enjo kōsai

Enjo kōsai (援助交際, Enjo kōsai^?), defined literally as supported dating but often used as a euphemism for prostitution,[1] is a practice in Japan where high school-age girls are paid by older men to accompany them on dates and sometimes to render sexual services.[2] Most observers, especially overseas, regard it as a form of child prostitution, although it need not involve sexual activities. Most customers expect and attempt sexual relations [3].

Enjo kōsai is linked with the consumerist kogal subculture. It appeared after the end of the 1980s economic boom, and many observers believe that it serves as a way for young women to preserve the lifestyle of that era, despite their families' more difficult financial situations.^{[citation needed]}

Prostitution has been illegal in Japan since the 1950s, though the definition of prostitution is narrow — only genital-genital contact falls under the law. Special laws concerning prostitution of minors have been in place since the 1990s. Enjo kōsai has not been regulated by the Japanese government, as it does not fall within the legal definition of prostitution unless the client expressly pays the girl for sex (which is rare, given the indirect nature of the transactions). Because the age of consent in Japan ranges from 13 to 17, depending on jurisdiction [[4]], enjo kōsai clients often cannot be charged with statutory rape.

Role of mobile phones

The social network surrounding enjo kōsai is complex. Originally, most initial contacts were made through telekura (an abbreviation for "telephone clubs"), where male clients paid a fee to sit in a booth and receive calls from participating women, who could then set up a date if they wished. These days, telephone clubs simply supply paying customers with a list of mobile phone numbers to call. Alternatively, mobile phones can be used to participate in merukura, a similar system based on email exchange.

In popular culture

As may be expected, the subject is touched upon in various film, books and comic publications. The films Bounce Ko Gals (Baunsu ko gaurusu) (1997) by Masato Harada (set in the world of burusera shops and kogals) and Love & Pop (1998) by Hideaki Anno are good examples, while the controversial manga Neo Gōmanism Manifesto Special - On War, also address the topic.

References

• Constantine, Peter. Japan's Sex Trade. Tokyo: Yen Books, 1994. ISBN 4900737003. A good reference about the legalities of prostitution in Japan.
• http://goasia.about.com/library/weekly/blenjokosaib.htm

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