Job Discussion Forums

[homersimpson]

I've been in Japan long enough to know about enjo kosai, sex clubs, and the alarming number of university-age girls who "act" in AV films. However, I naively thought these things occurred mainly in the bigger cities. Then two of my school's ni nen sei got caught doing enjo. They're 13! Anyone else sickened by this? My first couple of years in Japan I was mostly ignorant of these issues and/or considered any talk of them to be blown out of proportion. But since the "honeymoon" period expired, I am definitely seeing a sick side of Japanese life. Anyone wish to comment on similar experiences?

[PAULH]

For those of you who dont know the term 'enjo kosai' is 'compensated dating' where 30 or 40 year old salarimen 'pay 15 or 16 year old girls (or younger) for a date or having coffee with them. Sometimes money does not change hands but designer handbags, jewelry and brand items in exchange for sex. Thats how many of these high school girls can 'afford' all those expensive accessories they carry.

[canuck]

It's definately a problem. I agree, it's horrible.

[Lucy Snow]

What I could never understand was what do the girls' parents think when their daughters sport designer handbags, clothing, jewelry, etc.? When I was a teenager, my parents knew how much money I had, and would have questioned me quite closely if I suddenly owned things that I couldn't afford.

[Gordon]

Good question Lucy. I think their parents give them so much money, maybe they could afford to buy them.

I also agree, it is sick.

[joncharles]

I thought the government made this illegal after a Supreme Court Judge and a Diet member, admitted having several "Dates" with schoolgirls. The law is supposed to cover this way of "Dating" only if the girls are still in school. It is a problem. I remember before I left Japan late last year one of the TV news stations did an expose on it on the streets of Shinjuku.. young girls hanging around the train stations and gladly accepting offers of Karaoke sessions where either sometimes sex or sexual photography is done by the man or men. IN return the girls get money or goods. When the newswoman asked some of the girls why they do this.... simple.... They all want to be able to have the latest fashions... they did not consider themselves as prositutes... because "We don't do this for a living... only to get something we want. (Usually the latest expensive fashions or expensive cosmetics). I think the future of those young women are careers as hostesses until they find a wealthy guy to marry.

[AgentMulderUK]

And those 'Snack' joints that seem to be everywhere. And everyone just accepts this as normal....just a front for other seedier activities....
I mean these places aren't just down dark alleyways...oh no, its right next to Pachinko halls, or McDonalds, even a kiddies toy shop!!!!!!

doesn't it just reinforce the idea that women are objects to be traded for/bartered with and used....terrible.

Nuts.

[Synne]

I believe that families in Japan are not nearly as tight nit as ones in Canada and the USA or England etc..

And as a fault for this, the kids just have no sense of respect.

I see it all the time, and my girlfriend has explained to me many times how it is.

Families in Japan do not embrace each other, do not kiss. They often get uncomfortable when being touched on the arm by one of there family members.

I realize this is a generalization...but for the most it's very true.

I also believe the fact that you can basically go anywhere by train does not help the matter.

It's common shoe for adults and young girls to ride together everywhere and the young can go anywhere they please.

I think they are raised this way and it is quite unfortunate.

[blackguy-n-Asia]

I've heard that sexuality is regarded as a sport, not anything to be ashamed of in Japan. People don't have that western sense of shame and sex.
Before this 'schoolgirls scandal' broke out, people thought it was very liberating......now it seems to augure the destruction of society.

There is a show in Canada called 'Neon Lights' which show the seedy streets of the world in which sex is the commodity. Japan had one of the wildest on the show. Young girls giving head in an open bar (two girls at a time) for just $30 American. A hidden camera put you in front seat.

This was on the LEARNING channel.

[senorwaq]

[Sam Adams]

I myself have recently learned of this thing in Japan, when questioning a Japanese friend on how all these young people are walking around with Louis Vuiton bags, etc...
Thing is...I think it would be very unfair to target Japan only. Anyone who has watched an episode of Maury Povich( a talk show in the states commonly featuring show topics like "my 13 year old daughter is out of control", or even an episode of Jerry Springer will realize that old men with money will do this in any country.
When asked why these girls do it, its basically the same answers-"To get stuff i want, or to rebel". Same reasons, different countries.

(Usually at the end of the program all the girls are sent to either boot camp or prison to see what their lives will become.) Sometimes pretty funny.

[PAULH]

[quote="senorwaq"]

[Synne]

Unfortunate that such things go on at common level in Japan.

The culture is so rich yet the whole sexual aspect to it lately taints it greatly.

[Glenski]

I hate to say this, but many points that have just been raised surprise me. I would've thought they originated from www.daikon.com not from a professional teacher's forum. However, since many teachers in Japan are here for the first time experiencing the culture...for the first time... it is understandable.

[Synne]