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

Freeuse Debuts New Limited Series 'Time Stop Universe'

Freeuse has released it's new three-scene limited series, "Time Stop Universe."

Blake Blossom Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Blake Blossom stars with Dante Colle in the latest release from New Sensations.

Tiffany Tatum, Bella Mur Lead Dorcel's 'Thr3e #10'

2023 Euro XMAs Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum and Bella Mur headline the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Thr3e #10.”

Richard Mann Drops 1st Evil Angel Threesome With Naomi Korae, Nico Luva

Naomi Korae and Nico Luva star in Richard Mann’s first Evil Angel threesome scene.

Anna Bella Returns to Immoral Productions

Anna Bella stars in a new four-part release from Immoral Productions, alongside Matt Bird, Terry Banks, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Jazmine Cruz, McKenzie Mae Make Their Girlsway Debuts

Jazmine Cruz and McKenzie Mae make their Girlsway debuts in the latest installment of "Mommy's Girl," titled "The Bare Minimum."

Alanna Pow Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Alanna Pow stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers.

Kimmy Kimm, Khloe Kapri & Alex Jones Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Kimmy Kimm and Khloe Kapri star with multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones in the latest scene from Bellesa Plus, titled “Her Last Day.”

FreeUse to Drop New Limited Series 'Time Stop'

FreeUse will premiere a three-part limited series next week, titled “Time Stop.”

Lola Riley Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Lola Riley has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband, Devon, and Hollywood Cash.

Show More