Not with video games. Not with the World Cup. But with that long standing killer app: pornography.
This summer Sony is bringing 3D games to the PlayStation 3, and Nintendo is introducing its "glasses-free" portable gaming device. But as the Japanese 3D television market begins to heat up, the country's porn industry is hoping to cash in. Last year, it was HD porn titles being streamed through a PS3. This year, it's 3D porn.
"Adult videos will likely be an incentive for consumers to buy a 3-D TV," says content analyst Yuji Fujimori, at Barclays Capital in Tokyo. "It's worth paying attention to the move because it's lack of content that's hindering expansion."
Blue movie maker S1 No.1Style is releasing the first 3D adult flicks in Japan this June to coincide with the release of Sony's 3D Bravia television. Panasonic began selling 3D TVs in the US this March and in Japan this April.
A pair of upcoming adult titles (3D X Mika Kayama, 3D X Yuma Asami) star two of the countries most popular porn stars. Kayama is known for movies like Sex of Destiny and Unforgettable, while Asami has starred in films like Yuma Asami and the 100 Masturbaters and Let Us Have a Calisthenic Sex. Customers have expressed interest in the 3D adult titles, but are interested in seeing how the image quality is first before splurging on a new television.
Sony and Panasonic declined to comment on the impact that pornography will have on 3D televisions. Though if video and the internet are any sort of indication, it will certainly help.
Porn Stars in 3-D Lure Consumers to New Sony, Panasonic TVs [BusinessWeek via News On Japan] [Pic, Pic]