Job Discussion Forums

[chi-chi-]

What do you foreign teachers think of the enjo-kosai phenomena? Have you ever met a foreign teacher in Japan who engaged in it?
If you do not know what enjo-kosai is, it rough English translation is "compensated dating". Here is an interesting article that I found about it, written from the perspective of an English teacher:

http://www.flatrock.org.nz/topics/men/name_brand_beauties_on_sale.htm

Oh, by the way, the article also stated that 80% of the world's child pornography originates in Japan?!?

[Glenski]

Troll.

[chi-chi-]

I'm not a troll, what makes you guys so defensive in Japan, anyway?
I was an Anthropology major, Mr. Glenski, and Ruth Benedict didn't TOUCH this...maybe I am trying to do some research.
I would like to know how the foreign population reacts to the phenomena of enjo-kosai. Apparently very defensively....does anyone have anything intelligent to contribute?
What did ya'll think of the article?
Have a great day
Chi

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Here is my contribution.

It is a trend that is spreading into Korea and elsewhere.

The only ones that can stop it are parents. "No, you can't go out so late. Stay home. Study. Spend time with your family."

Parents are too busy for their kids.

Downfall of society....

[guest of Japan]

I only read about half the article, but it seems to be largely a work of fiction. Given that the author spelled "segoi" as "segoy" and that the students repond with near perfect English with only occasional pepperings of Japanese, I am led to believe that the author went out of her way to create a sensationalist piece of fiction based on communication which only occured inside her head.

[Tonester]

Enjokosai definitely exists but I do feel that the writer's intentions were good however I felt that her understanding of the situation was somewhat limited. My reason for saying so is because some SHS girls may become down and out in their attitude and that is what caused them to do such things but I also think that it is a covert way of obtaining some money.

A lot of SHSs in Japan prohibit students from having a part-time job and enjokosai is just a discreet way of doing a part-time job without actually having one. Yes, there are many older men to which this would appeal and anyone in a western country would be arrested and locked in jail with the key thrown as far as it could be. Yes, it does exist in Japan but stopping it isn't easy. You would need parents to prevent their daughters doing such things and you would need safety education at school informing of the dangers inherent.

I also find the phenomenon a kind of rebellion against the rules of both their school and society as a whole. Very dangerous indeed.....

[Sweetsee]

I read some of the article, up till the bit about the woman doing the study.

It's tired.

It reads sensationalist and ficticious.

The phenomenon, and I don't think it is one, is their business.

These young people are only doing what they want.

[6810]

As a professional researcher myself in cultural studies I say the following:

If you are doing actual scholarly or professional research on this topic then you should consult the ethical protocol of your affiliated organisation. Popping a question like you did, as simplistically as you did is highly ethically problematic.

Second, if the above is the case, then you ought really to open the question in a more open and explicit manner detailoing the reason and purpose of your research.

Third, if it's personal research, be open and explicit about this. Why are you researching enjo kosai? For what purpose etc. Too often such sensational topics as this are severely mistreated, misrepresented, distorted and recycled. ANy researcher should proceed with great caution as to the (human, legal, cultural) rights of all parties involved.

Topics of a sexual nature (ranging from pornography to rape, to homosexuality to prostitution and abortion) tend to be highly inflammatory topics on websites.

I don't need to tell you that websites are public documents. Including message boards. What we write, very rarely goes away. Take care and do a great job of the research.

[Sweetsee]

Hi 6810,


Very well said.



Peace for you.

[chi-chi-]

Legalese for "I don't wanna talk about it?"
I'm sure you guys are right. Enjo-kosai is completely fake, a made-up phenomena. We shouldn't discuss it, it's their business, and we shouldn't ever say anything bad about Japanese culture, ever.
If that's the case, then I don't want to see anything bad about Bush or America written on this website, ever again.
Peace out and enjoy your day in Japan.
Chi

[guest of Japan]

Chi-chi, if your primary interest is to bash Japan for it's unusual problems then I suggest you visit Japan Today's website. You'll find lots of like-minded people.

PS. Your location should read - battening down the hatches, unless of course you are applying cake batter or using a large ram on the hatches.

[stillnosheep]

[AgentMulderUK]

[6810]

[madeira]

I teach English in Japan.

Some of my students are underage prostitutes.. er.. `enjo kosai` participants. Not many, but some.

The topic is old and done to death in the tabloids like `wai wai`, but it`s not old to the kids involved. Why would you say it`s not relevant to English teaching?

Teacher: `Keiko, where did you get that LV bag?`

Keiko: `........`

Teacher: `Oh, that`s not relevant to English study. I`m not going to talk to you about it nor am I going to refer you to counselling or contact your parents. Please post your experience on gaijinpot... and please translate `the government has reduced the importance of oyster catches to local economies while emphasizing the possible tourism value of increasing road-work.`



Anyways, it seems to me that enjo kosai has become less popular lately.