Anime Vice Anime/Manga News

Two interesting pieces here. First comes Japan Today, talking about “the dark side” of Akihabara-- specifically, junior idols, the teen and pre-teen models who hope to move their way up to the big leagues via bikinis and ice cream cone-licking.

“Insofar as the models do not expose their breasts or genitals, this is not against the law. But the way scantily clad kids blow on flutes and lick ice cream cones in front of the camera has raised eyebrows at home and abroad,” the article states. “'This is a gray area in Japan, but the residents of Akihabara and I find it reprehensible,' says Takaya Kobayashi, 54, a Chiyoda Ward councilman.”

But junior idols have their defenders.
 
Meanwhile, Sankaku Complex reports that according to a recent survey, 98.4% of Japan thought that “a ban on 'simple possession' of pornography feauring underage participants” isn't necessary, because such a ban would be “excessive.”

Now, bear in mind-- this was an online survey, and honestly, given that it seems to include real live child pornography as well as cartoon lolicon, I'm guessing 2ch and other websites got their hands on it. Still, those are really impressive numbers.

Now, this is an odd case for me in that I'm actually in favor of a ban on possession of real live child pornography, in theory. The more people are scared to own it, the less they'll buy it, the less motivation people have to make it. My stance on lolicon drawings and the like, of course, is that as no one is harmed in its creation, it should be as freely traded as any other pornography.

What do you guys think?