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<P>Max Bliven wrote:
<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE>I'm sorry my memory is so shoddy, but what was the
Japanese term for
<BR>the law that prohibits the exposure of pubic hair and what not?
<BR>Thanks-
<BR> </BLOCKQUOTE>
There is no such law, but I guess you're refering to the term <I>waisetsu</I>.
It's Art.175 of the Penal Code which prohibits public distribution of "obscene"
(<I>waisetsu</I>) writings, images or other objects. Based on this article,
Art. 21 of the Custom Tariff Law prohibits import of writings, images and
sculptures which would "endanger public order and customs", forming the
basis of Custom's inspection of imported films. Both laws do not expressively
forbid the exposure of pubic hair, not even the corresponding article ("Sex
and Customs") of the body of self-regulation of the motion picture industry,
<I>Eirin</I> - it is "in principle" forbidden within its provisions
for film examiners, giving some leeway to pass pubic hair in artistic films
as <I>Orlando</I> or <I>La Belle Noiseuse</I>.
<P>The general image of prohibition is in fact based on a silent agreement
between the Public Order Section (<I>Hôanbu</I>) of the Police, Customs
and <I>Eirin</I> due to an obscenity indictment case which lasted from
1972 till 1980 and involved even <I>Eirin</I> film inpectors - it was only
then that pubic hair was <I>distinctly</I> banned from display in their
regulations.
<P>Custom's inspection with the rank of a law - since this would constitute
an act of censorship violating Art. 21 of the Constitution, which bans
censorship. The Police can act <I>ad hoc</I>only, refering to the "maintenance
of public order", to which media are obliged by Art. 13 of the Constitution...
hopelessly complicated, but this is Japan, right?
<P>Hope this answer is comprehensible yet,
<BR>
Udo Helms</HTML>