Confusing CNN article about child sex in Japan

A CNN article about attract attention in Japan.

CNN: Fascination with Japanese schoolgirl culture hiding a darker side?

In this article, some kind of businesses were introduced as suspicious child exploitation. According to the author, some schoolgirls are working in the sex industry.

This article was translated into Japanese, and then it ignited criticism of some Japanese people. They claim that considerable parts of the content of the article are incorrect.

CNN shot a cosplay shop at Akihabara without permitting and made a hoax [in Japanese]

I am not familiar with this matter, but there is some misleading description of the CNN article, I confirm.

First, “Enjo-Kosai,” or compensated dating with a girl is illegal if the women are under the age of 18. They having a sexual contact with a girl for money are arrested. The government never permit such an act, regardless of the age of consent.

Second, it is true that child abuse victims are increasing in Japan. But, it is because more cases are recognized thanks to the recent activity of enlightenment. Anime and manga with adult contents are unlikely to be relevant to the real crimes. On the other hand, sex crimes on the internet such as “revenge porn” became problematic in Japan, as well as other countries.

Third, the author seems to misidentify a sex shop as a café in which schoolgirls are working, according to Japanese readers. Sex shops prohibit schoolgirls from working or entering there. Instead, some adult women who look young wear a school costume to serve the customers. In an “ime-kura” or image club, you can get sexual services from women wearing a costume. There are many “maid café” at Akihabara, but no sexual services are offered at such places.

It is surprising that, as many readers mentioned, no interviews to the shops were implemented. Some shoppers tweeted that their shops were shot without any permission. The author seems not to try to understand what happens in the real situation.

On the other hand, child exploitation sometimes becomes a topic in Japan, recently. Sexual abuse is not common, but quite a big problem. I also sense victim-blaming culture in Japan, agreeing with the author, while in the UK similar situation is issued I have heard.

Above all, this article is combining too many things. Sex crimes, JK business, and sensational manga and animation, are not, or very weakly connected with each other, in my opinion.

Japan is sometimes reported as tolerant to children’s sex. Recently, a report in which up to 13 percent of schoolgirls had taken part in Enjo-Kosai was published. It was retrieved later because of its incorrectness, but was sometimes referred.

Aljazeera: Paid dating with teenage students thriving in Japan

I do not think JK business should be approved as Japanese culture. I never permit sexual abuse to children. But, we have to recognize the difference of our sense toward sexual expression. Remember a recent case covering nude sculpture.

My past entry: Naked statue covered for Iranian President

Also, we recognize the fact that sex crime is very rare, even if there are some unreported cases, in Japan. I do not believe manga or animation have an impact to the number of crimes. Child protection is essential. On the other hand, the non-biased discussion is necessary to consider these matters.

My past entry: Sex dolls can save pedophilia?