A Showa Tale of an Amorous Caregiver starring Ayumi Shinoda
with English Subtitles

Storylines in Japanese AV.  Quite possibly the final frontier when it comes to the types of titles we've been lax with showing on ZENRA up until recently.  We do apologize for this as movies from this genre of adult video make an incredible amount of sense to subtitle since yes, you seriously need to have a strong idea of what people are saying to truly appreciate what's happening.

We've known about drama production companies for quite awhile though most seem to target Japan's older population with titles straight up their alley that may bore younger users who prefer a bit more 'thrill'.  Other companies produce 'drama' titles that feel more like AV with a wee bit of thematics.  ORGA, a new studio on the block, finds a cool middle ground.  Some of their releases such as today's beautifully shot update starring AYUMI SHINODA, follow a more traditional dramatic format both in execution and storyline.

A SHOWA TALE OF AN AMOROUS CAREGIVER--as the name implies--takes place in the Showa Era, the time period that began in the 1920's and concluded with a the apex of Japan's bubble economy in 1989.  With a time span crossing decades, filming a 'Showa era' title can mean many things:  it can be an 80's tale of Japan's ascent to economic supremacy, a story about the reconstruction that took place in the 60's and 70's (or the youth revolt in the 60's), or in the case of today's update, a title about abnormal sex and infidelity that happens shortly after the conclusion of WW2.

AYUMI SHINODA, whom we have been rather late to showing, seems a surefire hit for foreign audiences who prefer the--for a lack of a better word--'oriental' look.  She's got high cheek bones and slanted eyes giving her face a rather unique visage straight from Edo Period artwork.  She also possesses a truly dynamite body complete with suspiciously tamed (for the era at least...) pubic hair.  Here she plays the role of a docile and obedient wife of a sergeant sent home early from war due to sustaining some very horrific injuries.

He's bedridden, covered in bandages nearly from head to toe, and his vernacular consists of nothing more than grunts.  The only part of him that still seems to work is his manhood which he very insistently has his wife take care of more often than what's considered normal.  Also given his ailments and his status as the quintessential 'Japanese man of Showa', reciprocating sexual affection does not happen at all.

Eventually enough is enough and along with his subordinate officer returning, she starts to awaken out of her duty-bound stupor.  Yumiko Sagawa (AYUMI's name in AMOROUS CAREGIVER) wants to feel good.  She wants pleasure too.  She's done enough serving and if her husband isn't up to the task, she'll find other means.

Given Japan's role in WW2, producing a title that takes place during this era of conflict requires walking through a minefield of gray.  We feel that ORGA did a good job neither glamorizing the war or even picking sides.  AMOROUS CAREGIVER may take place in the ashes of WW2, but it's a title about what happens when soldiers return home (with a very strong AV focus of course).  Interestingly and also very commendably, a short battle scene is featured that shows the husband and his subordinate officer about to make one last charge for glory.  For an AV title, this was done exceptionally well and featured great use of lighting, excellent sound production, and at least according to the credits, some CGI.

Among other ORGA titles that do take place in the modern era, we will also be showing more Showa pieces from time to time.  Our first two updates by them--today's and the wonderful CRIME AND PUNISHMENT from last month--were directed by TEI JAGA, their head director and their go-to guy for period pieces.  We'll probably be showing a title done by their 'fetish' director SHISUI USABA next so if you prefer something a bit more modern and a bit more bizarre, but still can be considered a drama title, then stay tuned as that and much more is just over the horizon.
 

A Message to subscribers and also potential subscribers:  this movie is labeled as an Exclusive release because this is the first official presentation of it outside of Japan.  We would like to know your impressions of this production.  Did you like it?  Did you not?  Your feedback is truly appreciated as it can help us decide the best possible Japanese adult video entertainment for you from here on out.  Don't be shy and please feel free to contact us with your thoughts!