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Dec 04 2017 8 Comments

Unwanted attention in Tokyo

The sight of scouts attempting to lure young women into some of the more murky kinds of employment isn’t uncommon in Tokyo, especially in the city’s entertainment districts. To be completely fair, however, each approach is done openly and in public. There’s no physical contact either — at least none that I’ve seen, anyway. But the men involved are without a doubt predatory and persistent. Plus in the vast majority of cases, their approaches are completely and utterly unwanted.

unwanted attention in Tokyo for a young Japanese woman

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Roy says

    12/4/2017 at 11:11 am

    How do you take such photos? I imagine it must be somewhat candid! You walking in front of them framing your shot, the woman casually shrugging off the persistent recruiter, perhaps picking her pace up, and then recruiter just being persistent! It’s ridiculous how big the pink industry is!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      12/4/2017 at 6:35 pm

      Yeah, totally candid. When the light is as bright and constant as it was when I took this, I tend to pre-focus, meaning all I need to think about is composition. Saw the situation unfolding in front of me, so very quickly fired off the shot.

      But yeah, it’s a big and varied world for sure…

      Reply
  2. MrSatyre says

    12/4/2017 at 12:08 pm

    “Hey, wanna make some money? Good money? You won’t have to do much. Just, y’know, have some pictures taken.”
    “Gee, I dunno…”
    “C’mon. I know this guy. He’ll make you famous. All you’ll have to do is pose with some other people. Some guys. Maybe, uh, y’know, press the flesh, so to speak. Put on a good show.”
    “Well…maaaaaaybe. Wait. What did you say this was for?”
    “The local councilwoman position. You’ll be able to affect thousands of local residents’ lives for the better. But first we have to get your pictures circulated along with a public statement of your policy goals and fiscal plans. How do you feel about the environment?”
    “No, I don’t think so. Sounds too sleazy. What would my parents think if they ever found out? I could never show my face again at school!”
    “Dammit, I already booked a meeting with the ad agency!”
    “What sort of girl do you think I am?! I’d rather do porn!”

    Reply
    • Lee says

      12/4/2017 at 6:36 pm

      Haha, the arguably even murkier world of politics…

      Reply
  3. Denton says

    12/4/2017 at 3:19 pm

    Great framing as always. I really like the colors too. But man, that dude needs to be told How to behave…… 🙁

    Reply
    • Lee says

      12/4/2017 at 6:38 pm

      Cheers. Lovely light and weather that day, which made things a lot easier.

      Yes, they are a very dodgy bunch for sure.

      Reply
  4. Debs says

    12/5/2017 at 4:49 am

    Ugh, what a creep.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      12/5/2017 at 10:13 am

      Yes, and that’s being polite. Always surprising how many of these scouts there are. On commission presumably, hence their horrible persistence.

      Reply

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