A former adult video actor, Kaoru Oshima, has successfully settled a lawsuit against an adult video manufacturer in Tokyo, which she accused of continuing to sell her performance footage without her consent even after her retirement from the industry in 2015. The case, which was highlighted by the Tokyo District Court's ruling on the 24th, included demands for the cessation of sales, compensation, and retrieval of unauthorized materials released without her permission, such as a photo book. Oshima asserted her rights following the enactment of Japan’s 'AV Performer Damage Prevention and Relief Act' in 2022, which aims to protect performers from exploitation and ensure their consent in future dealings.

Oshima had originally entered the adult film industry in 2014 and retired just a year later, but was troubled by the continued sales of her films and unauthorized releases. Following her attempts to halt distribution, which the manufacturer ignored, she brought her claims to court in 2023. The settlement stipulates that the manufacturer will collect and destroy all works featuring Oshima and will not produce or sell any related content moving forward. The details of the monetary compensation remain undisclosed.

Oshima's legal representative, Kazuko Ito, emphasized that resolving these issues before the recent legislation was a significant victory for performers like Oshima. She also pointed out the need for legal reforms to alleviate the burden of prolonged litigations on actors, suggesting that amendments allowing performers to demand sales halts without filing lawsuits, and imposing criminal penalties on non-compliant companies, are essential in protecting their rights in the future.