Clampdown On Overpriced Undies



Reuters bring us the story of Tokyo officials trying to halt the outrageous price gouging taking place in the lingerie industry .

Tokyo's used panty sellers are among the targets of a raft of new regulations to be considered by city lawmakers in an effort to protect minors from the Japanese capital's thriving sex industry.

Finding a way of preventing the lucrative trade in young girls' underwear, which media say can command 10,000 yen ($94) a pair at sex shops, is among recommendations in a report presented to the city on Monday by an advisory body on youth issues.

I don't mean to meddle in Japanese cultural affairs, but isn't this the very definition of a victimless crime? The young girls are well compensated for their former underthings ; the purchasers of such are more than willing to yield their hard-earned yen.

Operators of sidewalk vending machines that dispense pornography are also likely to be asked to ensure that sales are not made to minors by requiring that all machines accept a drivers' license as proof of age.

Publishers, as well, may be asked to comply voluntarily with a proposal that they wrap sexually explicit magazines to prevent children from browsing through them at book shops.

I think I can offer a useful suggestion to keep sexually explicit materials out of the hands of children. Remembering back to when I was a youth, said items were particularly enticing if they included revealing photographs of adults. But if these pornographic magazines were to limit their coverage to images that would repulse most children ---- namely photographs of other children, the problem would be solved and youngsters would find something else to look at.

Maybe the Emperor will send me a medal of some sort?

Posted: Tue - January 20, 2004 at 05:56 PM      

©