How was your year 2018?
It was probably a very impactful year for the AV industry, because many things happened that we never imagined before. For example, I believe everyone has seen media reports that Aoi Sora (苍井空) was suspected of being infertile, but unexpectedly, she not only found a partner but also became pregnant, leading a bunch of bored netizens to accuse her of being irresponsible and not thinking about the next generation…
However, Aoi Sora (苍井空) has been retired for a long time, so her pregnancy has little impact on the AV industry. A Japanese blogger compiled a list of the top ten events in the AV industry in 2018. This is subjective, so please take a look:
1. Miu Nakamura reappears
2. Did the young wife who killed the tycoon have an AV career?
3. Asou Nozomi involved in drug use again
4. Uncensored master tapes leaked repeatedly
5. Takahashi Shoko dominates the AV industry
6. Forced filming leads to the deletion of many works
7. Generational change at SOD
8. Ayami Shunka transfers to S1
9. Former AKB48 member Watanabe Marie enters the AV industry
10. Many popular actresses retire
Frankly, I personally have a slightly different opinion from this blogger. For example, I feel that Takahashi Shoko (Takahashi Seiko) doesn't seem necessary to be included. Although the Japanese blogger's opinion is that Takahashi has replaced Sakura Mana (Sakura Mana) as the "face" of the AV industry, I think their reasons for entering the industry and their development paths are completely different, and neither of them... The question is who she'll replace; also, I don't think Watanabe Marie is that important. After all, since her official release, I believe everyone can see that she doesn't have the ability to become the next Mikami Yua…
But don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to slap this Japanese blogger in the face, it's just a difference of opinion. For me, the most important event of 2018 was the "uncensored master tape leak," because that was just too outrageous. Before that, did you ever imagine that one day you would be able to see the uncensored lower bodies of actresses like Aoi Sora, Naruse Kokomi, Miyuki Arisu, Yokoyama Miyuki, Yamaguchi Riku, and Saotome Rui? Who could have predicted that hackers would infiltrate a film company's library, exposing the two top actresses of Mosquito Coil Company, Ayami Shunka and Suzumura Airi, in compromising situations?
Therefore, I think the leak of uncensored master tapes was the biggest event in the AV industry in 2018, because it harmed too many people (pleased many movie fans), and caused many actresses still in the industry to lose confidence. In addition, there are two other things I feel should be included on this list, so I'll write them down here:
1. Yoshizawa Akiho's retirement from AV
2. Actress confirmed to be infected with HIV
These two things are very serious. Who is Yoshizawa Akiho? She's a living legend with 15 years in the industry, and her upcoming schedule tells you how many people will have to say goodbye to her. The fact that an adult film actress contracted HIV is even more serious. Although the AV industry emphasizes that no one was infected by this unknown actress, several male actors have temporarily withdrawn from the industry, leading to stricter screening measures and even some production companies suspending filming and releases…
In short, 2018 was a very bad year for the AV industry. Hopefully, 2019 will bring more good news.
