should ship it overseas. the j-girls are so much hotter than most of the american chicks.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Where have morals gone? Could any of the AV women look their kid in the eye and tell them her occupation? In today's world, doesn't matter what your 'day job' is...s/he could be up to all kinds of shenanigans at night. We had a spate of them lately with policemen and govt employees who were caught video-ing the under-skirt of women.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Given that her bank job probably paid maximum 200,000 a month (women are chronically underpaid here), and that even a high paid part time job only gives you 1200 yen an hour, its not a case of "not finding a decent job" but more of a case of society not giving any other decent paying options.

And I have met more than a couple of women here who are much more liberal with their views on casual sex than western girls. It is quite possible that they view the AV industry with less disdain as well.

But then there is some very disturbing porn out there, and i really do wonder how much money is being offered to girls who participate in that.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Why sad? If someone doesnt mind to be known and likes sex - nothing wrong with doing AV...

10 ( +11 / -1 )

so as a career it's acceptable but as a part time job it's morally wrong? don't get that papasmurf.

Morals are subjective of course, but my point is someone who makes it a career wants to make a name for themselves in the AV industry or use it as a stepping stone to something else. Though we may argue whether or not that is morally acceptable or not, at least they are open about it and happy to publicize themselves as AV actresses.

To me there is a difference between that and uni students/housewives who, for the most part, want to remain anonymous but just appear in videos just to get a bit of extra cash. They'd probably be horrified if their family/kids found out they had appeared in a video they thought would never get plastered all over the internet for everyone to see.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

j-porn should dump the mosaic, and then they should ship it overseas.

And dump the dorky looking j-dudes, give the girls a trim and ask them not to squeal like they are being raped. Great potential there.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

@DentShop

And dump the dorky looking j-dudes, give the girls a trim and ask them not to squeal like they are being raped. Great potential there.

Hehe, For some reason, GnR's Welcome to the Jungle is playing in my head. But yes, the J AV style might need some slight tweaks before it's accepted elsewhere.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Tmarie is of course right. Nobody wants there daughter to be a porn actress, and a boy doesn't want to know his mother was one. It's common sense.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Crystalyle

I've been living in Japan for years. What is your point about Japanese women anyway?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The employment/salary prospects for young women in Japan are basically engineered to be ridiculously low, such that any good-looking girl will work in a snack/hostess/delivery healh job at least once. And who keeps the system this way? Old men of course.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

I would argue that in Japan it's degrading to men. You rarely see the men's faces for one. ..... The men are victims here.

Since it's mostly men who watch porn, I imagine the men's faces are kept off the screen because it's hard for the viewer to really get into it, as it were, if there's another man's face getting in the way of his fantasies. The men are not victims. No one makes them buy or watch porn.

any good-looking girl will work in a snack/hostess/delivery healh job at least once.

In your dreams.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Once you do PORN, no decent Japanese TV station, etc..will ever employ you.

Iijima Ai. Sort of sad figure and she did die young. However, if there was any former AV girl who made a successful transition to regular TV then it was her. Not only TV but she wrote was a successful author and involved in mainstream film as well.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Please refrain from posting rubbish like this.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@oikawa

Are you sure you've been living in Japan for years? Absolutely positively sure? Why would Crystalye assume otherwise? After all the bloggers know "the truth". In fact, the bloggers are "the truth". So please defer to their expertise on all things Japanese. ;-)

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

aisai

Sorry, yeah you're right. I forgot. I've actually never even heard of Japan. Is it a vegetable?

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Personally I gave your comment a thumbs down because I think you're projecting your opinions onto someone else's life which you have absolutely no right to do

I have no right? Is there an opinion law I don't know about? Interesting, you can give an opinion on the matter though, right?

If anything the porn industry is probably cleaner than most people are due to the nature of the work. Even common or garden sex shops usually test their workers and they're a lot less high profile.

Oh dear, do you actually buy into this?? Yep, they test them. That doesn't mean the results are ignored or falsified. Do you think soap lands/porn producer care about the health of their staff? They don't. Which is why STDs are rampant among workers in the industry. A little research on this might open your eyes.

http://www.shelleylubben.com/porn-stars-speak-out-stds-drugs-and-abuse-0 Happy reading.

**And as for "haunting them for the rest of their lives" and "imagining the horror", that is pure speculation and not even an opinion. Some people are not embarrassed about having sex in front of others. Who are you or anyone to tell them they should be.

Finally, I wonder what the comments would be here if the article was about men in the AV industry. There must be millions of them trying to get in! And they probably have to pay-to-play..**

You really seem out of touch with all of this. There are PLENTY of women out there who have been on videos who have later regretted it - and have sought court injections to have the videos from being sold. "Girls gone wild" ring any bells?

You're also mistaking that these girls are going to be 'stars" and make any decent money. Very few stars out of this. If you agree selling your soul is worth it, by all means. I however hope that those "well educated women" that they are so keen to hire would have a clue and find another job.

My comments would be exactly the same if we were talking about the men. It is a rather sad way to make money - and one that puts your health at risk and is certainly not long term. Ask yourself, would you be a proud parent if your daughter did this as a job? Its a shame so many think this is the way to make cash rather than get a regular job.

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

leaving them with a take-home of less than 30,000 yen...........................in that case why make video at all ? Might as well work as an" independant escort with extremely friendly disposition " . I am sure they will make lot more $ and have real fun at the same time too.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Japan sees surge in aspiring adult film actresses; 6,000 said to debut each year

Win!
-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Tmarie

You don't get it. Yes, there is an opinion law that you seem completely unaware of and that is that your opinion is your opinion, other people's opinion are their opinions and you simply have to respect their right to them. You have no choice. Like I said I actually agree with your opinion to an extent, (I didn't really give one myself) but I don't insinuate that other people are silly, indecent or immoral for not going along with my way of thinking.

The link you posted is a joke. "The Truth About Porn!" It's like a 9/11 conspiracy site or the National Enquirer.

Girls Gone Wild rings no bells at all. It sounds American though.

I seriously doubt your claim that there are lots of women who regret it. Doing a pro porn movie is not like getting a drunken tattoo, a spur of the moment action, it's too considered an action for me to believe anyone who claims later they regret it. I think they're either being pressured by people like that woman whose site you posted, or by family, or simply lying to cover their back. After all anyway, what is there to be ashamed about? What is it you've got exactly against porn, or people doing porn? I've known a few women in Japan who've done various facets of the sex industry and none were embarrassed at all after they quit. In the west they claim they are. It's an interesting difference.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Seems like many are forgetting these are Japanese women with a different culture and world view than you (if you come from a Judeo-Christian, Greco-Roman based society) and myself. These are not Christian white girls from Ohio in a drunken springbreak video in Florida. They have different ideas about guilt, shame and regret from this type of thing. Consider how many newly arrived gaijin squirm at the idea of someone being a hostess? I know lots of "normal" women who once had part-time jobs as hostesses. Maybe some did porn, hmm. They are making their own choices and it isnt always easy to figure out but some enjoy the fruits of thier labor or they wouldnt do it. At least they aren`t street walking and using meth, look on the bright side.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Only 6,000? I would have guessed more. Anyway, just a fraction of the women working in pink or pseudo pink occupations (hostess, soapie, escorts and even the paid dating mags). Sex is one way to make a living (or extra pocket money) that Japanese women seem to find way more acceptable than many Westerners.

As for the judgemental tone of some posters, think you are projecting your own values and morals onto complete strangers.

Finally, the example of "would you be happy if yuor daughter did it" is a poor yardstick to judge whether it is a good or bad thing. I wouldn't like my own daughter do lots of things that i don't find reulsive in and of themselves.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Interesting, I don't I said anything about this being silly, indecent or immoral. I also don't have anything "against" porn - you seem to be making lots of assumptions.

My link is a joke? So I guess the words from porn stars just don't match your "reality"? You state you pretty much agree with my opinion so what is your issue? These girls are more than welcome to do as they like but I will feel sorry for me because a) they risk their health b) it isn't a long term career c) they may regret their choices in the future d) plenty of people will question the type of person they are for selling themselves...

You don't think a lot of these women will regret their choice? Fine by me if you'd like to think that. Again, if this was YOUR daughter doing this job, would you be a proud parent? A simple yes or no works for me.

Ultra, plenty of these women WILL end up in soap lands and many will end up with substance abuse problems. Not sure why some of you are trying to make this all pretty and rosy when the life of a worker in this world is anything but.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

Finally, the example of "would you be happy if yuor daughter did it" is a poor yardstick to judge whether it is a good or bad thing. I wouldn't like my own daughter do lots of things that i don't find reulsive in and of themselves.

So I guess your answer is no to the question? Care to elaborate as to why.

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

I wouldn't like my daughter being a garbage collector, doesn't make me sorry for those who are. Or in any number of dangerous occupations. Not being contentious, just saying that basing a judgement as to the rightness or wrongness of another's choices is not best done with introducing ther strong familial feelings one has for a daughter into the question.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

It’s just like applying for a part-time job at a convenience store.”

I'd wager the interview process is a bit different.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Shocking isn't it. Women like sex too.

It would be shocking if they did like the kind of sex that happen in the majority of these videos, but clearly they don't, and clearly that's the point.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Remember George Carlin on his thoughts about giving someone an orgasm.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It would be shocking if they did like the kind of sex that happen in the majority of these videos, but clearly they don't, and clearly that's the point.

But according to the following quote taken from the article at least one woman clearly does.

"One girl had been working for a major bank for one or two years and had begun to feel unsure if it was the right career choice for her. She likes sex and realized she could be an AV actress, and told me she was really happy with her career change."

Is it possible that she is the only one? Yes. Is it likely? No. Then again maybe that AV actress only appeared in the minority of those videos.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I wouldn't like my daughter being a garbage collector, doesn't make me sorry for those who are. Or in any number of dangerous occupations.

Why not a garbage collector?

So "dangerous" eh? Care to explain why?

Aisai, I have no doubts some women do love what they do but do you think the majority feel this way? You think those girls enjoy having fat, ugly guys using them day after day?

I'm not anti-porn at all but some of you guys make it sound like this is a day in the park for these women. Is certainly isn't.

-12 ( +1 / -13 )

with a take-home of less than 30,000 yen.

That's not worth it. That's the rate to model, fulling clothed for one photo in the Nissen catalog. That doesn't even pay the hairdresser and the beauty salon. The videos can be used to blackmail them lifelong. They'd made the same money with less risk in any cabaret. It's a scam. The 6000 girls probably hope making much more. If you tell them in advance the actual money and conditions, you won't have any candidates.

I seriously doubt your claim that there are lots of women who regret it.

I'm totally sure that 100% of those that don't manage to make 1 million yen within the first 3 months regret it. And that's probably a rarity that they can ever get that income. And those that make peanuts... you imagine what ?

someone who makes it a career wants to make a name for themselves in the AV industry or use it as a stepping stone to something else.

But that's not happening. Even among those successful in paying their rent with the job, that's a rarity that they can put their AV work on a CV and progress from there.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Well said Cos!

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

If working in the 'adult' industries is just a job like any other, then why aren't they advertised in the newspapers, or at Hello Work? No big deal, just like working at CircleK or Yoshinoya.

That way, unemployed people could be made to go for interviews and possibly to work in soaplands or porn. Why not, it there is no difference between sex industry jobs and others...

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

My last way to compliment j-girls: "but you're so pretty, I bet you work as a model or a companion, don't you?" Just a silly and humorous compliment to break the ice and get that pretty smile, but the most interesting part is that MORE THAN HALF just say: "nooo, It was when I was in the koukou" or "I worked as a hostess before, but just a few times" or "I'm a companion just at some weekends, how did you know?"

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The interesting thing about the Adult Industry in Japan is, they are definitely NOT hurting for business, they have hundreds of beautiful girls every time and it doesn't seem like it is slowing down. Young, Old, Housewives you name it, whatever genre and they have it. So I think either many of these women don't care about the stigma or they really enjoy what they are doing, because for 30,000 yen going through all that. I think it is becoming more of the norm, the industry has changed a lot over the last 15 years. Why these women do it, could be a number of reasons, but when you see some of these beautiful women that would never have a trouble getting ANY guy and some that look like models, what and why would they get involved in that industry.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I was actually amazed when I read the article... I've seen what purport to be amatuer AV shorts, and doubted that they were. Reading the article they could be.

No idea why they want highly educated girls, though... all they need to do is suck, get groped, sound like they're being tortured and get the humiliating money shot. Where does a degree come into this?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Once you do PORN, no decent Japanese TV station, etc..will ever employ you.

Your wrong dude, what about Maria Ozawa. Not only has she been on few J-Dramas, but "real" movies also.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

As for the health risks that is a no-starter. If anything the porn industry is probably cleaner than most people are due to the nature of the work. Even common or garden sex shops usually test their workers and they're a lot less high profile.

That is highly debatable. In order for that to work the sex workers could not have sex outside of the industry, in other words the only time they would have sex is with the other actors during filming. It takes several weeks for anti bodies to form in the blood stream after being infected with an STD. So if a sex worker has sex with someone outside of industry just after getting their Clean STD test result the test result is no longer valid and any sex they have with a fellow actor in the next two weeks exposes that actor to the possibility of getting an STD and if that actor does get an STD and they then have sex with another actor in the next couple of days they will then in fact infect those other workers until the next STD test comes back and shows they are infected and takes them out of commission.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

It's obvious that a lot of western men here have totally fantasized ideas of Japanese women and women in porn. And also date a strange subsection of women here.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

"I know lots of "normal" women who once had part-time jobs as hostesses. Maybe some did porn, hmm."

Maybe your definition of "normal" is a little abnormal.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Yasukuni, the only Japanese women I've dated and had any kind of relationship with have been my age, 40s... so I don't have any fantasy image in my head. I know what real Japanese women are like.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@Yasakuni

With the exception of Germany, finding porn in Japan is not that hard to do, I mean, what do you expect? You don't have to look very far to find out why.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

what's wrong with that?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Easy money folks, easy money. I've noticed a lot of folks giving thumbs down to the folks that are speaking the truth about the porn industry. It is still a form of exploitation of women no matter what many guys here want to think. If someone were to give these women a choice between doing an adult film (which many have some ties to yak groups) and doing a career that pays just as much if not better with the option of most likely marrying a man of upstanding character which path do you think they'd want to go? How many former porn stars are happily married into their old age?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Thunderbird and Bass4funk.

I realize there is porn in Japan, and I realize that women will have sex with people. Obviously.

What I'm saying is that it's ridiculous to think it's normal for women in Japan to appear in porn films. And if they do, to not have any regrets because they have a completely guilt-free culture.

But I guess the reverse works too. Japanese guys no doubt get a completely skewed idea of normal American women.

I realize that men really want to think that women want to appear in porn, and that they enjoy everything they do in the films, but that's mostly just in their dreams.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

And Thunderbird, there is a difference between work as a companion and adult video work.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

tmarie

My issue is that you did claim what you said you didn't.

I don't I said anything about this being silly, indecent or immoral.

when you said

so many women would rather not find a decent job

and you said

I also don't have anything "against" porn -

which seems to contradict your earlier statement

imagine the horror they'll feel if say someone at work finds out what they did. Same could be said for future boyfriends/husband/kids.

The opposite of decent in this case is indecent, and if you have nothing against porn why would you assume they would feel any horror when looking back in the future? Indeed even if you did have anything against it why would you assume they would feel any horror? That was my initial point, it comes across as if you're assuming other people share your values and base conclusions on assumptions which are not yours to make.

As for Shelley Lubbon, it's hard to know what to make of her. Having one out of thousands of porn actors and actresses come out and say what she did seems an almost negligible number. What she described is awful, but so awful that it's criminal and hard to believe. She talks about anal and uteral hemorrhaging being common on porn sets. If it's true why on earth is no-one else complaining about it? Why would anyone go through with it?

She had a bad upbringing and it seems like a lot of American porn actresses get into because of that. In Japan it doesn't seem that way. It seems a lot more voluntary, and I think to have any discussion you have to assume you're talking about people doing it voluntarily as you have to take all other things as being equal when discussing the pros and cons. If someone is doing something because of past abuse it's so obviously not good that it becomes a new sub-section of the topic.

Cos

Again, can you or someone explain clearly why they should regret it? It's having sex in front of a camera. Most people enjoy sex. Some like it even more when people are watching, or they're curious, or whatever. Why do you assume they'd regret it just because they didn't get lots of money, or is that all sex is supposed to be for women? Why don't people think they can enjoy it like men are expected to? Or are you right, do women do only do it if they've had some bad past experience that lowers their self-esteem and renders them a sex object in their own eyes, and would otherwise refrain from "immoral" sex?

Nessie

What kind of porn do you watch?! Contrary to myth most Japanese porn is incredibly tame compared to western stuff I think. The worst most J-porn has to offer is a bit of bukkake and there's nothing special in that anymore.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Comments so far seem to range from

Japanese women love it and can`t help them themselves Japanese women are too lazy to do a proper job and its easier to do blokes I don`t know than work down the convenience store Sex is cool and what`s your hang up anyway....... It`s the economy stupid (I know thats my vote but what do I know)

I think that`s a fair summary. The comments and voting thereon are quite revealing (not completely sure what of, but I have a sneaking suspicion)

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I don't doubt there are sad women in this bussiness, but some of them really like to be AV actresses. Just face it. If you don't like porn don't watch it, but don't see it like the worse profession either... People should be able to decide their profession without being judged harshly. PS: sorry, but some women DO enjoy some porn once in a while, me included ;P

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Yasukuni, don't be so naive, as I said, MORE THAN HALF of japanese women prostituted themselves by some way at any point of their lives. Source→ frank talk with all sort of japanese women.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Women getting paid for having sex, sounds like prostitution to me, the oldest profession

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@tmarie:

You're also mistaking that these girls are going to be 'stars" and make any decent money. Very few stars out of this. If you agree selling your soul is worth it, by all means. I however hope that those "well educated women" that they are so keen to hire would have a clue and find another job.

I think you opinion is valid but exaggerated. Why it is "selling your soul"? and why cannot "well educated women" get into that industry?.

I'm not from Japan nor from the USA, but I was shocked the first time I learned that some exotic dancers, playboy girls and some America AV actresses actually do have a college degree. Are they not "well educated women"?. I think the education and their career choice are not related, why they are related in Japan?.

I think that an increase in the applicants to the AV films is because Japan is more chauvinistic than America. Do women get high salaries as the men in Japan? Do they suffer from less sexual harrasment? At least in the AV films they are subject to adoration to many fans who like to watch them, it's a kind of power for some women. Besides, if you think 6000 a year it is really a very low number considering the population...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Your wrong dude, what about Maria Ozawa. Not only has she been on few J-Dramas, but "real" movies also.

And how many women have done AV films and how many have made it to reg TV?

I think the education and their career choice are not related, why they are related in Japan?.

Oh dear.... I'm not about to explain it to you if you think this is the case. And if you think women staring in porn movies is a way to combat sexual discrimination...

Oikawa, you can keep going on that I have something against porn but I don't - and have stated this enough times. What I have an issue with is that you seem to think this is lalaland for these women - and these women seem to think it as well. Porn, unless you are one of the top earnings, is a rather hellish life. And judging by what I've read, even for the stars it is hellish. Unless you don't think drugs, anti-depression pills, being used by up to 25 guys a shot isn't hellish. How about you imagine that - even for a woman who likes sex the length of time and number of partners would be painful. You can kid yourself on that but actually think about it. It isn't steady work, health concerns and all of the other things I have already stated that you seem like to continue to ignore. Sure, I'm sure some do enjoy it - haven't stated some don't but if you think all do and that they get treated with kid gloves you really need to read a bit more.

And you don't think some/most of these women won't regret it? Fine. Feel free. I think otherwise. And you still haven't answered if you'd be a proud parent if this was your daughter. Your silence speaks volumes.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

The worst most J-porn has to offer is a bit of bukkake and there's nothing special in that anymore.

Okay, I am no longer bothering with your posts and comments if you think bukkake is the worst it gets in j porn.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

It's funny how many people are talking about the victimization of women here. It's interesting that men can never be victims like women can. This is based on the default idea that women don't inherently like sex as much as men and are somehow more pure, so much so that only economic hardship would coerce them to give up their precious bodies. Men, on the other hand, are sex fiends and all of them would do it for free with anybody.

Nice.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Even though the article probably portrays accurate statistics, it doesn't seem to understand and state that: Most of these women probably already work in the 'water business' to begin with, either full or part time. In their mind, it might be a step up from being an unknown prostitute to being a porn actress. Since there are too many applicants and judging just by looks doesn't cut it, the higher educated have more chance. It is not surprising, smarter people are usually easier to work with, no matter what profession.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I had a funny convo with some of my co-workers a while back. I was asking them why the J-porn stars all yelp like a chihuahua being kicked over and over; and if any that was considered normal. One responded with "In western porn the girls all swear like sailors and moan like they are having a baby... Is that considered normal?"

Touche, co-worker, touche

1 ( +2 / -1 )

tmarie

No offence, honestly, but I don't think you know what you're talking about. As in not having any experience, only reading about it. I said "most". Mainstream. What do you know about mainstream porn? When was the last time you went to a porn shop, or watched any?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Readers, please stop bickering. Focus your comments on the story and not at each other.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

tmarie

Also, as I said I agree with a lot of what you say, of course mutiple partners might be painful etc, but as I and other posters just above have said, why is it assumed that that is the case and that a woman can't be doing porn because she is turned on by sex just the same as men, and that she must be being used? Pain would be abuse, plain and simple. Don't film if it hurts. If you don't like it stop, and if you're not allowed to stop that's rape. But again why is that the first assumption? Why do you view porn unlike normal sex? That's why it sounds like you've got something against porn, or maybe just sex itself, and porn is a logical extension of that. If my daughters did it I would warn them about the risks, i.e make sure you don't get pregnant, catch any diseases and are aware of the psychological factors, just the same as having sex with a boyfriend for the first time. Whether I'm proud is by the by. What have my feelings got to do with it if they are able to make thir own decisions? Everyone's so scared to talk about sex but everyone's thinking about it, just the same as your dad when you invite round a hot friend.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It's interesting that men can never be victims like women can.

Who said men aren't victims??

Oikawa, rather personal questions that you're asking because you don't like that I disagree with your opinion that this is just a reg job? You really don't get what goes on in this industry. Which is fine but again, you're still avoiding that question aren't you? Let's be honest, we all know why.

Dad comment is a rather low blow (pardon the pun) and you might want to see someone about that issue if you think all dads are lecherous like you've just described.

And you're comparing porn star sex to boyfriend sex... God, right, really not bothering with your replies from here on this.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Your wrong dude, what about Maria Ozawa. Not only has she been on few J-Dramas, but "real" movies also.

And how many women have done AV films and how many have made it to reg TV?

TM. Probably more than have made it from a 7-11 to real TV or movies.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Waka, could be but I don't have the stats on that. Do you? How many half compared to full blood? Doesn't really hold any water does it? I certainly wouldn't suggest using AV as stepping stone to making is big in non AV movies here, would you?

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

And a while back there was an article saying that women were becoming less interested in sex. I new that was mistaken, whoever did those interviews.

But yeah i cant blame these women. Many of them are too afraid to go overseas, too afraid to try to talk to foreigners, and with all the men losing interest in actual sex what can you do

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I dated a stripper by the show name of nuclear nora in the 1980,s...Should have married that woman. she earned good money and was very easy going..sweetest girl I ever have known. While dating Nora I met many nude dancers that were working their way through higher education and a few that were professional career women by day and dancers by knight..I am sure the porn industry has many great young women working within also...Bottom line,never judge a book by it's cover.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

if you really got the body and the mindset, and you don't mind perv for money. Me thinks it's way better to be a pro escort , just if you do and if you do, never do it without paying a bodyguard to drop you off and wait. Plenty of money to be made in there ... if you really need to and can handle it, nothing wrong with that really, prostitution prevents rape, and selfmade girls can make a lot of money IF they're really careful.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Come again, mrmalice, "prostitution prevents rape?" Wanna amplify on that little tidbit of wisdom?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Firstly, I will raise my daughters not to think that being in a porn movie is a good thing. Second, if they decided they wanted to work in the porn industry and I realized that they hadn't thought to think about "about the risks, i.e make sure you don't get pregnant, catch any diseases and are aware of the psychological factors", and that I had to warn them, I'd consider myself to be a complete failure as a father.

Any man who wouldn't be troubled about his daughters becoming porno actresses is not fit to be a father.

But anyway, it won't happen while I'm alive.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

My wife would feel the same way. I think most mothers would too.

Do you think men who produce and sell porn would be happy for their daughters to make it? Of course not.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

The response to this article and the addiction it creates is the sign of a depraved culture, there are definite consequences to all parties concerned! Alot of this activity lies in latent homosexual fantasy! You wouldnt see this kind of big business in Africa!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

"I've known a few women in Japan who've done various facets of the sex industry and none were embarrassed at all after they quit."

Okay, now I understand it. We mix in different circles.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

yasukuni

It's not as easy as you think though. Are you really going to talk to them about those factors before an age when they would be applicable, i.e you'll talk about porn movies, using protection, STDs etc. to them when they're 16 or so?

And what exactly would be your objection if they did do one movie say, when they were at an age when they could evaluate everything and came to their own decision and wanted to try it out of curiosity? A moral one, a safety one? Of course you wouldn't want to watch it or even think about it but I wouldn't want to think about it with their boyfriend either. What exactly is the difference with porn?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

yasukuni

Okay, now I understand it. We mix in different circles.

And which explains why I know what I'm talking about more than a couple of people here. And don't think that was no special circle, they were mainly through English teaching, including married women and university students, so don't get on any high horse. I'm still waiting for some explanation as to why women who do AV in Japan out of their own choice should be ashamed or embarrassed.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Wow. 300,000 just to moan like a puppy getting kicked. If no one cares what can you do? It would suck so see your fiancee on the cover of some AV DVD cover though.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Still waiting for an answer. And to the question as to why a woman could not possibly enjoy sex just because a camera is there.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think they needed a better picture to go with this article.

Everyone has some hot opinions on this topic. To me it seems that like any other industry you will have ppl who really wan to do a good job and get satisfaction from that, ppl who just want to get paid, ppl who will use each other and lie and betray, ppl who will be loyal and helpful, ppl who were desperate and broken to begin with, and ppl who will burn out somewhere along the way and so on. Really, that's how I see all human endeavor, including sex work.

Sure, all those have the potential to be more extreme when it comes to work related to sex. But I don't see the argument of pro or anti. It just is.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

To all those talking about their daughters, what if she was an actress doing a nude scene in a movie? Or like the HBO show Game of Thrones, those are all legit highly trained actresses (and actors) (some good some not) having incredible sex scenes on TV.

I have not kids, but I could certainly imagine being embarrassed or uncomfortable by my progeny's public nudity, but I would never ever be ashamed of anything my child did. And if they chose to do it of their own free will as adults I would only feel the need to protect them if someone was trying to lie to them or use them, not take pictures of their body as a part of their job.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It's not an issue if the women enjoys her job and no one has forced her into doing it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Good on them. They'll all have different stories of course, but really, what's wrong with porn?

I dabbled in the idea, just to make my second year of the Masters degree more comfortable. I was getting really fed up of living on next to nothing, after years of living on next to nothing, and if people were willing to pay a little bucket of money for a day of my time....

I didn't do it though. As the internet is smaller than you think and I hadn't decided on a career yet...

...and when these J-ladies get old they'll have some digitally recorded images of how young and hot they were! ; )

1 ( +1 / -0 )

that's good, keep going, please............

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Can anyone explain to me why I got thumbed down?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Once you do PORN, no decent Japanese TV station, etc..will ever employ you>

Didnt Gackt do porn at some time? hes still a celebrity now right.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It's not an issue if the women enjoys her job and no one has forced her into doing it.

That's the point.

The discussion here is that there are some people that think that these girls are dumb (or don't have education) because "it is not decent" to go in this line of work. IMHO, is that Why not? we see a lot of girls that LIKE porn, and not all of them are dumb blondies or busties... some of them are "normal" with college degrees.

Okay, there are some that see this as an easy way to get money, they don't get what they expect and some of them are taking abuse, but it also happens with other jobs.

I only came across a couple japanese AV so I don't know what is the worst that there is in J-porn, but it couldn't be worse that any other "perversion" in "general" porn. I still think that 6000 is not far-fetched number

0 ( +0 / -0 )

no more constitutional marriage, everybody can do orgy or do anyone they want, everybody happy. The world in peace. Does not like it, then, stay out and never go near from any that place

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

But some of these Japanese actress are like celebrities I'm sure they make a lot of money out better than a regular job and I'm. Sure they know what there doing all. Western women escort them. Selfs too its nothing new money for sex no money no. Honey god bless. Japan porn luv yumi kazama she's so hot

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Am a huge fan of the AV industry in Japan. The women there are some of the sexiest and passionate I've ever seen -- and per the videos, there are NO taboos. My favorite actresses are Sanae Aso, Rena Fukiishi, the legendary Maki Hojo, and Reiko Sawamura. Would be happy to chat about the Girls & Industry with anyone here ... thanks !

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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