Ever watched Initial D, the anime... esp the episodes with Takumi's girlfriend and her "Papa"? Or basically any Japanese TV series that involve teenage girl(s) who have no money to spend?
I'm pointing to "Compensated Dating" - or more blatantly, "Teenaged Whoring". I can't remember the first time i heard about this, but this has been a widely-discussed issue within the strict/face-saving Japanese Society. Basically every Tom, Dick and Harriet knows that this happens... A LOT. And what's even more fascinating, it's totally consensual. The girls know what they are doing. They know that guys want sex (esp in their sailor school outfits). They know they need the money to maintain their shopping habits (and need to fit in). And they know that these guys (salarymen, mostly in their 30s or older) can give'em the dough. So bam-bam-boom, a deal is sealed. Into the Love Hotel for a night of "service" (it doesn't always involve sex) for cash. Up till 1999, in Japan it's legal to have sex with a person who is 14 and up. Then a new law was erected to prevent sex until a person is 18.
Like that helps. Rrrrright. 
Anyway, I'm not one to complain, it's just an interesting phenomenon that's afflicted a largely traditional society still struggling to find a balance between progressive economy and social morality. Just based on what the media's been reporting and what you can find off the web, you'll see that Japan is in no way behind the times when it comes to the sex industry. They've got pretty lewd stuff (aside from the usual obsession with young schoolgirls) that i believe even the adult entertainment industry in Europe and the US would find strange. 
I can go on and on... there are tons of articles about how the sex industry is able to thrive and grow in this traditionally reserved country... For those of you still interested to read about this, check out my sources of this post:
Time Asia - She's only a little schoolgirl
Enjo Kosai - Adventures in a Love Hotel
A Written Record - Compass Online
Japan for the Uninvited: Enjo Kosai
My brother once visited Japan for a business trip, and he was told that as schoolgirls progressed from one academic level to the next, their skirts lengthen. Fascinating. 
<Edit - some factual corrections... i made some assumptions that clearly showed my lack of research... Sumimasen, Thomas-san!>
Thursday, June 23
Nihon-Go: Enjo Kosai
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2 comments:
Dude, some background first.
One of your sources is by a former student of mine. Cited off a site I developed and maintain. During my three years in Japan.
So what I'm saying is this. You've got some of your facts wrong in regard to enjo-kosai.
It's been openly discussed and debated in Japanese society. Kaoru's article, now 7 years old, even gives some refs.
I think that Enjo-Kosai is largely on the way out. The businessman obsession with school girls, however, still going very strong.
But just check the number of "barely legal" American porn sites--nothing culturally unique there.
Now, in regard to the sex industry, you're correct: it's very well established in Japan. Check out Pink Samurai, to start.
Nearly every ex-pat with time in Japan can tell you about the Grand Pubs, the Soaplands, and other such places of "service." Although these are usually consolidated into districts, nothing is hidden.
But is it different from here? Well, yes.
But just check the ads in the back of any City Paper in metro USA: ads for transsexuals, massage palors, escort services, and much much more.
Japan is generally more open about sexuality. You decide which is better.
Thank you for your insights, Thom! I've made corrections and hope to hear more from you in the future... :)
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