Greetings,
This past weekend, I stumbled upon another Japanese cultural/entertainment' adventure. Again, if you are looking for the kind of Japanese culture you see on television, I'm sorry. Walking around Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Umeda you can not help but notice the surplus of love hotels, ラブホテル. What an interesting concept - classy (no sarcasm, but don't quote me if you happen to visit one in Hirakatashi) hotels that you can pay for by the hour, located in high populated areas. Japan is truly the country of convenience.
These hotels are extremely popular in Japan; some filled to capacity by 10:15pm (true story) in the middle of the week. I don't necessarily view this as a sexual obsession in Japan, but rather an adaptation to the fact that many young adults live at home, and many Japanese homes are located outside of major cities. Even if the homes/apartments are located inside the city, they may not be big enough for two people to stay in comfortably. The sex industry in Japan likely also contributes to the high number of love hotels, but convenience is probably the driving force.
I am not saying that all Japanese are comfortable with the idea of going to a love hotel. Some Japanese, even young adults, still find the idea a little odd. Maybe I have become used to the idea, but I now compare love hotels to beer and cigarette vending machines. They are not sleazy in themselves, but I can understand those that are uncomfortable with the idea.
Here are some interesting links if you are interested/intrigued
http://www.hotel-fine.co.jp/ - This hotel is complete with point cards, prizes, 100+ inch projection television, etc.
http://www.love-hotels.jp/osaka/directory.html - just to give you an idea of the number of hotels in the Osaka area.
Take Care
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