In Japanese popular culture, quite a few AV actresses, after gaining fame in the adult video (JAV, 18+) industry, chose to retire and redirect their careers toward mainstream entertainment. Some went on to succeed as TV hosts, actresses, singers, models, and media personalities, leaving a significant mark on the entertainment scene. However, this path has never been easy, as social prejudice and media pressure often remain the biggest obstacles.
Below are notable cases of former AV actresses who successfully built new public images and achieved remarkable standing in mainstream showbiz.
Saori Hara
Saori Hara (real name Miyabi Matsunoi, born 1988) was a well-known Japanese adult video actress before changing her stage name to pursue a new career path. She signed with GEIEI Production, appeared in magazines, attended entertainment events, and acted in TV dramas, including Garo: Gold Storm Sho (2015).
However, Saori Hara’s mainstream career remained limited. Her JAV past meant she was usually given only minor roles, proving that escaping societal prejudice is not an easy task.
Sola Aoi (蒼井そら)
Sora Aoi (born 1983) is considered one of the most successful former AV actresses. She entered the adult video industry in 2002 while simultaneously expanding into film and television, quickly gaining recognition across Asia.
She appeared in numerous productions, such as Revenge: A Love Story (2010), Torso (2010), Naked Ambition 2 (2014), and the Thai drama series Hormones (2013). Beyond acting, Sora Aoi also worked as a gravure model, released a single under Universal J, and participated in fashion events in Japan and China.
After retiring in 2011, Sora Aoi continued to diversify her career, publishing an autobiography in 2020 and establishing herself as an international entertainment star with a massive fanbase in the U.S., Canada, and East Asia.
Kaho Shibuya
Kaho Shibuya (born 1991) was a sports journalist before entering JAV in 2014. After retiring in 2018, she quickly reinvented herself as a cosplayer, streamer, radio host, and writer.
Kaho frequently appears at international anime and manga conventions, publishes cosplay photobooks, hosts the radio program Kaho Shibuya’s TOKUMORI, and livestreams games on Twitch. In 2020, she released her memoir The Japanese Porn Industry Unmasked (republished in English in 2023).
She also works as an anime voice actress and singer, further proving her commitment to breaking free from her adult video image and establishing herself as a versatile entertainer.
Shoko Takahashi
Shoko Takahashi (born 1993) began her career as a swimsuit model under the name Seiko Takasaki before joining JAV in 2016. With her attractive looks and sweet image, she quickly rose to prominence.
Alongside her AV career, Shoko pursued music, once playing guitar in an all-female rock band before turning to DJing and performing EDM and dubstep. In May 2022, she announced her retirement due to health reasons, shifting her focus to music, DJ work, and participation in cultural events.
Ai Iijima
Ai Iijima (1972–2008) is the most prominent example of a successful transition. After retiring in 1996, she became a famous TV host with the program Gilgamesh Night and earned the nickname “T-Back Queen.”
By 2002, Ai Iijima had become an A-list television celebrity, to the point that many young viewers were unaware of her past in JAV. She was even invited to dinner with then–Health Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who later became Prime Minister. With her candid and bold personality, Ai Iijima secured a unique position in Japanese television.
In Japan, the boundary between JAV and mainstream entertainment is not completely separate. Most retired JAV stars still face prejudice and limited opportunities. There are also artists from mainstream showbiz who choose to enter JAV, often due to career pressure or seeking new challenges. Cases like Ai Iijima and Sora Aoi show that transitioning into showbiz is entirely possible, with the potential to build a sustainable career.
