An artist arrested for distributing 3-D data of her art project was arrested, then quickly released earlier this month. Because her art focuses on her vagina, the case has put Japan's inconsistent obscenity laws into the spotlight once again.

Laws restricting pornographic images that are harmful or dangerous should be enforced, but this case is a clear restriction of the freedom of artistic expression.

The artist, Megumi Igarashi, has made a career out of art based on female genitalia, usually her own. She was arrested not for sending images, but for providing the data from which fans could make a precise model of her vagina using a 3-D printer. In return, she received donations to help complete her latest artwork, based on genitalia-related themes.