JAV Director’s Draft 2025 Part 1 – Who picked Kanna Seto? Who is the Koike Eiko of the AV world?

We are back with another edition of the AV Director’s Draft. Just a fun little exercise where industry insiders pick and talk about their favorite actresses of last year. Here, they highlight the best and brightest while sharing some juicy behind-the-scenes details. Our panelists include the host and AV Writer Kochi Katsutomo, Director Tanaka Bacon, SOD Director Remi Remi, Director Nao Masaki, and Director Samoari.

For a look at past editions, go here

2022

2023

#2 Nana Yagi

His number 2 pick was Nana Yagi and the panel all praised her acting skills. They noted her appearing on Netflix’s improvisational comedy show “Death Kiss Game” and how she’s slated to appear in a drama later this year. He shares another story from his interviews, this time about Nana appearing in Moodyz’ revival of the bukkake series Dream Woman. She said she got cum all up in her throat and nose because of it and tasted cum in everything for the next few days.

#3 Nami Nanami 七海那美

His third pick is Nami Nanami, whom he calls the “Koike Eiko of the AV world”, an actress and former Gravure model. He was weirdly into her shoulders and kept praising them, even saying they are like a Gundam’s. Looking at some of her pics, yeah, she has nice broad shoulders. They note her really nice breasts and how she has blossomed after leaving Moodyz.

#4 Kira Kira, #5 Koharu Miike, #6 Kiho Kanematsu

He really sees Kira Kira as an innocent figure, calling her a successor to Tsubomi. She gives real, authentic virgin energy to him and her reactions feel fresh and genuine. Koichi’s last picks were Koharu Miike and Kiho Kanematsu. Kiho’s had some of her thunder stolen by the likes of Kanna Seto and Miyu Aizawa, but she has been a great new debut and very popular. She’s not just another ex-idol to porn gimmick; she is a legit AV actress. Meanwhile, Koichi goes deep into his bag with Koharu, a great hidden gem who has been doing more hardcore videos.

#2 Tsukino Kasumi 長瀬麻美 and #3 Maika Hiizumi 日泉舞香

Another deeper cut and an underrated Milf in my opinion with Tsukino Kasumi next. Tanaka notes how she has a mysterious charm around her, and I agree. She’s older and a mature lady, but younger than her appearance suggests, still in her 20s. His third pick is Maika Hiizumi, who he notes has a very dark vibe to her. She was very quiet on set and is comfortable with silence, even while acting, which is unusual. However, her ad-libs were incredibly erotic and came out of nowhere, which was a pleasant surprise to see.

#4, Yuika Onosaka, #5 Sasaki Yuri and #6 Kanna Misaki

Tanaka notes Yuika Onosaka's good visuals and body, with her breaking out recently. When she first debuted, she wasn’t all in for AV but has gotten more serious about it. Her efforts are reflected in her sales now and some of the panelists think she can blow up in 2026. Tanaka’s last picks are Sasaki Yuri and Kanna Misaki. I’m not familiar with the former, but Kanna has been a long-time veteran actress who seems to be finally getting her due recently.

Remi notes that Miyu starred in their bestselling project for the year. She not only has the looks and talent, but she’s also very hardworking. She connects with fans on Social Media and even watches her own performances to improve. She left S1 at the right time and she gained momentum. She might be the most “on fire” actress right now. I have to agree with all of their comments on Miyu; she’s gunning to be the best and you love to see it.

#2 Itsuha and #3 Saisai Itsuki

I also loved her second pick with Itsuha. She notes Itsuha’s acting skills, emotional depth, and how she adds wrinkles and details to her characters. Very good at Tsundere characters. Nao Masaki notes that she is very coachable and loves her face. She also compares her to Akari Mitani, which is very high praise and Nao loved Akari. I’ve been beating on the Itsuha drum for a while now. She’s fantastic and totally going under the radar. Remi does her duty as an SOD employee by picking Saisai Itsuki next. SOD’s first Taiwanese debut. Remi talks about how Saisai trends on the submissive M-side, her fluency in Japanese, which was self-taught, and how she used to work at a Snack Bar. Talks about how she got mad during a BJ scene when it ended and she wanted to go on.

#4 Minamo, #5 Akari Matsunaga, #6 Haruka Tamai

Remi calls Minamo the Reiwa era’s “Variety Queen,” and Minamo has been active in entertainment circles as a panelist. They note her for her humor, charisma, and speaking abilities. She also has quite the female fandom, apparently. The panel says Minamo carries herself as a mainstream talent does, that same vibe. And again, Remi is a good employee with 2 more SOD picks to round things out with Akari Matsunaga and Haruka Tamai. Akari is the new hot SOD employee who has made her feet her thing, so to speak.