Former AV star's comments on Taiwan spark online debate
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former Japanese AV actress Mao Hamasaki, now based in Hong Kong, sparked a debate by explaining why she chose not to develop her career in Taiwan.
- Hamasaki cited competition with other Japanese actresses, risks of natural disasters and war, and Taiwan's low salaries compared to other Asian countries as key reasons.
- Her comments led to heated online arguments among Taiwanese, Hong Kong, and mainland Chinese netizens, prompting her to clarify her remarks.
Former Japanese adult video (AV) actress Mao Hamasaki, who has been living in Hong Kong in recent years, ignited a fiery online debate after explaining her decision not to pursue a career in Taiwan. In a Facebook post on July 15, Hamasaki outlined several factors influencing her choice, including avoiding direct competition with other Japanese actresses, concerns about natural disasters and potential conflicts, and what she described as the lowest salary offerings in Asia for her profession.
Hamasaki clarified that her assessment was not a negative reflection on Taiwan itself, stating that she would have no issues visiting or undertaking short-term work there. However, her remarks quickly escalated into a heated exchange among netizens from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, touching upon economic, political, and social issues. The post garnered significant attention, with thousands of likes and over a thousand comments.
Seeking to de-escalate the controversy, Hamasaki addressed the situation again on July 16, admitting she might have "eaten the wrong honesty bean paste" and urged fans not to take her previous comments too seriously. On July 17, she posted again, reflecting on her career and stating, "Making people climax was originally my job. Now I have evolved to make people climax with words," accompanied by an "I Love You" emoji. This statement appears to be a playful nod to her past profession while acknowledging the current online discourse.
Making people climax was originally my job. Now I have evolved to make people climax with words.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.