After finally declaring a state of emergency a couple of weeks ago, the Japanese government also announced a series of financial initiatives to ease the strain on those suffering economically due to the coronavirus. The exact details, and perhaps more importantly, eligibility, haven’t been fully disclosed yet, but there is already a refreshingly public campaign to include workers from Japan’s varied world of adult services, as just like so many other industries, they have seen incomes plummet. It’s a group, however, that the government seems intent on excluding, citing the involvement of organised crime and legal issues.
What the result will be remains to be seen, but one person who doesn’t have to worry anymore is the woman photographed below. A well known old school face in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho red light district, it’s probably fair to assume that not only will she have retired from the business, but she’ll have retired full stop.
Jenn says
Oh my she sure is something! I’d so love to see what she looks like now! 😮
Lee says
Yes, so would I. Walked by this place and marvelled at the old school nature of the picture so many times it would be a huge treat to see what she’s like. Even better to meet her in person, as I’m sure she’d have some tales to tell.
cdilla says
One thing that I have noticed over the years from reading Japanese novels and watching TV shows like Midnight Diner is how accepted the hostess industry and, more importantly, it’s workers is. Which is a refreshing change to how it is viewed over here (UK).
That particular image is almost iconic in a sort of Warholian way and it doesn’t surprise me it has persisted over the decades.
You’ve managed to get a great new angle on it though. From quite well inside the establishment this time.
Lee says
Yeah, that’s a good point. Perhaps partly cos so many people are employed in the industry, but maybe also because there’s a lot less moral stigma attached to it. Just a job, basically. Hopefully a job that’ll receive the same help when it comes government handouts too.
Yes, it really is. It’s very special. I can’t walk by that area without having, ahem, a peek in. Makes me smile every time. Let’s hope it’s there for many more years to come.
Thanks. Happy with this. Think I got it just about right this time. Got all the reflections in, plus it’s just about narrow enough to avoid the distracting, bright and thoroughly modern additions that have been added.
PaulS says
Nice to see that they have a student discount price.
Lee says
Yeah, that’s always amused me. Common to see such reductions at museums and the like, but peep shows perhaps not so much.
C says
Great!
Lee says
Cheers!
Alec says
Seeing pictures like this it’s always so interesting to see how ideas of beauty have changed. It reminds me of an old beer poster. Thanks for sharing.
Lee says
You are very welcome.
Yes, it really has. The appearance of those on other signs and billboards in the same area are so incredibly different that they make this last remnant of another era even more special.
Rohan Gillett says
Over the years I’ve worked at various English schools and many teachers have been used in advertising material but received no compensation for it. I wonder if some of the businesses in Kabukicho do the same thing?
Lee says
Hmm, that’s an interesting point. I certainly hope not considering the slightly naughty nature of the photo, and how public it is. But that said, it wouldn’t surprise me…