Source:AFP Published: Japanese women are being exploited and abused in Japan's multibillion dollar pornographic film industry, rights advocates said on Thursday, calling on authorities to strengthen laws to protect them. Pornography is widely available in Japan, where some actresses become well known enough to appear on mainstream TV chat shows or as commentators in weekly magazines. But the dark side of the industry is seldom discussed openly and the rights of those who work in it even less so. In an attempt to shine a light on abusive aspects of the business, a coalition of campaigners and attorneys held a press conference to announce findings of research conducted over a six-month period last year.

TOKYO AFP - Japan's multibillion-dollar pornographic industry has issued a formal apology and promised change in response to allegations that women have been forced to perform sex acts on film against their will. The move comes after the arrest this month of three talent scouts accused of coercing a woman to perform in more than pornographic films over several years. While the high-profile case sparked the industry's response, campaigners say the practice is more widespread.

Earlier this month, Tokyo Metro Police arrested executives of a well-known talent agency on suspicion of coercing an actress to engage in sex on camera. A human rights group had charged that such coercion was common in the industry. Since then, the Intellectual Property Promotion Assn. We are very sorry. The organization pledged to work with human rights groups to improve working conditions and bring an end to forced labor and other human rights violations.