Japan's Twentysomething 'Sexual Samaritans'

A growing number of young women in Japan are making a living by offering sexual services to the elderly and disabled in Tokyo parlors known as "soapland".

Rika, 26, is responsible for "barrier free" operations at a "sensual massage" parlor in Tokyo's Gotanda district, setting up appointments for seniors or handicapped customers by telephone.

"It's natural for human beings to feel sexual desire," she tells Shukan Jitsuwa. "I really empathize with the elderly and handicapped. Once a customer told me how sad it made him feel that, for the remainder of his life, he could never anticipate a chance encounter with a partner of the opposite sex. I really felt for him. So I'd like to do what I can, even in some small way, to cheer them up."

More here in today's Japan Times. Engrish-y list of "foreigner friendly adult service houses in Japan" here. Gridskipper warned of a not-so-happy ending for soapland last year.