Be honest, how many of you are here just for more names to “research”? Lemme know in the comments!
But seriously this is no joking matter. Apparently this is a thing in Japan, where agents prey on young and beautiful women, sometimes even minors! They fool them into thinking it’s some modeling/acting/singing gig and only reveal at the last moment that in actuality, it’s porn.
Saki Kozai, 24
Saki Konzai was 24 when her ordeal started. She was scouted by a ‘model agent’ and was referred to an agency. Then assuming she was going to star in promotional videos, she hastily signed up, only to discover it was a porn company!
“I couldn’t take off my clothes. All I could do was cry”
“There were about 20 people around me, waiting. No woman could say ‘no’ when they’re surrounded like that”
– Saki Konzai to AFP
Sakura (Not her real name)
Another lady, who wished to remain anonymous (we’ll call her Sakura) also recently came forward with her story. She was under the assumption that the ‘agency’ intended to make a a famous singer! She initially resisted, though, but as she puts it;
“The agency spent months trying to convince me. I had no choice”
– Sakura
She eventually succumbed to the pressure, like many other girls but she immediately refused but under more relentless pressure from her new employers, she caved.
“At first, I said I couldn’t do it,”
“But when I did, it really hurt. The production team wouldn’t stop though.”
– Sakura
The list actually goes on. Japanese non-profit organisation Lighthouse has received more than 60 calls from porn actresses trying to leave the industry in the first half of this year alone.
“And we think this is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Lighthouse spokeswoman Aiki Segawa.
“Many victims feel guilty, thinking that what happened is their fault. Most women are young — between 18 and 25 — with little knowledge of legal contracts and a tough case to prove in court. They’re not necessarily all abused or locked up…It’s more like they are tricked into it,” she added.
So just a reminder guys, never sign something until you read the fine print and be sure to ask a tonne of questions as well. If it’s a complicated document, be sure to pay a visit to a contract lawyer beforehand! Stay safe!