Fab Press have plugged another gap in cinematic education with this veritable encyclopaedia (414 pages!) about Japanese `Pink' films - readers should be aware that the subject matter does not concern the genteel art of flower arranging. A glance at the cover which shows a young lady in a state of semi undress & trussed up with rope should give a further indication of the content. Regarding the caption at the top of the cover readers should also be aware that Sex in Japanese Cinema bears no relation to the term `making love'. The low budget exploitation films about which the author writes in minute detail depict bondage, torture, degradation, perversion, depravity & humiliation of subservient females. If you think I'm over reacting consider this charming scene - 2 characters pass a slimy raw egg between their mouths prior to getting down to business on a kitchen table (from Moistening Housewife: Pantyless apron).The book discusses the bizarre Japanese concept of censorship which basically means that it doesn't matter what is happening on screen as long as genitalia are `pixellated.' The author has thoroughly researched his subject & informs us about all the companies & `performers' involved in this sub genre : he gleaned valuable information by visiting Tokyo's Adult Video cinemas - although these films first appeared way back in the early 1960's they have become more accessible due to Film Festival screenings and now, of course, you can find them on DVD.
If not already totally motivated to buy this book you may like to know about the lurid, utterly tasteless colour photos that are in the centre: if seeing females being subjected to unmentionable atrocities are your thing you'll love this. However, I did find the still photos of extremely unattractive Japanese men groping these poor actresses whilst wearing spectacles un nerving yet amusing! I've given the book 5 stars for all the work that has gone into it - it will take hours to read every page but as a reference book it's indispensable.