Pinku Eiga :: Pink Film Revival in Japan :: Cherry Blossoms Return in Springtime

Nikkatsu Roman Porno (日活ロマンポルノ) was a series of “pink films” made by Nikkatsu studio between 1971 and 1988.

My curiosity to watch the original series has lead me to post this little bit while I continue my research. And I love doing research.

Nippon Cinema wrote:

“These films were noted for having higher production values than other pink films that were being produced at the time. However, with the emergence of the VCR and the vast popularity of the AV industry throughout the 80s, as well as new strict regulations on theatrically-released erotic films, Nikkatsu was forced to give up on the series.”

 

As I discovered on the Tokyo Reporter website, from the article titled “It’s a return!” — Nikkatsu resurrects Roman Porno”

“Danchizuma: Hirusagari no Joji” (Apartment Wife: Afternoon Affair), released in 1971, detailed the erotic extramarital activities of a married woman residing in one of Japan’s infamously bland suburban block-housing units.

“At that time society regarded it as a dirty film,” said the female lead, Kazuko Shirakawa, 62, at a speaking engagement at theater Eurospace in Tokyo’s Shibuya district in February 2010.

“It was not ordinary for a woman to be seen naked. The overall content was a bit shocking.”

Yet the general public applauded and the studio had a hit on its hands, with Shirakawa on her way to reaching certifiable “queen” status.

“Apartment Wife” went on to generate 20 sequels, and by the end of the genre’s run 17 years later roman porno features numbered 1,133.

Nikkatsu, Japan’s longest-running studio, is now making a comeback with totally new takes on roman porno classics under the moniker “Roman Porno Returns” — a revitalization of this cultural icon that launched the careers of numerous members within the conventional film industry.

While I search to find one of the originals, I stumbled upon the remake of Apartment Wife: Adulterous Passion, by Toshiki Sato. It won the Best Film, 8th Place prize at the Pink Grand Prix ceremony and was the winner of the first P-1 Grand-Prix.

Also, to note: leading Japanese actress Kazuko Shirakawa,  of the pinku eiga series of the 70′s, went on to create a successful mainstream film career. She had roles in three films by Shohei Imamura, and appeared in director Hirokazu Koreeda‘s After Life (1998)

This is fabulous information! I loved Hirokazu Koreeda’s “After Life” film. Although, not erotic, the film is a favorite of mine.

This may not be new information, but it’s a return, and I’m feeling the sensual sensations of cherry blossoms opening in Springtime…

Tagged as: japanese porno, nikkatsu, pink films, roman porno, sex, softcore