How the Law Was Enacted
On May 27, 2022, the Law to Prevent and Remedy Harm From AV Appearances (official name: the Act on Special Provisions Concerning Appearance Contracts and Related Matters to Prevent Harm Arising From Appearances in Sexual-Act Video Productions and to Aid in the Remedy of Performers, in Order to Contribute to Forming a Society in Which the Dignity of the Individual Regarding Sex Is Respected) passed a plenary session of the House of Councillors by a majority vote and was enacted.
Main Contents of the Law
- Written appearance contracts: An obligation to conclude contracts in writing and to clearly set out their contents
- Cooling-off: Unconditional cancellation possible for four months from the contract date
- Confirmation of consent at each stage of filming, release, and sale
- Right to demand deletion for one year after release: Performers may demand the halting of sales and distribution and the disposal of footage
- Administrative sanctions and penalties for violating operators
Challenges After Enforcement
A major challenge is ensuring effectiveness after the law takes effect. Thorough outreach to performers who are unaware of the law, proactive administrative guidance and criminal referrals against violating operators, and swift responses to deletion requests are all required. Support groups noted: "The creation of the law is a major step forward, but its effectiveness will be determined by how it is applied."
International Assessment
This law has drawn international attention as a precedent for legally establishing the protection of performers' rights in the sexual-content industry. European researchers offered the view that "Japan's legislation can be evaluated as a model for codifying consent in the sexual-content industry."
This article is compiled based on publicly available information.