Many of these popular performers have established thriving careers in the United States, Europe and across the globe. Marica Hase is widely regarded by porn fans and industry professionals alike to be one of the most popular Japanese pornstars of all time. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Marica first started working in the Japanese porn industry in and she made her official American porn debut in when she shared a sizzling scene with Manuel Ferrara in Raw 11 starring Anikka Albrite , Alison Tyler and Liza Del Sierra.

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Rumors online claim that Taipei has long been home to a hidden adult entertainment industry. The tout insisted they were truly Japanese AV stars when repeatedly questioned. She was then asked to summon one to verify the claim. Unable to stay for another four days, the reporter decided to ask a Japanese-speaking receptionist at a hotel. After all, Japanese AV productions are really popular here. Even so, a little number-crunching reveals the venture might be financially futile for the actress.
The industry is noted for having frequent turnovers; since the dawn of the AV industry in the early s, hundreds of AV idols have debuted every year, with an average career span of about a year, appearing in five or ten videos during that time. The line between "adult" and "family" entertainment in Japan is not as clear-cut as it is in some other countries. A celebrity may appear in AVs after already having established a career in mainstream television. Also, it is not rare for a popular AV actress to go on to become a mainstream celebrity. In , it was reported that over 11 AVs were being made every day by over 70 production companies in Tokyo alone. The AV market was estimated to make up about 30 percent of Japan's video rentals. AV performers were often struggling actresses who could not find work in the theatrical Roman Porno films and girls from the soaplands. According to cultural essayist Rosemary Iwamura, "she didn't seem to be making videos because of a lack of options but rather as an informed choice. AV actresses are usually recruited by scouts in Tokyo neighborhoods such as Roppongi , Shinjuku and Matahine. These scouts are affiliated with talent agencies who then hire the actresses to the AV production companies.