Japan's Saitama Prefecture's recent introduction of provisional rules for swimsuit photo shoots has generated debate and mixed reactions in the art community and among feminist activists. These rules, which include explicit images for “no poses” and “no bathing suits” , are designed to govern photo shoots scheduled for the months of September through October at three major parks run by the prefecture.
The Prefectural Association of Parks and Green Spaces took the initiative to announce these provisional rules with the aim of establishing clear guidelines for photo shoots in these public places. Until now, only one of the parks had implemented specific rules for photo ops, but the decision to unify these rules and carry them out at the other parks has been welcomed by some, while criticized by others as restrictive and potentially censorious.
Controversy arises around the description of “non-permitted poses” and “non-permitted swimsuits”, which have been lewdly illustrated in the guidelines. The top of the illustrations feature three types of swimsuits that have been labeled “NG” (not allowed), leading some to question the objectivity of these restrictions. In addition to swimsuits, it is stressed that even if models are wearing suitable swimsuits, they should avoid poses that are considered "extreme" or "inappropriate".
- Prohibited bathing suits:
The political response has also been notorious, with women from the Japanese Communist Party expressing concern about the limitation of artistic freedom and the objectification of models in these shoots. Despite its efforts to shut down swimsuit photo shoots in swimming pools in recent months, the new rules have been seen as a step forward by the government, sparking discontent among certain feminist groups.
- Prohibited poses (even if you have a bathing suit allowed):
Governor Motohiro Ono addressed this situation by instructing companies that do not comply with the rules to withdraw their requests for photo shoots. After reviewing the results after sessions scheduled for September and October this year, a panel of experts will review the situation in February 2024 and establish whether these new rules will become official or be withdrawn .
As the debate continues and the provisional rules are implemented in the September and October photo shoots, it remains to be seen how this measure will affect the art industry, the prospects of models, and the dynamics between feminist groups and government authorities in Saitama. .
Source: Otakomu
