In anticipation of the upcoming review that the Japanese government will make of the so-called “New Pornographic Content Law“, enacted in June 2022, adult film industry professionals in Japanwhich includes production team and actresses, They started a signature collection campaign and a peaceful demonstration across the country since February 9th.

At the demonstration and signature collection on February 10th 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 producers stated: «Soon, the pornographic film industry in Japan will disappear. People who work in this industry 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 of those of us who work in this sector.»; and “I oppose any discrimination simply because I work in this industry. I truly care about actresses, who are most affected by this law. Please support us so that Congress finally hears us.».

Pornographic film actress Riko Hoshino commented: “If things continue like this, the adult film industry in Japan will disappear, and the working environment will become completely unacceptable. I want Congress to listen to those of us who are actually involved in this industry. I feel that our human rights and the pride we take in our work are being trampled on by Congress.».

In late January, Congressman Satoshi Hamada (浜田聡) offered an audience to members of the pornographic film industry in Japan, who reported that the number of adult films (known as JAV) has decreased considerably as a result of the “New Pornographic Content Law”, many actresses have 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.

One director commented on this: «I'd like Congress to sit down and listen to the opinions of 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 into these types of productions. In Congress, they believe that a woman can't make her own decisions and are taking away job opportunities just because...».

The Association for the Standardization of the Pornographic Industry, which organized the signature campaign, highlighted that the main problem is that, After signing the contract, the actresses will only be able to start filming a month later. Added to this, After filming is complete, the production company will not be able to release the film on the market until four more months have passed (delaying the income of actresses and producers)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” under 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 many negative ones. Above all, the name is insulting. Legally, it's known as the "Law for the Prevention and Relief of Damages arising from Performances in Pornographic Films," which attacks women who participate in this industry. Regarding filming periods and so on, I think it's good for women participating in a pornographic film for the first time, but I wish it didn't affect women who have been in this industry for some time and who, of course, work on this by their own decision.».

Source: Live news