In a recent interview with Crunchyroll, Kimi Rito, the author of the book, The History of Hentai manga, revealed that the expression unique to Japanese eromanga, the “nipple afterimage,” was first seen in Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira.

“…since eromanga has many unique visual expressions, even when viewed from a global perspective, I had many questions about why such expressions were created! The first thing that caught my attention was the “nipple afterimage.” This is a special kind of expression only found in Japanese eromanga. I found it quite exciting to learn through my research that the origin of this expression led me to Katsuhiro Otomo’s AKIRA!,” said Rito.

He further remarked that “it’s really interesting that such trivial questions can lead to such fascinating truths.”

Rito explained that these “expressions” evolve at a very fast pace that every time he thought he finished his book, he found new elements to add to it.

He said, “You, see … It took me roughly two years to put this book together. However, every time I was able to see the end of the book, I found another new expression, and the goalpost felt as if it was going to escape me forever. “

When asked about censorship and regulation forcing new modes of expression in eromangas, Rito says that only because of the limitations placed on eromanga’s expressions, a sense of resourcefulness and originality has emerged.

But, he says nothing in the extreme- nor freedom or censorship is good for making eromanga free.

“I believe that it would have been different for sure. However, this does not necessarily mean that it would have been a good thing for eromanga. I cannot deny that there has been a sense of ingenuity and creativity that developed because of the restrictions placed on eromanga’s expressions. In addition, readers are also able to improve their literacy within those same restrictions. Censorship can go so far to restrict those expressions, but it cannot stop people’s desire to enjoy eros.”

He continued, “however, too much regulation is a problem. A heavy hand will lead to behavior similar to what was seen during prohibition in the US. Rather than legally enforcing restrictions, I think we should recognize the freedom of expression, we should openly discuss problematic expressions, and implement appropriate restrictions as time goes by. Too much freedom does not make eromanga free.”

He further revealed that there is a considerable gap in the taste for erotic works between Japan and the rest of the world. Works like Bondage Fairies became a hit in the US which was not so big in the home country.

To further create new types of works, Rito explains that they need to understand more about what is popular abroad.

Eromanga scholar, Kimi Rito had structured his book, The History of Hentai manga around his specialty on the subject of “expressions”. It was published in the West by FAKKU in late 2022.

Though primarily an IT systems engineer, Rito is an active member of the Japan Society for Studies in Cartoons and Comics (JSSCC). He is also the organizer of the circle “Fractal Dimension,” edits and publishes the coterie magazine “Ero Manga no Gemba” series. He is also the editor of “Ero Manga Studies” (author: Kaoru Nagayama).

In 2015 and 2016, he was invited as an official guest with the title “hentai specialist” to give a lecture at ANIME EXPO, the largest anime event in North America, held in California, USA.

Source: Crunchyroll