Hong Kong’s Mega Fans Expo Called Off After Japanese Adult Performers Turned Away at Border
Organizers abruptly canceled the upcoming Mega Fans Expo in Hong Kong on November 11. While no official explanation was given, reports indicate the sudden shutdown followed the refusal of entry to dozens of invited Japanese adult video actresses.
Citing the South China Morning Post, news outlets report that nearly 30 performers were stopped at Hong Kong immigration and sent back to Japan, even though they had reportedly secured visas ahead of time for the major fan convention.
Originally slated for November 13–15 at the Regal Airport Hotel, the gathering was set to feature 28 prominent AV stars; among them Momo Sakura, Nene Yoshitaka, Rei Kamiki, Kiho Kanematsu, Mayuki Ito, Suzu Anjo, the soon-to-retire Minamo, Waka Misono, Saika Kawakita, Yu Tano, Remu Suzumori, Kanna Seto, and Hikari Aozora. Industry veteran Yui Hatano and renowned male actor Taka Kato were also scheduled to emcee the event as special guests.
The incident reflects heightened immigration enforcement across regional hubs such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. In recent years, these cities have increasingly attracted Japanese AV actresses, hostesses, and debt-burdened women seeking lucrative, short-term income through illicit sex work.
Comparable border scrutiny has also been observed in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and the mainland United States. A weak Japanese yen has pushed more domestic sex workers to seek earnings overseas, while the rise of creator platforms like OnlyFans has spawned a wave of independent adult models who travel internationally, including into Japan, contributing to a broader uptick in solo female travelers facing closer inspection at customs.
From the perspective of Hong Kong immigration authorities, concerns that some visiting performers might supplement their official appearances with unauthorized side work, such as private photo shoots, paid dating, or direct escorting to capitalize on local demand during an overseas trip, are not entirely far-fetched.
East and Southeast Asia represent major revenue markets for Japan’s adult entertainment sector, meaning stricter border policies threaten the viability of similar international conventions moving forward. Comparable showcases in the region include Macau’s PinkD! Entertainment Expo, whereas strict anti-pornography laws and conservative social norms have long kept such gatherings out of South Korea.