WIT LIfe #121: Virtual Love

2010 September 1
by Stacy Smith

WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

A wacky article from the WSJ about overnight trips between otaku and their virtual lovers to the seaside area of Atami, not far from Tokyo.  Local business such as yakiniku (pictured above) and dessert shops are catering to this new clientele with special menus and promotional products, adding a bit of economic stimulus to this past its heyday region.  Hotels will often charge for two (for up to $500!) despite the fact that half of the couple is virtual, and the men gladly pay.  An Only in Japan story that I hope will be taken in context!

Related posts:

  1. WIT Life #93: サンフランシスコの日本町
  2. WIT Life #120: Domestic challenges
  3. WIT Life #149: 成人の日
  4. Good Economic News in Japan
  5. Good Economic News from Japan? GDP Growth
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