Contemporary History of Rape in Japan

Synopsis

"Contemporary History of Rape in Japan" (1972), directed by Koyu Ohara and starring Junko Miyashita, is a provocative Japanese pink film that explores dark themes surrounding sexual violence and societal corruption. Set in post-war Japan, the narrative delves into the personal turmoil and systemic injustices faced by women, particularly focusing on sexual exploitation and abuse of power. Through its intense and often unsettling storytelling, the film critiques the cultural and institutional frameworks that perpetuate such violence. It depicts the trauma and degradation endured by the protagonist and others, providing a hard-hitting look into a grim aspect of contemporary Japanese society during the era, blending exploitation cinema with social commentary.

Cast

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  Junko Miyashita

• Chie Shinohara

• Masami Arisawa

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  Jiro Kokubu

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  Shōhei Yamamoto

• Hiroshi Imaizumi

Reviews

Critical reception of "Contemporary History of Rape in Japan" is complex, given its controversial and sensitive subject matter as well as its place within the pink film genre. The film has a niche but significant following among fans of 1970s Japanese exploitation cinema. On IMDb, it holds a modest rating with viewers often acknowledging the film's raw intensity and Junko Miyashita's committed performance, but also noting its difficult and distressing content that is not for all audiences. Scholars and critics analyzing its historical and cultural context appreciate the film’s attempt to expose societal issues, despite its explicit nature and exploitation elements. However, mainstream review aggregators such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not have formal ratings or professional critic reviews available, largely due to the film’s limited release and niche genre status. Specialist cinephiles and retrospectives on Japanese pink cinema acknowledge the film's significance in exploring taboo subjects, though they also caution viewers about its graphic and unsettling portrayal of sexual violence. Some critics argue that while it provides raw social critique, it risks sensationalism, complicating its reception.