ABSTRACT
In 2014, the artist Rokudenashiko, a pseudonym used by the artist Megumi Igarashi which means ‘good for nothing’ or ‘bastard,’ was arrested for transgressing Japan's obscenity laws after exhibiting her works of art, including digitally transmitted 3D images of her vulva. The exhibition Gender, Genitor, Genitalia – Rokudenashiko Tribute curated by the author of this chapter in Hong Kong in 2015 responded to this incident. It brought together feminist art from Japan and Hong Kong exploring representations of the vulva. Acting in solidarity with Rokudenashiko, the exhibition generated the support of feminist artists for Rokudenashiko, whose freedom of expression in art had been censored and helped raise money for her legal fees. Ultimately, the verdict in the Rokudenashiko case revealed deep contradictions around obscenity in Japan's legal system and double moral standards in Japanese society, especially with regard to Japan's video pornography industry.
