Legend has it that in ancient Japan, women who were found to be unfaithful were publicly humiliated in the town center by being tied up while every man in town ejaculated all over her to show his distaste. Basically, they were saying that if you're going to take it from someone else, you're going to get it from everyone else. So although many feel that the practice of bukkake is shameful and degrading to women, it must be remembered that bukkake originated as a form of punishment and is meant to degrade.

In the late 1970s, many Japanese adult film studios were looking for ways to "push the envelope" for their Japanese customers. The first films usually featured a schoolgirl or secretary who willingly submits to one man after another. They come from everywhere off camera to shower her with ejaculate at just the right moment. As each man finishes, he silently leaves and another quickly takes his place. In some cases, the girl has sex with each man before he ejaculates on her face.

Demand for these films, now called "bukkake", skyrocketed. By the late 90's, it had evolved into its own genre. Gay men began to experiment with the practice in ritual initiation ceremonies. American and European filmmakers were quick to follow the Japanese lead, adding their trademark stylish flow along with a line of willing porn starlets who were ready to be covered in cum.

The original Japanese films portrayed a highly ritualized sex show where a demure young lass, usually in school girl or corporate uniform kneels in the center of a small room. There is usually some visual prop to emphasize her as the center of attention - velvet ropes hung from brass pedestals forming a fence around her, or two or three rows of "guards" who control access to her.