23
Maeno’s unsuccessful attempt to garner attention faced significant criticism from Japan’s senior officials. A prominent military figure remarked that Maeno’s actions amounted to little more than an egotistical display intended to attract publicity. Originally, Maeno aimed to establish a career in mainstream cinema; however, his inability to secure roles in that arena ultimately led him to transition into the realm of softcore pornography. While this genre enjoyed considerable popularity in Japan during that period, it lacked the respect and credibility associated with conventional filmmaking.