Image ©Joan Sinclair 2006

By Tolula Dada

Sex and prostitution have long been among the baser aspects of human existence, despite sex being a biological imperative and prostitution’s reputation as “the world’s oldest profession”. But suppose there was a country where mere public displays of affection were frowned upon, and prostitution was illegal, yet the commercial sex industry contributes $20 billion to the economy each year; where on earth could such a complex paradox exist?

Welcome to Japan! Where men, no longer content with being served tea by exquisitely-adorned geishas, can be served coffee by pantyless waitresses walking on mirrored floors, frolic in a bathtub of green gel with “mermaids,” or freely grope compliant secretaries in “sexual harassment offices.” These are just some of the many fantasy-themed rooms offered in men’s sex clubs all over Japan.

These clubs provide every kind of service except actual intercourse, as prostitution has been outlawed for over 50 years. Various loopholes, liberal interpretations and relaxed enforcement of the laws have allowed this discreet service industry to become Japan’s second largest, after automobiles.

What makes these clubs different from ordinary strip-clubs and massage parlors are the elaborate designs of each room, and the range of costumes and services, all of which cater to every conceivable inclination. For example, the ‘imprint service,’ where customers can paint calligraphy ink on a woman’s body parts which she then imprints on rice paper that the customer can keep. There’s also the pantyhose ripping service where customers can choose the style and color pantyhose he wants the woman to wear, and for an extra $20, can tear them off and take home the torn material.

Competition between clubs is fierce, so the women themselves, mostly from middle-class, educated backgrounds, are the prized commodity. Sex workers can generally earn $140,000 a year, which is several times the national average.

These clubs provide a sexual escape from the rigid formality of Japanese society, in which office uniforms are commonplace and convey social status. In day-to-day life secretaries, nurses, and school girls are forbidden fruit. But behind club doors lies a world of fetish where, for the right price, forbidden fruit can be touched and tasted too.

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