Former Japanese Porn Director Wins Oscar

TOKYO — Porn stars crossing over to achieve mainstream success isn’t just limited to the ranks of performers, or America. At the 81st Academy Awards held last week in Hollywood, Calif., a former Japanese porn director took home the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

Yojiro Takita won the award for his film “Departures,” which chronicles the life of a cellist-turned-apprentice undertaker, but his salad days were spent in Japan’s adult film industry.

According to Variety.com, Takita directed “a popular series of porn comedies about commuter-train molesters.” His first title, in English, translates to “Female Teacher Molestor,” and others translate into “The Tightly Bound” and “Molestor Train: Peach Buttocks.”

The 60-minute softcore films are called pinku eiga in Japan. Takita started making such films in 1981 and continued until his first mainstream feature in 1986.

"There may be pressure on me because of the Academy Award," Takita told reporters. "But I'll just keep doing what I do, trusting in my own instincts. I want to continue to make good movies — I don't want to go through life as a has-been."

Takita became the first Japanese filmmaker to receive the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in more than five decades.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 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

TeamSkeet to Premiere New Series 'Under The Table'

TeamSkeet will debut its new limited series, "Under the Table" next month.

Brazzers Debuts New Series 'Bro Code'

Brazzers has released the first installment of its new limited series, "Bro Code."

Emma Rosie Leads Latest Volume of 'Oil Explosion' From Elegant Angel

Emma Rosie stars in the 10th volume of Elegant Angel’s “Oil Explosion.”

Daniella Renae Headlines 2nd Volume of 'Big Tit MILFs' From Reality Junkies

Daniella Renae toplines the second volume of "Big Tit MILFs" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Private Releases 2nd Volume of 'Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis'

Private has released the second volume of “Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

Charlie Forde, Mickey Mod & Derek Kage Star in 'A Surprise for Charlie' From Dorcel

Charlie Forde stars with Mickey Mod and multi-XMAs winner Derek Kage in “A Surprise for Charlie,” from Dorcel.

VMG Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 'Vixen' Imprint

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is marking the 10th anniversary of its flagship studio imprint, Vixen.

Gal Ritchie, Rissa May Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Gal Ritchie and Rissa May star in the new release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Double-Booked.”

Ivy Ireland Toplines Vince Karter's 'Back to Dark'

Ivy Ireland headlines reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter’s latest Evil Angel directorial, “Back to Dark.”

Jazmin Black Performs 1st All-Girl Scene in Her Girlsway Debut

Jazmin Black performs her first all-girl scene in her Girlsway debut, alongside Ella Reese and Jewelz Blu, in the studio’s latest release, “Throuple’s Counseling.”

Show More