Most major Asian and European cities have well-traveled Red Light Districts frequented by wide-eyed US tourists. Locals view the sport as a mere curiosity, or humorous interlude. Sort of an Adult Disneyland. Sex is simply no big deal overseas, and why should it be? Tokyo (and Moscow) differ is this aspect. There is a whole Underground of Sex Venues and corporate brothels not accessible to Americans. Not safe to even attempt entry. Pink Box offers a rare and exclusive glimpse inside the perfumed halls of forbidden lust. Tokyo's "Fuzoku" (Sex Industry) is a multi-billion dollar industry, tightly controlled by the Yakusa (mafia). It is very public, yet strictly off-limits to gaijin. It is legal? With a 400 year tradition under their belt, all is winked at by the establishment.
As the author sets the story line, Japan's society is formal, strict and polite. With centuries of social roles and traditional uniforms, the below surface sexual desires are too enticing for them not to satisfy. The sex industry is not only a product of society, but a part of society. Expressing no opinion, Sinclair teases you into the Japanese world of naughty to unbridled perversion in toe-curling photo essays of sexcapades. Almost voyeuristic. The menu of sex club delicacies take the form of breaking these rigid societal rules, with a common theme of fondling the cleanest, purest, teenage girls in off-limits role-playing scenarios. You'll discover surreal fetishes, bondage and softcore groping in dens of sin outfitted with one-way mirrors, kinky stages and elaborate sets. Clients immerse themselves in fantasies, from fake hospitals with nurses sans panties, to submissive hentai characters, naughty stewardesses and elevator attendants, disciplining teachers, secretaries and schoolgirls...even illicit gropings in immaculate train cars stocked with frightened, willing teens in short skirts.
Obtaining just a written in-depth review of the Pink Trade would be highly praised. But for Sinclair to have such a vividly photographed document coupled with interviews is quite extraordinary. She alternates snapshots from pure innocence to peek-a-boo eroticism in close to 200 crisp, glossy photos shot in 80 different clubs. One compelling, unexpected discovery; the girls' interviews bore no resemblance to the stereotypes so reviled by feminists. While Sinclair's publisher pressed her for heart-wrenching stories, abuse, and psychological damage, she found that it simply was not there. In every discussion she encountered educated, well-balanced ladies making conscious decisions. They enjoy their work, and are quite happy with their psycho-sexual choice of employment, to the tune of a six figure income.
Sinclair's erotic Orientalia photography is tastefully raw. It's both a curiosity and a turn on. The controversial undertones make this a great purchase for any couple looking for ideas to stir up the evening. As far as the text, Sinclair is a lawyer, and thus a highly intelligent, engaging writer. Now, if you actually want to actually indulge in these wild festivities in real life around the globe, this book will not show you the how, what or where. (For that, you need
The Hedonist: World Travel Guide) Pink Box is quite a riveting expose into the bizarre Japanese sexual psyche. Pick up your copy, and close the blinds.
