Emoni
先輩
- 20 Sep 2003
- 1,779
- 67
(Note: This is a pretty risky topic, but I also consider it a very important and major on related to Japanese culture. It has come up on the board before in various ways, but I wanted to address the issue more directly and in a mature manner. (And I do stress the word mature here people). I understand that this is probably a very borderline topic, and while I'm going to do my best to keep it from being X rated or anything I'll leave the final judgment to the moderators.)
Sex, it's the inevitable issue that will pop up in Japan no matter where you go and for whatever reason. I'm not talking views of the act itself in Japan, but also the way it is portrayed in society and Japanese culture. You're going to see it referenced if you want to or not in Japan. From news paper ads, manga, movies, advertisements, soap lands, and who knows what else you might see walking down the street in Tokyo.
Japan tends to be passively direct about the subject. It will pop up all over on the outside in certain areas, but not really discussed unless behind doors. I've seen people shudder at any sign of it, I've seen people giggle. I've seen a 20 something housewife walk down the street with her bicycle caring a large box with a home-version of a stripping pole right through my neighborhood. If there is one thing I've learned, no matter what subject, everyone's view and behavior about it is going to be different. Sex is no different, and to generalize about Japan as a whole TOO much can leave a very warped and misinformed version.
Recently, I saw this section of a BBC documentary on sex in Japan. (May contain some mild nudity)
BBC Sex in Japan
Clearly there is a great deal of shock value in a documentary like this. The portrayal of Japan's over all opinion by the BBC is generalized, and in my opinion somewhat dangerous. Yes, things like this exist, even more crazy stuff exists than is in this documentary. However, one thing that does not show up in the documentary is an attempt to put this in to context or go into details. It is a short 8 minute "OMG!" lesson.
Personally, I'm for direct discussion of the topic. I see a great deal of good in the more direct presentation that exists in Japan to an extent, yet still there remains a great deal of ignorance on the subject. Superstition, misinformation, lack of sex education, casual sex abound without consideration to relationships, it exists in any culture, but without going into too much detail, from those I have spoken with on the subject I am consistently concerned about the LACK of knowledge on the subject of sex despite its prevalence in Japan. Especially in regards to birth control, disease, and expectations in a relationship. While focusing mostly on Japan in this regard, I do want to point out that in East Asia this problem seems to exists to even a higher degree.
Moreover, you end up with the darker side of sex as well. Enslaved prostitution, underage sexual abuse, and rape. Super Free is one of the best examples and shows to what extent things can grow to. Rape fantasies and Lolita complexes abound is one image that Japanese men have been stamped. To expand further is to go into the role of women and how they are viewed in society, but how women are effected by Japan's view of sex can be almost an entire accademic major in and of itself.
Waseda's Gang Rape Circle
(Not sure why this is not working this is the direct link:
)
In many ways you will find sex for sale (despite prostitution TECHNICALLY being illegal in Japan). From host bars, magazines, arranged dating, you name it. An interesting special about the male host situation, albeit depressing, is this section of The Great Happiness Space. Sorry wasn't sure how to embed this MilkandCookies
With this almost overwhelming image that is exuded from Japan about "their attitude" about sex, it is easy to become entirely lost and quickly form the stereotype that all Japanese share some hidden life that no one sees, that any one could be a prostitute or have been at some time in their life. Generalizations running wild ultimately can be more dangerous than the subjects themselves, leading to prejudice and outright racism.
So, my question is this: Without getting too personal, what are your thoughts, experiences, stories, and views on the issue of sex in Japan and Japanese society? I have spoken with researchers on the subject in the past but I was very curious what members of this board think, especial those with long terms in the country.
Sex, it's the inevitable issue that will pop up in Japan no matter where you go and for whatever reason. I'm not talking views of the act itself in Japan, but also the way it is portrayed in society and Japanese culture. You're going to see it referenced if you want to or not in Japan. From news paper ads, manga, movies, advertisements, soap lands, and who knows what else you might see walking down the street in Tokyo.
Japan tends to be passively direct about the subject. It will pop up all over on the outside in certain areas, but not really discussed unless behind doors. I've seen people shudder at any sign of it, I've seen people giggle. I've seen a 20 something housewife walk down the street with her bicycle caring a large box with a home-version of a stripping pole right through my neighborhood. If there is one thing I've learned, no matter what subject, everyone's view and behavior about it is going to be different. Sex is no different, and to generalize about Japan as a whole TOO much can leave a very warped and misinformed version.
Recently, I saw this section of a BBC documentary on sex in Japan. (May contain some mild nudity)
BBC Sex in Japan
Clearly there is a great deal of shock value in a documentary like this. The portrayal of Japan's over all opinion by the BBC is generalized, and in my opinion somewhat dangerous. Yes, things like this exist, even more crazy stuff exists than is in this documentary. However, one thing that does not show up in the documentary is an attempt to put this in to context or go into details. It is a short 8 minute "OMG!" lesson.
Personally, I'm for direct discussion of the topic. I see a great deal of good in the more direct presentation that exists in Japan to an extent, yet still there remains a great deal of ignorance on the subject. Superstition, misinformation, lack of sex education, casual sex abound without consideration to relationships, it exists in any culture, but without going into too much detail, from those I have spoken with on the subject I am consistently concerned about the LACK of knowledge on the subject of sex despite its prevalence in Japan. Especially in regards to birth control, disease, and expectations in a relationship. While focusing mostly on Japan in this regard, I do want to point out that in East Asia this problem seems to exists to even a higher degree.
Moreover, you end up with the darker side of sex as well. Enslaved prostitution, underage sexual abuse, and rape. Super Free is one of the best examples and shows to what extent things can grow to. Rape fantasies and Lolita complexes abound is one image that Japanese men have been stamped. To expand further is to go into the role of women and how they are viewed in society, but how women are effected by Japan's view of sex can be almost an entire accademic major in and of itself.
Waseda's Gang Rape Circle
In many ways you will find sex for sale (despite prostitution TECHNICALLY being illegal in Japan). From host bars, magazines, arranged dating, you name it. An interesting special about the male host situation, albeit depressing, is this section of The Great Happiness Space. Sorry wasn't sure how to embed this MilkandCookies
With this almost overwhelming image that is exuded from Japan about "their attitude" about sex, it is easy to become entirely lost and quickly form the stereotype that all Japanese share some hidden life that no one sees, that any one could be a prostitute or have been at some time in their life. Generalizations running wild ultimately can be more dangerous than the subjects themselves, leading to prejudice and outright racism.
So, my question is this: Without getting too personal, what are your thoughts, experiences, stories, and views on the issue of sex in Japan and Japanese society? I have spoken with researchers on the subject in the past but I was very curious what members of this board think, especial those with long terms in the country.
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