The number of teenage prostitutes began to climb around 1974. By 1984 the number reached alarming levels and is still increasing (Morrison 3). National Police Agency statistics for 1995 show that 5,841 female minors were involved in telephone club liaisons or other sex-related activities. One quarter of these girls were still in junior high school. There was a 16.2 percent increase from previous years (Schreiber 86). The Tokyo Metropolitan Government survey of 110 schools in 1996 found that 4 percent of high-school girls, and 3.8 percent from junior high, had acted as paid escorts (Moffett, "little Women" 50).

Teen prostitution is not shocking news that Japan has just witnessed for the first time. But during recent years, the spectacle of teenage schoolgirls selling their bodies to purchase designer clothes is making many Japanese uneasy. Currently, Tokyo Metropolitan Government is taking the steps to curb the acts when adults pay for sex with children under eighteen. Laws to punish those who solicit prostitution with teenagers are being decided upon. But laws simply against teen prostitution may not be enough. Many of the young prostitutes are willingly marketing their bodies, most of them operating on their own. They understand what they are doing and indicate that they see nothing wrong with having sex for money. The problem is not only that the obsessed Japanese men are seeking out young companions but also the schoolgirls in uniform are enthusiastically seeking out their male patrons. In order to ameliorate the problem, the society will need to attack the root of the problem, working with and educating students to prevent further young girls from being involved in prostitution, helping to reform those who are, and, also taking actions against the promoters and "trafficker" of Japan’s sex-industry. Failure to act accordingly may eventually result in an increasing degeneration of morals and ethics in its young female generation

Currency: The currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), which is equal to 100 sen. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, but most Japanese operate with cash. Cash and travelers cheques can be exchanged in banks, post offices and currency exchange bureaux. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Travelers cheques offer the best exchange rate and are best taken in US dollars. ATMs do not accept all credit and debit cards; only the international ATMs in post offices, airports and some major stores.

Time: Local time is GMT +9. 

Electricity: Electrical current is 100 volts, 60Hz in the west (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima); 100 volts, 50Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo, Sapporo, Yokohoma). Flat two- and three-pin plugs are used. 

Duty Free: Travelers to Japan over 20 years do not have to pay duty on 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these (non-residents are permitted twice the amount); perfume up to 59ml; and gifts and souvenirs to the value of ¥200,000. Prohibited items include all types of firearms and ammunition, narcotics, pornography, counterfeit money, all plants and vegetables with soil, fresh fruit, vegetables, and plants or parts thereof.