The Only Non-Graphic Cover for Shōjo Tsubaki

Uncross your eyes or put your tongue back in your mouth.

While the “ahegao¹” face first appeared in 60’s Japanese porn as a way to avoid censorship- Suehiro Maruo, an ero guro artist, turned it into something that simply cannot be undone.

Shōjo Tsubaki, published September 25, 1984, depicts gruesome acts of physical & sexual violence against a 12 year old girl. Suehiro Maruo also single handedly created many other comics featuring violence against women, children, and even animals.

Suehiro Maruo used the “ahegao” face, which includes the combination of an outstretched tongue and crossed eyes, to depict a “forced orgasm” on the victims’ faces while being sexually and physically assaulted.

This depiction comes from the false stereotype that Asian, specifically Japanese, women are submissive, easily overpowered/manipulated, and that they want and/or deserve abusive treatment.

What started as a creative way to get around unneeded censorship in porn was perverted by one man, but that’s all it takes. Many Asian women and feminine presenting people have suffered harm from those that share Suehiro Maruo’s mindset and continue to to this day.

1. Not to be confused with ahoge. ↩︎