Japan certainly does have its attractions. Actually this version of my column began in August 0f 2006. But Also on Video has been published on the net since late 1997. I’m fairly certain that I wasn’t lookiong at Japanese video that far back.

I think I first gained some attraction in the days when Anna Ohura first came to public notice and on the gravure side – Yoko Matsugane, Harumi Nemoto, Megumi, and Rio Natsume back around summer of 2003.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.
JMM

I will amend my comment/thought about Hitomi’s DVD. I did say it was more gravure than porn and that was because there was no nudity or true sex. And I did say that despite the lack of nudity or sex, one might still feel very uncomfortable about showing this DVD at a family gathering.

Obviously I am agreeing that the intent of the production is to do more than train a camera on a great looking woman with big breasts. Yes we can read the intent to be something other than what we expect from an idol disc.

But isn’t that where Japan is heading…Rio and Yoko are actually amping up their quotient of strongly charged material meaning sexually charged, rather than, “doesn’t she look great in a bikini?”

In my review of the Matsugane DVD Hojo I was amazed at the scene in the bathtub where Yoko apparently is going through the motions of sex with the unseen person. Then I am even more amazed in your review of Kindam, to find that we have a similar scene in that DVD.

As your words say, Yoko ‘mounts’ us. In short, a simulated sex scene. Just like what Tanaka does. And in Hojo, there sure are a number of shots of Yoko’s crotch. The difference between Tanaka’s crotch and Yoko’s is the matter of padding. I did not detect any ‘camel toe’ in the Hojo DVD.

Of course the elements of gooey slimy dripping stuff cheapens the experience. I don’t care for that any more than I do the ice creams on a stick and lollypops that have been done ad nauseum. For my money, if I never saw another pseudo bj, I’d be happy. So when the Tanaka DVD included those elements, it was a bit annoying.

I guess our real difference is that in Tanaka, I didn’t let the ‘porn’ elements really intrude on my enjoyment, or be a bother – and you did. On the other hand, in Hojo, I found the illusion of sex in the shower a shock, but you labeled Kindam, with a similar element, a must see.

Life goes on. Lets all hope that the Miyabi Isshiki DVD due out on Dec 21st is a winner!

JMM

I suppose it depends on how one defines porn: for me, it’s an erotic work with little or no artistic value, which defines the majority of the disc. I would say this is what separates Yōko’s current path from Hitomi’s debut – there are elements on her releases which go beyond titillation in Yōko’ stuff, even simple things like basic compostion of the shots which contrast the figure of the model with background, the lighting in scene or setting a mood which is not nescessarily sexual in nature, but could be energetic, happy, melancholy, etc. I found that here, the camera work was generally limited to shove the lense as close as possible into Hitomi’s tits, ass or crotch.

That would be my major grievance against porn: generally speaking, its boring at worst, utilitarian at best. Same applies here – Hitomi is fantasic looking, but basically comes off as a masturbatory aid. Nothing wrong with that if that’s the career and image she wants, but not exactly what I’m looking for in an idol disc.

I think Hitomi Tanaka will attract men on many levels. And if she goes the way of Rin Aoki then she will be 180 degrees opposite of of the route Erina Yamaguchi took that being right out of the industry.

The comments from Linsey_fan and Y&HL seem to indicate what you and I both have said – that she’s someone to keep an eye on… I imagine that her next release will have a masterful publicity campaign in advance of release.

These models have to walk a narrow line – go too far and you fall away from any future in mainstream -TV/Movies. But when Rio and Yoko stay away too long, two things happen – they mature and when they return, they apparently have to be more willing to get edgy.

A puzzle for sure – one thing I think is certain: Tanaka’s next DVD sales should skyrocket.

JMM

Anyways, I just want to clarify that last statement you attributed to me: while its true that idols, with few exceptions, aren’t in the mainstream public consciousness, there is a certain segment of the population who most definitely would recognize them. Harumi is relatively main stream, but say Matsugane Yōko to someone and you’ll probably get a blank look. Idols do appear and are popular in the tabloids and sports rags, but my point was they generally do not usually have the immediate recognition factor as other mainstream entertainters.

And just FYI, the chapter titles are (in order): mizugi, karate, massage, kitchen, lotion, bondage, bed and oil.

@Yoko&HitomiLover: Aoki Rin said she’d never do porn… look at her now. Given her the content of her debut, her awkwardness in front of the camera when it comes to glamour scenes and the fact they have already had to air brush nipples out of some of her promotional photos… let’s just say I think this is a shrewd business move on Hitomi’s (or her agency’s) part – build up anticipation. I’ve read through some of her blog, but haven’t come across that post though.

Great review! I found it quite thorough and your observations were almost identical to my own. I have heard various rumblings as to what comes next for Hitomi; I heard one claim that on her blog she denies any possibility of a topless or full AV/porn shoot in the future. I can’t confirm or deny that, I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Personally, so long as she continues releasing anything I’ll be happy!

Cheers, and thanks for the review.