Contemporary History of Rape in Japan (1972)
A 1972 Japanese pinku film from director Kōji Wakamatsu, blending erotic content with the provocative social edge that defined his radical cinema.
Contemporary History of Rape in Japan - Movie Information
- Original Title: 現代日本暴行暗黒史
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Kōji Wakamatsu
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 18m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1972 (Japan)
- Production Companies: Kokuei Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Contemporary History of Rape in Japan - Plot
Pinku from 1972.
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Contemporary History of Rape in Japan - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kōji Wakamatsu
Main Cast
- Junko Miyashita
- Chie Shinohara
- Masami Arisawa
- Jiro Kokubu
- Shōhei Yamamoto
- Hiroshi Imaizumi
- Kiyoshi Kinami
Writers
- Izuru Deguchi
Contemporary History of Rape in Japan - FAQs
What is Contemporary History of Rape in Japan about?
Contemporary History of Rape in Japan is a 1972 Japanese pinku film directed by Kōji Wakamatsu. Part of the provocative pink film tradition that flourished in Japan during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the film blends erotic content with the sharp social and political commentary that made Wakamatsu one of the era's most uncompromising filmmakers.
Who directed Contemporary History of Rape in Japan?
Kōji Wakamatsu directed the film. A prolific and deeply influential figure in Japanese underground cinema, Wakamatsu used the pinku genre as a vehicle for radical political ideas, producing dozens of films in rapid succession and earning a reputation as one of Japan's most distinctive and confrontational cinematic voices.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The cast features Junko Miyashita, Chie Shinohara, Masami Arisawa, Jiro Kokubu, Shōhei Yamamoto, Hiroshi Imaizumi, and Kiyoshi Kinami. Junko Miyashita in particular became a recognizable presence in Japanese pinku and art cinema throughout this era.
What is the pinku film genre in Japanese cinema?
Pinku films are low-budget, independently produced Japanese erotic movies that emerged in the early 1960s. Despite their exploitation roots, many pinku films — especially those by directors like Wakamatsu — used the format to explore taboo social themes, political dissent, and gender dynamics in ways mainstream Japanese cinema rarely dared.
When was Contemporary History of Rape in Japan released?
The film opened on January 1, 1972, in Japan. It arrived during a particularly fertile stretch for Wakamatsu, who was extraordinarily prolific throughout this period, turning out film after film that pushed the boundaries of what the pinku format could express.
How long is Contemporary History of Rape in Japan?
It runs 78 minutes — a compact runtime very much in keeping with pinku conventions, which favored brevity to maximize theatrical turnover. Despite the short running time, Wakamatsu consistently packed considerable thematic weight into his productions.
Who wrote the screenplay for this film?
Izuru Deguchi wrote the screenplay, a collaborator who worked with Wakamatsu on several projects. The cinematography was handled by Hideo Itō, whose raw, stark visual approach helped define the gritty aesthetic that runs through much of Wakamatsu's work from this period.
Is this film worth watching for fans of Japanese cinema?
For viewers drawn to Japanese underground cinema and the pinku tradition, this film offers a genuine window into Wakamatsu's provocative body of work. It's best approached as a raw, politically charged artifact from one of Japan's most uncompromising filmmakers — challenging, but historically significant.
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