CNN reports on a booming niche in Japan — elder porn.
Besides his glowing complexion, Shigeo Tokuda looks like any other 74-year-old man in Japan. Despite suffering a heart attack three years ago, the lifelong salaryman now feels healthier, and lives happily with his wife and a daughter in downtown Tokyo. He is, of course, more physically active than most retirees, but that’s because he’s kept his part-time job — as a porn star.
While this might seem curious or even offensive when we consider traditional notions of what is “sexy,” the fact is that there is a huge market for adult entertainment featuring “real people.” Audiences like talent that they can identify with. With Japan’s aging population, it is no wonder that elder porn is gaining popularity there.
As an interesting side-note, if any American porn producer wants to use Mr. Tokuda in an adult film, under 18 U.S.C. Sect. 2257, they will need to keep detailed records — to prove that he is actually over 18 years of age. (See this post for a discussion of Section 2257) Without those records, the producer can go to prison for up to five years.
Land of the free…
Note: This post originally linked to a Time Magazine article, but I am boycotting Time until they fire Kathleen Kingsbury. (See here)
