Japanese Proposal Enabling Adult Performers to Void Their Own Contracts Becomes Law

Japanese Proposal Enabling Adult Performers to Void Their Own Contracts Becomes Law

TOKYO — A Japanese legislative proposal passed into law on Wednesday, allowing anyone who signs a contract to appear in “pornographic productions” to void that contract at any time for any reason.

As XBIZ has reported, a legislative debate in recent weeks about lowering the age of legal majority in Japan quickly devolved into a sensationalist campaign about adult performers aged 18-19; the age-of-majority bill was passed unanimously in a plenary session of the nation's House of Representatives in late May, and this week passed at a plenary session of the House of Councillors, the upper house of Japan's legislature.  

Japanese newspaper The Mainichi described the new law as "marking a step in efforts to end abuses of those involved in the industry in Japan."

The law "allows people who agree to appear in pornographic content to terminate their contracts at any time before the film's public release without conditions, as well as up to a year afterward," reported The Mainichi. "However, as a special measure, a review period of up to two years after a film's release will apply for the first two years after the law's promulgation. If the contract is terminated, video vendors are obliged to recover the products and delete the footage, and cannot claim compensation from the performers."

The new law also mandates that "a month must pass between the signing of a contract and the filming of the video, and four months between the filming of the video and its public release," noted the newspaper. "This gives enough time for those who appear in them to reconsider whether they still want to make the film and release it. Producers must additionally provide a written explanation to performers describing the nature of the content, including specific sexual acts required during filming, and the fact that they may be identifiable."

Punishment for violating the new law includes hefty fines and a prison term of up to three years.

The Mainichi notes that "the definition of pornography as 'video productions of sexual acts' has been met with protests from support groups and others, who argue that the bill would legalize the exchange of money for sex," which lawmakers have disputed.

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

Op-Ed: The Guardian's XBIZ Amsterdam Podcast Dismisses Creators' Experiences

British newspaper The Guardian’s podcast coverage of XBIZ Amsterdam 2025 purports to investigate the power dynamics of today’s online adult industry. Instead, it ignores creators’ voices, airs tired and outdated preconceptions about the business, and rehashes the unsupported claims of anti-pornography crusaders.

Eva Maxim, BranditScan Launch 'Killer' Promo

Eva Maxim and BranditScan have partnered for the Killer Creator Giveaway promotion.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2026 digital media conference.

AEBN Publishes Report on POV Trends

AEBN has published a report on POV and gonzo categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Joybear Pictures to Launch 'I Really Love' Studio Imprint

Joybear Pictures has announced that its new studio imprint, I Really Love, will launch in January.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Life Transitions' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group on navigating transitional and liminal spaces.

CamSoda Launches 'Trick or Tease' AI Companions

CamSoda has launched its Halloween-themed Trick or Tease AI companions.

Russian Lawmakers Call for Age Verification

Two Russian lawmakers have called on the country’s government to implement age verification for adult content.

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Show More