Media whips up fuss over S&M bar claim

First came what the tabloids referred to as W-jinin, the resignations of two female Cabinet members Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yuko Obuchi and Justice Minister Midori Matsushima on the same day.

The W in this case conveys two nuances: the first being double, and the second as the initial letter in the word women.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abes placid composure and quick response in nominating Yoichi Miyazawa as Obuchis replacement won him a temporary respite from media critics. But within three days Kyodo News discovered that, buried in Miyazawas political fund report for 2010, was an entry dated Sept. 6 for an outlay of 18,230 to Mazan, a bar that features sadomasochistic sex shows in Hiroshimas Naka Ward.

Miyazawa himself appears blameless, telling reporters he had never even heard of the place. While the public seems inclined to take him at his word, that hasnt kept the media from nicknaming him the SM METI Minister (METI being the acronym for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry).

The blogosphere was nevertheless determined to have fun with the latest revelation. One wag described the bar expenditure as having been for the purpose of SM seiji katsudo, coining a pun by substituting the kanji for seiji in seiji katsudo (political activities) with the kanji for seiji (sexual) to create sexual activities.

Yukan Fuji (Oct. 25) reported that Mazan has been in business for over 10 years and has, up to now, managed to stay out of the headlines.

Its a cozy place combining cubicles and a counter, that seats about 16, one of the bars regular patrons tells the tabloid, adding that two or three female performers typically make use of candles and whips in their S&M shows.

The shows, performed twice each evening, last 15 and 30 minutes. At some events, participation by up to three customers is permitted.

Customers arent allowed to touch the girls, and no nudity is involved, the patron says. Male customers are billed 4,000 for all they can drink, and females 2,000. The 18,230 receipt issued to Miyazawas office is likely to have covered several customers.

It appears that a staff member of Miyazawas office in his 40s accompanied four other people, a local news reporter tells Shukan Shincho (Nov. 6). SM establishments have long been famous for exercising discretion. For that reason, they are favored by academics, politicians, company owners and the like. As they are specialized places, what goes on inside doesnt get leaked out into the social mainstream.

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Media whips up fuss over S&M bar claim