Recently engaged artist Megumi Igarashi —pen name Rokudenashiko— was found guilty of breaking Japan’s obscenity laws in Tokyo court on Monday. 44-year-old Igarashi was arrested in July 2014 for distributing 3D printer data of her own genitalia as part of a backer reward for her crowdfunding campaign to construct a vagina kayak.
Judge Mihoko Tanabe ruled that the data was “flat and inorganic” but realistic enough to “sexually arouse viewers.” The court did not seek jail time but Igarashi was fined 400,000 yen (US$3,690) for the crime.
She was also charged with displaying the art after she was released for her initial charge. She and adult shop manager and writer Minori Watanabe (also known as Minori Kitahara) were arrested for displaying her artwork in Watanabe’s shop window in December 2014. That charge was dropped. Igarashi appeared with her lawyer outside the courthouse celebrating the partial victory (above right) with a sign that reads “a part is not guilty.”
Igarashi always maintained that her artwork and her own genitalia, are not obscene.
Japanese commentators have called out the arrest as hypocritical as Japanese legislators backtracked on regulating artistic depictions of underage characters in sexual situations due to concerns of restricting artistic freedom. This concern seemingly did not extend to Igarashi’s artwork.
Igarashi is engaged to Michael Scott, the lead singer of the British-Irish rock band The Waterboys. The couple expects to wed in the fall and then live in Ireland afterward. She credited the international attention the controversy had attracted for her relationship with Scott.
Igarashi’s graphic memoir detailing her court case, What is Obscenity? The True Story of a Good for Nothing Artist and Her Pussy, will be available in English on Wednesday. She also appears in director Graham Kolbeins and co-writer Anne Ishii‘s Queer Japan documentary project.
Source:Justin McCurry at The Guardian, Photograph: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images
More from Anime News Network:
Vagina artist Rokudenashiko and store owner arrested for “obscene” art
Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art forced to cover up “obscene” photos following complaint
Queer Japan documentary Kickstarter reaches goal
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why
Tokyo’s insane Garlic Ramen is a meal, and an aroma, you’ll never forget[Taste test]
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors
Tokyo restaurant offers lunches for less than 1 U.S. cent…if you’re good enough at rock-paper-scissors
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]