Red light districts are may frowned upon by societies where they are uncommon, unlawful or inexistent. However, in popular cities like Tokyo, the “floating world” is a norm. The red light district in Tokyo is located in the city of Shinjuku. The district was name Kabukicho, after a theatre that was supposed to built, but financial distress from WWII ceased all plans of construction. Shinjuku was first known as Tsunohazu, and looked nothing like it does today; it use to be a swamp. After the war, the city recovered quickly with eager speculators and entrepreneurs who believed that the modernization of the town will deem profitable. The business which started it all was a Cabaret. As time progressed, the city became much more economically stable; this resulted in the start of businesses that are there today, and which categorizes Kabukicho as a red light district. such as three thousand bars, nightclubs, love hotels, massage parlours, hostess clubs. Tokyo, is a grand city like that of New York. Night life in a city is important, being that it brings in many tourists, wealthy persons, and even residents. Although, red light districts may seem unorthodox and morally wrong, it produces much profit, and helps the country’s GDP as a whole.
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As Roshelle so eloquently pointed out, “floating worlds” have plenty to offer, in spite of their many obvious moral shortcomings. Kabukicho is no different, and along with its rich historic fabric, is an integral part of modern day Tokyo. Japanese author Hirokatsu Azuma said of Kabukicho, ““If you say it’s a scary place, you could be right; and if you say it’s a place where you can have fun, well, that’s right too.” Kabukicho is inextricably linked to Japanese culture, and has become synonymous with the type of raunchy fun often associated with some of America’s hottest tourist locales. Many locals have cited the rise of new hotels, various amphitheaters, and even some more family friendly locations like arcades. Moreover, the district remains a major tourist attraction, with its dizzying neon lights and endless entertainment. Ultimately, no city is without its flaws, but Kabukicho is a staple of modern Tokyo, a “floating world” worth being proud of.
Kabukicho is seen as a red light district however, there are many rules in these places that we might not know. As Rosshelle and Jonathan said, Kabukicho is filled with a lot of historical events that inspired this city to become how it is right now. I want to elaborate on how this city helps Japan economically because like all we’re thinking, how can prostitution helps Japan so much that it’s actually legal? In the district, there’s no set price and instead it’s all depending on the service, club’s size and the qualities of the prostitute you chose. There’s entrance fee, drinks fee, companionship fee and so much more that can cost you hundreds of dollars without even any physical contact with the prostitutes in one night. Naturally we all thought maybe these are only private services however it’s actually well known in the bars and these are the reasons why it helps Japan so much economically. A lot of bars do not associate with any foreigners due to the language barrier. Therefore, is prostitution legal in Japan? No. According to the law, a prostitute can not have any sexual intercourse with the customers.
As Wong have said in the comment above, the industry of prostitution has helped Japan so much economically that often times it is commonly mistaken that the industry is legal within the country. Although there is a law specifically preventing prostitutes from having actual intercourse with the customers, this law is not very effective and costly to regulate and maintain. Not only did the industry entwine its self with the economy of Japan, it has also blended in to the Japanese culture over the centuries. Most Japanese literature, novels, movies, animated films touch upon the red light districts. For example, business men are often written to be inside clubs after business hours hanging out with coworkers and telling their wives they are working over time at the office.
– C. Zhang
In Shinjuku, Tokyo, Kabukicho is the entertainment and red light district. A red light district is an area in an urban destination where prostitution, sex clubs and shops are rampant. In Kabukicho these places are referred to as “ Sleepless towns.” In the late 1940s the Japanese government wanted to build a Kabuki theatre in Shinjuku. However, due to financial obstacles the theatre was never built, but the name stuck. The area in which the theatre was to be built quickly transformed into an entertainment hot zone. During World War 2 the area saw a rise in its popularity. Today, the district is home to over three thousand bars, night clubs, love hotels, massage parlors and hostess clubs. Like Rosshelle and Jonathan mentioned sex work has helped grow Japan’s economy. Even more, Kabukicho convenient location plays a huge part of its success and popularity. A vast majority of its theaters and entertainment centers are located near major railways and subway stations.
I liked that Roshelle discussed how lucrative prostitution is today. The business grosses about 14.6 billion dollars in the United States and it continues to thrive despite all preventative laws. In Japan, prostitution grosses about 24 billion dollars annually and business grosses about 186 billion worldwide! I feel like it still exists today because the risk is worth the reward, especially for those who are desperate. I do wonder why prostitution is illegal. I feel as if its illegal because the business shatters our sense of morality. I also find it interesting that despite is illegality, prostitution became such a center piece in Japanese literature. I’m sure that its presence in literature has perpetuated the business and maybe even normalized it.
I find it very interesting that these countries consider this a social norm and that this brings in a big portion of money to the country. This is something that I have discovered researching about Thailand and it’s interesting to see that in Japan it is also illegal, but accepted at the same time.
I think what m.hernandez pointed out is very interesting about how prostitution became such a big thing in Japan that it could be seen in many Japanese literature.
Originally Kabukichō was a residential area which over time turned into a red light district, which brought a lot of shops to come about there as well as tourists. Economically it can be seen as beneficial, but it is also dangerous in a sense that a person has to be careful they don’t get looped into something they don’t want to get in.
Crime was and is still there in the district but in 2004 police went and really cracked down on illegal clubs and brothels.