Amid the last breaths of Japan’s studio era as the strain of plummeting attendance and the rise of television brought the industry into collapse, Japan’s oldest film studio, Nikkatsu, abandoned mainstream productions in favor of erotica. An unprecedented move by any measure, Nikkatsu’s decision established the legendary Roman Porno, a prestige line of studio-backed softcore cinema that, for 17 years, would usher in an era of creatively ambitious and artistic cinematic expression, fostering a new wave of young talents who would go on to shape 80s and 90s mainstream cinema.

Adhering to a strict set of conventions—a sex scene every 15 or so minutes, brisk 70-minute runtimes, medium-sized budgets and tight 10-day shooting schedules—the Roman Porno became known as one of the few avenues for aspiring filmmakers to make their debut and hone their craft as the studio apprenticeship system buckled. Nagisa Oshima, in critique of the genre, would declare, “Roman Porno films take sex as their subject matter but not as their theme”—but it was precisely this distinction that allowed the genre to flourish while earning the respect and praise of critics.

Commemorating 55 years since Nikkatsu’s move to instate the Roman Porno in 1971, Japan Society presents a unique selection from across its 17-year reign—a bold period that has since become an essential part of Japanese film history.

Disclaimer: the films are recommended for audiences age 18 and above.