“It goes without saying that one’s popularity determines income level,” says AV writer Tetsuo Kokko. “An actress who belongs to any particular label will usually have one job a month, which means working maybe two or three days to shoot a film. These days, it is hard to find any girl whose income exceeds one million yen a month.”

The types of actresses receiving attention are those who go solo and are featured in features with themes tailored toward a particular genre.

“These films may lead to an annual income exceeding 100 million yen a year,” the writer continues. “Shooting usually lasts only a day so this is the optimal way to earn money. However, the hours are longer and the content usually demands that the performance be at a higher level.

“It consumes one’s energy,” Kokko continues, “and you usually see only one or two actresses per year who can manage this sort of schedule.”

Group shoots are a different story. “While the working hours are shorter,” Kokko says, “one can only earn 20,000 or 30,000 yen on up to 100,000 yen per session. Most actresses fall into this category.”

Shukan Asahi Geino believes that there are not many actresses who are earning the money they desire. While becoming a stripper was a common option for side work, patrons to such joints are now seeking different styles. Thus, the number of actresses hitting the stage in the buff has declined.

Becoming a theater performer or TV personality was once a common goal, but that is not the case any longer either. “The television and film industries are very conservative,” Kokko says. “With the exception of Ai Iijima, most actresses who dreamed of becoming TV personalities are deprived of that opportunity. Of course, this can partially be attributed to these actresses not possessing the required talent. Some of them, such as Yuri Komuro and Hitomi Shiroishi, who are already on TV shows start to realize this. They might then become writers or enter the music business.” (A.T.)

Source: “AV joyu ga fukugyo shita garu ‘gyara jijo’ ‘kikaku-kei’ hahito karami tatta suman en,” Shukan Asahi Geino (April 26, page 195)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

In the adult-entertainment industry, such a club is known as a nozoki heya, or peeking room, in which joshi kosei (high school girls) strip before customers seated on the opposite side of a two-way mirror.

The weekly tabloid goes undercover to give its readership a first-hand look.

At a club in a metropolitan entertainment district at around 5 p.m., a middle-aged reception lady greets customers in the waiting room, which by this time is already filled with men. The wait outside was 30 minutes, but is usually much longer, the magazine is told.

Pictures showing girls in high-school uniforms with identification numbers cover the walls. Young voices and giggles emerge from other side, reminding the writer of a festival setting. Entry to the club is priced at 5,000 yen, with personal selections for each girl running 2,000 yen.

After a bit of a wait, the scribe is guided to a small room beyond a curtain with a mirror. As if looking into a fish tank at an aquarium, six or seven uniformed girls in stockings or bare feet can be spotted reading magazines or eating snacks.

“No. 5, M-chan, and No. 7, please proceed to the window,” comes an announcement over the speaker system.

M-chan, who has been checking her mobile phone, proceeds to the mirror. She first bows and then flips up her skirt to offer a close-up shot of her surprisingly silky skin.

The next girl seemingly ups the ante by spreading her legs, shaking her hips, and posing doggy-style to show off her colorful undies — all performed without any apprehension, the writer notes.

In the next booth, there is T-chan who is diddling herself with her legs apart. Down the line is a gal exposing her cleavage and blue bra. Not to be outdone, T-chan then shifts to a rear-view pose right up against the window.

Fear not, dear reader, a supply of Kleenex is readily available at the club.

“The girls receive a portion of the fees charged for being selected,” says a writer who specializes in underground sex services. “They try to top each other in what amounts to a competition. Some may play with a banana; others will rub their private parts while wearing underwear.”

A writer who has expertise in businesses featuring high school girls says that since the girls do not undress they just receive warnings from law enforcement. “Plus,” the source continues, “shops only pay a penalty so they can continue to close down and open up again as it is more cost effective than selling DVDs.” (K.N.)

Source: “Joshi kosei ‘nozoki heya’ ero abunai yami baito jittai,” Shukan Asahi Geino (April 5, pages 212-213)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

Not exactly “How many in your party, sir?” but Shukan Asahi Geino (Mar. 29) is reporting from inside izakaya Shimanto, where the customers are as available as the Schezuan dishes.

Shimanto allows its diners to mix and mingle with one another and have their fortunes as related to love told as they dine on dumplings and noodles.

The tabloid’s writer is overwhelmed by the energy of clientele, and spots a group of three ladies sitting on the right-hand side of the eatery. He is provided a table at the back end of the room. It is a Monday at around 7:00 p.m., and about 80 percent of the seats are occupied.

After offering a friendly greeting, cordial smiles are given in return. “While I admit that I am engaged in konkatsu” — or marriage-partner hunting — “this place also offers fortunetelling,” says one of the trio. “So I came for both reasons.”

The fortunetelling service is apparently well known, and on this day there is quite a wait, so the writer continues chatting up the gals, who are all 28 years old and former classmates from middle school. “I am from the outer edge of Chiba Prefecture,” says one, who presents a striking resemblance to actress Erika Toda. “I was here with a senior colleague last time. This time I’m with friends. While we want to be evaluated but what we want to know is our love luck. I mean, can I get married?”

The chat goes well, with the crux of the conversation being about what types of guys they prefer. The scribe then plays what he thinks is a shrewd move by ordering sweets.

Time flies by. The next think he knows it is past 10 p.m., and the eatery is empty — a perfect time to hit up the fortuneteller. “You don’t have good judgment regarding ladies,” explains the soothsayer, who the writer notes appears to be nearly asleep or going through some deep thinking with her eyes shut.

“But you do possess a large amount of luck,” she continues. “I foresee you meeting many ladies up until April, but since you cannot assess them well on your own you’ll ask your mom to see them at the earliest opportunity.”

In the end, the writer exchanged contact information with the three gals — a sure sign that none of them had ever cracked open an issue of the magazine.

“I opened this place 18 years ago,” says the owner. “First, it was about me voluntarily hooking up random customers. Now, I am providing regular support services in konkatsu.”

He claims to have assisted 100 couples.

“The fortunetelling is the one based on that of our ancestors, obtained from a Buddhist priest,” he continues. The person will submit a date of birth and the location of his father’s tomb.”

A discount of 500 yen is provided to those interested in konkatsu activities for the special all-you-can drink and eat combo (regularly priced at 3,500 yen). The price can’t be beat, says Shukan Asahi Geino’s writer, who closes his piece by saying that he is looking forward to replies from messages he sent to the girls. (K.N.)

Source: “Dokushin OL ga atsumaru Tokyo Shinagawa-ku ‘konkatsu izakaya’ ni sennyu shita, Toda Erika ni 28 sai jimu no keitai wo soku GET,” Shukan Asahi Geino (Mar. 29, page 70)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

Komukai, 26, a popular pin-up model and stripper, released her first AV film last year through label Alice Japan. Sales topped 200,000 units, a whopping figure considering hit status is generally reserved for a mere 10,000 discs.

Shukan Asahi Geino says that the business is being influenced by the “Minako Komukai effect,” whereby AV producers are seeking big-name talent from other areas of entertainment to make AV appearances.

“AV labels had previously been targeting various big names, perhaps former celebrities, idols or actresses, from the entertainment industry to make appearances,” says an employee at a production company. “But Komukai’s impact has been tremendous, reaching mega-hit status. Makers and producers are now running around looking for Minako Komukai II.”

Tokyo Sports (Feb. 7), on page one, first reported that the 39-year-old Takaoka received an offer of 100 million yen from an AV producer to appear.

Speculation is now swirling around Takaoka, who Asagei says is suffering through challenging times.

“She gave birth to her third child in September,” says an entertainment writer at a sports paper. “Her common-law husband ran out on her, leaving behind massive debts. So she that, three kids, and her mother in one house — and it all rests on her shoulders.”

Komukai, for her part, also endured various difficulties before releasing her first film, including multiple arrests for drug violations.

In 2006, Takaoka appeared nude in a book (“Time Difference”) by renowned photographer Kishin Shinoyama. The magazine says that if the actress decides to take the next step it will not only clear her financial trouble but open her up to new directions in life.

“Over the past 10 years her priority has been with raising her children. She has shied away from sexy roles,” says a source quoted by the magazine. “However, her oldest son is fully grown. The offer is also within her line of work. So there is no real reason for her to refuse.” (K.N.)

Source: “Bijotachi no kakutei shinkoku Takaoka Saki ’1 oku en AV’ shuroku kobo,” Shukan Asahi Geino (Feb. 23)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

“A member of management kept repeating that it would be best for the team if he left, and allegedly these sentiments are shared by many in management,” says an individual associated with the Fighters.

The ace compiled an 18-7 record and a 1.44 ERA and a 276/36 K/BB ratio over 232 innings this past season with the Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball’s Pacific League. Yet, the hurler, who in January signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the Rangers, did not fit in with the team’s stance on the need for self-sacrifice.

“Darvish became unbeatable in Japan,” says the same individual, “and he was saying that the only move he can make is to go to the Major Leagues. If that was in fact the case, he should have declared this outright, but he instead kept everything undecided for a month, thus causing a negative effect on the team.”

The source continues to say that one coach said that the team does not need a player whose focus is on himself. While some players worshiped him, he seemed a bit pompous and isolated, believes the tabloid.

“It is a concern that he is not showing a keen interest in what it means to be playing in MLB, and he is also lacking the attitude to learn,” says a desk editor at a sports paper. “Obviously, MLB does not believe it to be healthy example for young kids when Darvish arrived wearing a T-shirt promoting illicit drugs. Did he not know that the team’s clean-up hitter (Josh) Hamilton is struggling with drug problems? After getting that fat contract, you would think he would want to make friends with his teammates first.”

Yet if he can dominate the American League, the critics will be silenced, says the tabloid.

Yoko Umeda, a U.S.-based sports journalist, however, predicts a tough beginning for him, citing the difference between the balls used in MLB and NPB as a concern.

“Even if he has been practicing with the MLB ball, a pitcher like him, who relies on a variety off-speed pitches, usually gets panicked with the difference humidity levels that exist across the U.S. (Hideo) Nomo and (Kazuhiro) Sasaki struggled. It will depend on whether he can overcome that during the first four or five months.”

Nonetheless, expectations are high for the rookie, who received the highest posting bid ($51.7 million) in history.

Yuichi Setsumaru, a sports announcer who covered the Rangers during their back-to-back AL Championship titles over the past two seasons, has strong faith that Darvish will fair well. “Local writers were so excited to have him join the team after the repeat, believing he will only make them stronger and lead to a real dynasty.”

The announcer views the Texas media’s reputation for being more friendly, as opposed to cities like New York or Los Angeles, as a plus for the pitcher. “We know he is good, so I hope to see him showcase the strength of Japanese baseball.” (K.N.)

Source: “Darubisshu Yu wo nerau ‘Koga Miho vs Asuka Kirara’ ‘kono chiimu ni ha hairanai,” Shukan Asahi Geino (Feb. 16)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

The ruling requires the 46-year-old lawmaker and the other defendants, including her brother, Kenji Hashimoto, 41, her mother, and lottery ticket sales firm New Lottery Service, to pay 15 million yen and accrued interest over a five-year period to the victim.

In June 2010, Hashimoto, was arrested for allegedly defrauding the 45-year-old plaintiff, a resident of Tokyo, out of 4 million yen in a fictitious transfer of rights to lottery ticket sales booths. Hashimoto is still on trial.

In December 2003, the plaintiff loaned 15 million yen to the New Lottery Service, for which Hashimoto was a managing director. “Komiyama was there and said, ‘Since I am here to act as an overseer there is nothing to worry about,’ the plaintiff said. “She guaranteed the return of the loan in full. She even signed on as a co-signer. With her father (Jushiro Komiyama) being a former posts and telecommunications minister, I trusted her words.”

During the trial, Komiyama denied using her registered stamp and placing her signature on the documents. The court, however, concluded otherwise.

After the due date for the loan arrived, the plaintiff asked for the payback of the 15 million yen. Hashimoto, however, repeatedly asked for more time. Finally, Hashimoto said, “We cannot pay you back so we will transfer rights to sell lottery tickets. You will be able to generate income that way automatically.”

But the right to sell lottery tickets means transferring the ownership of a lottery ticket booth, which is prohibited by law.

Komiyama is best known for being one of “Ozawa girls,” a title that refers to the group of attractive female candidates dispatched to minor constituencies under the guidance of the DPJ’s scandal-plagued Secretary General, Ichiro Ozawa, for 2009′s lower house election. Komiyama was elected to the House of Representatives that year in Saitama District 7.

Shukan Asahi Geino speculates that the diet member’s political power was used as leverage in crafting the fraud. In the end, the plaintiff never received the promised lottery ticket rights.

“The brother kept collecting money from people even before the time he met the plaintiff,” says a Journalist who viewed the trial. “The total should reach two billion yen. According to the victims, he kept saying that things would turn around once his sister is elected.”

The writer adds that people associated with Komiyama said some money was allocated for her political activities: “Every time there was an election, talks centered around who will benefit from special rights.”

The verdict permits a seizure of Komiyama’s annual expenditures. Representatives of the plaintiff will file for repayment of the loan on February 10. (K.N.)

Source: “Minshuto Komiyama Yasuko Ozawa garuzu ‘sagi saiban’ de saihi sashiosaie,” Shukan Asahi Geino (Feb. 2, page 54)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

Shigeru Aoyama of Japan’s Independent Institute finds the government’s announcement in December that “a state of cold shutdown” had been reached regarding the three damaged reactors at the plant to be ridiculous given that mere cooling had taken place. “Actual recovery will be marked by Environment Minister Goshi Hosono or representatives from the Safety Committee working inside the nuclear plant premises and monitoring the situation,” says Aoyama. “The reality is that it will take a long time to complete real containment.”

What will happen to nuclear plants in the future?

“Japan will continue to utilize nuclear power plants,” Aoyama continues. “It is likely that Japan-made reactors will be used, not the U.S.-made models like at Fukushima. This will be considered a safer way forward. However, I am not sure how this can be explained rationally.”

As to recovery, something like a “bubble economy” will surface in Tohoku. “Sendai’s Kokubuncho red-light district is booming with both blue- and white- collar male workers,” says the owner of an eatery in the city. “It reminds me of the ’80s. Even girls looking for jobs as bar hostesses are traveling here to find jobs. One hostess is apparently pulling in five million yen a month. It won’t be long to see someone doubling that figure.”

On the other hand, Tohoku is still experiencing aftershocks. Will the Big One come?

Professor Masaaki Kimura of Ryukyu University had offered warnings prior to the earthquake of March 11. He predicts an earthquake exceeding magnitude 6.5 will occur beneath the waters of the Japan Trench. “We expect to see a tsunami develop, centering around Tokyo and extending from Chiba to Okinawa,” the professor says.

Some are speculating a magnitude-8 level quake, adds Shukan Asahi Geino, which is keeping its optimism in check for the foreseeable future. (K.N.)

Source: “Boso oki jishin de M8 Heisei Kanto daishinsai ga okiru hisaichi baburu de gesshu 1000 man yen hosutesu ga shuggen,” Shukan Asahi Geino (Jan. 12, page 51)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

The classic one-click spam from adult-oriented sites are becoming wide spread, says an editor from an IT magazine. “Just as we still remember that there a large number of victims when personal computers and mobile phones became hits,” the source says, “criminals are also taking advantage of the increase in popularity of smart phones.”

The editor says that the major issue is that younger generations are not familiar with one-click spam. “Middle school and high school kids click once and become victims,” says the editor. “In addition to leaking his or her email address, an invoice asking for 50,000 yen will follow. Fearing to be caught by their parents, they just pay.”

Needless to say one should simply discard such spam. It is, however, understandable that these kids become panicked as they have no knowledge of how these scams work.

Chek Li, a journalist with knowledge of the scams, says that the number of victims varies depending on the smartphone model. “It is difficult for those with an Android 2.1 to distinguish server verification forms and signatures to approve payment. It makes it easier for those committing crimes to run their scams. Manufacturers noticed this and upgraded the security for the Android 2.2. While I am mot encouraging people to switch phones, guardians should provide kids with higher security measures.”

What if one is victimized? The previously quoted editor says not to panic. “While the scam site will have sent a message indicating that your information has been leaked, as long as you don’t access it again, they will mot obtain anything further. If they are persistent, then go to a consumer affairs agency or something similar.”

Still, the scams change all the time. “With free wireless becoming a hot topic, this again provides opportunities for the criminals to obtain the information from users,” journalist Li says. “There is also a risk for making users involved in other crimes. Basically, a smartphone is a PC. Adults need to teach kids that the smartphone is a different level of usage.” (K.N.)

Source: “Sumaho dairyuko no kagede erosaito sagi ga oko chugakusei wo hyoteki ni 5 man en harae to odoshi meeru ga…” Shukan Asahi Geino (Dec. 22, page 70)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

Dubbed the “fuzoku bubble,” the period largely began with the establishment of Monroe Walk in Kyoto in June 1980. It was the first no-pan kissa, or coffee shop in which women do not wear under garments. Other similar establishments opened in Osaka and Tokyo later that same year.

The shops featured topless waitresses in mini-skirts and stockings parading across a reflective flooring with fans to serve coffee for between 1,500 and 2,000 yen. A second boom occurred in 1984, when services were upped to include hand-jobs in private rooms for an additional 2,000 yen.

The nozoki heya made its debut in Osaka in 1981. The clubs offered a series of small private rooms with two-way mirrors that surrounded a large stage. For 2,000 yen, customers were able to view a highly sensual performance by a naked woman. Tissues were provided, and an additional 2,000-yen tip would allow for a private hand-job.

This service was considered the progenitor of conventional “fashion health” clubs, offering hand and mouth services, that predominate to this day.

“The mainstream brothels didn’t allow customers to select a particular woman,” says a fuzoku writer. “So this new system resulted in a huge boost in popularity.”

Indeed, nozoki joints were not offering coital sex, but things quickly escalated to include such offerings thereafter.

“While shops prohibited full service, they did allow it behind the scenes,” explains another fuzoku writer from that period. “It was dependent upon the particular shop. In fact, some girls quit because they were able to hear other customers moaning in erotic bliss in adjacent rooms.”

The “mistress bank” called Yugure-zoku (“evening wanderers”) was established in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward in 1982. But in December of the next year, the establishment’s female manager was arrested on prostitution charges and operations ceased.

Until then, men paid 200,000 yen in membership fees to meet available women, who were charged up to 100,000 yen to register. At a meeting, the pair would agree upon terms of service.

The females, says another sex writer from the period, were not self-conscious about the arrangement. “Those who registered as mistresses didn’t share the notion that they were engaging in prostitution,” says the writer. (K.N.)

Source: “No-pan kissa aijin banku nozoki heya…” Shukan Asahi Geino (Nov. 24, pages 184-186)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.

“Legal herbs” have documented adverse effects, but there are no laws regulating their possession and utilization, which has putting law enforcement in a difficult position.

“America-mura is known to be an area for drugs,” says a news reporter covering the society beat. “There are 20 clubs situated there, an area smaller than Shibuya, and many often receive illicit drugs, like weed, from foreigners. Pedestrians are approached out of nowhere for possible transactions.”

Dating back approximately one year, shops with signs reading “specializing in legal herbs” began to emerge. Now about 10 can be spotted in one area. With prices in the range of 1,000 to 3,000 yen per gram, most users are teenagers and those in their 20s.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare defines “legal herbs” to be tea leaves that have had chemicals similar to speed or marijuana applied. The practice started to spread through Japan about a decade ago. When inhaled, the user will hallucinate or become physically excited.

A writer from a magazine that specializes in non-fiction stories tells the tabloid, “You can easily buy the drugs online or at shops. You can even spot them in Tokyo in areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro. It also seems like sales are expanding to suburban areas.”

Some are brazenly inhaling the drugs in front of police boxes, the article reports. “You cam spot regulars smoking and sitting on benches just outside a shop,” says the same society reporter.

While the pharmaceutical law prohibits inhalation, most shops sell them as they would incense. This makes it difficult for police to issue citations.

That might change.

Sales volumes and prices went up during this past August and September. “Suppliers started to unload inventories before a revised pharmaceutical law was to go effect on October 20,” the writer from the same magazine is quoted.

The revised law added six chemicals, which will force most makers of legal herbs to change ingredients. Suppliers were subsequently forced to clean out inventories.

“They also started to supply drugs containing ingredients yet to be regulated,” continues the reporter. “What is scary is that suppliers themselves are not fully familiar with these ingredients. We hope this does not result in a rash of health-related incidents due to serious side effects.” (K.N.)

Source: “Ame-mura de ‘taima modoki’ doraggu ga dairyukochu keikan no mae de wakamono ga dodo to genkaku torippu shite,” Shukan Asahi Geino (Nov. 3, page 58)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.