Japan: Adult Magazines Face Trouble Ahead of Tokyo Olympics

Japan: Adult Magazines Face Trouble Ahead of Tokyo Olympics

TOKYO — Social pressure surrounding the upcoming Tokyo Olympics has resulted in distribution troubles for traditional Japanese adult magazines, which have drastically harmed the already dwindling sector.

According to a report by Hanako Montgomery published today by Vice's international news unit, “in the years since Japan won the bid to host the 2020 games, complaints mounted that the magazine covers were offensive to women and inappropriate in front of children.”

In the years leading up to the games’ original date of Summer 2020, “some of the country’s biggest convenience store chains — MiniStop, Lawson and 7-Eleven — said they would stop selling the publications altogether, accelerating the titles’ demise.”

The Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed to July 23-Aug 8, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fear of Being Seen as 'Underdeveloped'

Mongomery interviewed Akira Ikoma, editor-in-chief of the porn magazine My Journey, who said Japan is “hiding this part of the culture because they’re embarrassed.”

“Even sex stores with really dirty signs have been made to change or get rid of them in preparation for the Olympics,” Ikoma added. “They have to make Japan look like a developed country, and if they have these magazines out, the society looks underdeveloped.”

As with their U.S. counterparts, convenience stores (“conbini”) were traditionally a leading channel of adult magazine distribution.

But bowing down to public pressure — with “save the children” campaigns that echo NCOSE’s long-running efforts to ban any magazine that discusses sexuality or shows swimsuit and underwear models from all American drugstores and supermarkets (e.g., Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated) — Japanese convenience stores chain have used the Olympics as an excuse for their “moral cleanup” efforts.

Last year, as rumors spread of the Olympics having to be cancelled, the Lawson chain stuck to their decision and recently told Vice that a cancellation of the games would have had “no effect on the discontinuation of conbini porn.”

Censorship Aims to Protect 'the Image of Japan'

In January 2019, the Japan Times reported that the three aforementioned — and largest — convenience chain operators planned to remove pornographic magazines from their store shelves across the nation by the end of August that year.

One of the chains, FamilyMart, cast the censorship decision as something of a feminist gesture pitching “adult magazines for men” against “an increasingly diversified customer base.”

Another chain, Lawson, told the Japan Times that while previously their “main customers were men in their 20s and 30s,” more recently “we’ve seen more elderly people, women and children shopping at our stores.”

The spokesperson for Lawson alleged that “a surge in the number of international travelers coming to their stores these days” meant that “displaying sexually explicit magazines restricted to those aged 18 or older in stores could hurt the image of Japan.”

Both 7-Eleven and FamilyMart acknowledged that some franchisees might decide to continue selling adult magazines to retain their profitability.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Playful Icebreakers Spark Serious Business for Miami XBIZ Retreat Attendees

From a casual welcome reception at Miami’s Grand Beach Hotel to a creative speed networking session to break the ice, candid panels and dozens of creative in-suite product displays, the first two days of XBIZ Retreat blended business, connection and just the right amount of fun.

Cubbi Thompson: On a Wild Ride All Her Own

How do you relax after a hard day’s work? A) Sprawl on the couch, B) Soak in the tub, or C) Head straight for the nearest theme park and jump on the roller coaster.

A Look at What's Driving the Booming Demand for Imagination-Inspired Sex Toys

It’s a tale as old as time. In childhood, we are captivated by fantasy stories that allow us to escape into a world of make-believe, where anything is possible. For adults, fantasy can also shape sensual experiences, allowing people to be whoever they want, do whatever they wish and go wherever they desire through role-playing — and an expanding array of imagination-inspired pleasure products.

Elizabeth Skylar, Selena Ivy Topline 'My Friend's Lesbian Daughter 4'

Elizabeth Skylar and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “My Friend's Lesbian Daughter 4.”

Frank Lawrence Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for 'Vibrating' Tarot Cards

Publisher/artist Frank Lawrence has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund his Vibrating Tarot deck.

Asa Akira to Deliver XBIZ Talk at Miami Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that decorated performer, Pornhub brand ambassador, and author Asa Akira is set to deliver an exclusive talk at XBIZ Miami.

Rachael Cavalli: From Small Town Girl to MILF Next Door

Cavalli always wanted to be an actress. Like so many others, she moved to Los Angeles with dreams of mainstream stardom. Hollywood was indeed glamorous, she discovered, but making rent was another matter.

Yhivi, Kira Noir Star in Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi stars alongside Kira Noir and Victor Ray in the latest release from Brazzers.

Sportsheets Expands Sex & Mischief 'Lace' Collection

Sportsheets has added ten new styles to its Lace collection by Sex & Mischief.

Aubrey Kate, Rylee Blake Star in Latest Episode of 'Preggo World'

Aubrey Kate and Rylee Blake star alongside Sage Roux in the latest installment of the Adult Time series "Preggo World," titled "Showered With Love."

Show More