The numerical suffix indicates the specific release number within that studio's catalog.
The standard format for an AV release usually consists of a series of letters (the "maker code") followed by a series of numbers (the "release number"). The numerical suffix indicates the specific release number
If you frequently browse Japanese media or adult video (AV) databases, you have likely encountered alphanumeric codes similar to "SONE-371." To the uninitiated, these strings of letters and numbers appear cryptic. However, they represent a highly organized cataloging system used by the Japanese adult entertainment industry to manage vast libraries of content. By recognizing the letter code, viewers and database
This article explains how this system works, why it is used, and how to interpret the metadata associated with these releases. By recognizing the letter code
The alphabetic prefix identifies the specific production studio or "maker." Japan has hundreds of AV studios, each with distinct branding and genres. For example:
By recognizing the letter code, viewers and database managers can instantly identify which studio produced the content. This is similar to recognizing a record label in the music industry.