Φωτογραφίες

I was wandering Akihabara in the early morning, having arrived in Tokyo after a Night Bus down from Akita. Akihabara is pretty empty before around 10am, when all the shops start to open, and after 6-7pm, when the shops close. This gives everyone limited time to find their manga, anime, figurines or videogames.

I happened across this crowd of men waiting outside on the street. They seemed to be aged between early 20s and some in their 40s. What were they waiting for?

I took a glance at a placard one guy had next to him, waiting for the object of their affections to arrive: a very young girl, who I can only guess was a singer. She looked to be about 15 years old.


This kind of "Junior Idol" phenomenon in Japan is a disturbing one. Girls as young as 8 become the fantasy objects of men in their 20s, or older. The term "U-15" is widely used to refer to young actresses and singers who are under the age of 15.


I left the scene quickly, not wanting to be associated with them or their interest.


Technical: Adjusted balance, contrast and brightness; cropped.