We’ve all run into Japanese animation at some point — the fanciful storylines, the impossible hairstyles, the equally impossible bodily proportions. Let’s face it — shorts that short don’t look that good on just any ordinary Japanese schoolgirl. Even Roxy would be shy about slipping a pair of those on . . . or off. But everyone in Japanese anime (except for the villains, of course) seems to be of unusual physical attractiveness — if you find certain ideals attractive. The long-legged, fair-skinned Japanese schoolgirl with a tiny waist and a huge bust to, well, round things out indisputably dominates the genre._ Roxy’s really not complaining. She’s grateful, in fact, that the innocent-looking but ass-kicking schoolgirl is a far cry from the geishas idealized in days past. With their heavy makeup and dreary robes, Roxy is a little confused as to why those women were so sexually desired anyway. But the geisha-schoolgirl contrast really illustrates a cultural phenomenon that seems to be typical of just about anywhere — what really matters is not what individuals find personally attractive, but what is in fashion in society as a whole. And boy, are schoolgirls in fashion in Japan.

_ It might seem that schoolgirls also have a fairly large fan base in America. The classic short plaid skirt and sheer white shirt look is certainly popular on porn sites and at parties of any kind. Roxy thinks that people just can’t resist the tempting fantasy of innocence waiting to be spoiled. At least, however, the porn sites and party get-ups don’t (usually) exploit real innocence. But it’s a different story in Japan.

_ In the Land of the Rising, um, Sun, it is quite easy and socially acceptable to purchase a real Japanese schoolgirl’s panties from a vending machine on your way to your respectable corporate job. Then, during your lunch break, you can cave into the temptation to . . . okay, not even Roxy is going to go there.

_ In general, Roxy is all about tickling fancies. Fetishes? She’s got plenty. Being kinky, naughty or taboo in her personal life is one of Roxy’s greatest pleasures. It makes Roxy’s proverbial sun, er, rise, indeed. But she sees a few things wrong with the situation in Japan.

_ First of all, Roxy thinks this must be creating a shortage of underwear in Japanese cities and towns. Schoolgirls are literally approached on the street on their way to or from school, preferable after a long day of gym workouts and lectures in hot, airless rooms so the panties are more “used,” and offered money. Say a student does this a couple of times a week. She’ll be fresh out of underwear in a few months, and Roxy finds that issue personally troubling. Think of all the textile workers pulling double shifts and the Japanese housewives rushing out to buy more panties, of the unused variety.

_ Second, why did whatever industry association that controls schoolgirls’ panties have to take all of the fun out of it by making them accessible in the same way that your corner grocery store is? Isn’t most of the excitement generated because you feel like you’re engaging in something dirty and secret, and, oh, what would so-and-so say if she knew? In Japan, you’re running to the store to pick up a jug of milk, a loaf of bread and some used panties. “I’ll take the yellow ones, please.” What is up with that?_ But finally, all kidding aside, Roxy wonders what effect this has on the schoolgirls themselves. Do they understand what’s happening to their used goods? Do their parents encourage them to bring home the extra cash, or deprive them of lunch money as security? Do they realize that their former undergarments, and to some extent, the schoolgirls themselves, are nothing more than sex objects for a random pervert on the street?

_ In many countries, there are laws against child pornography and other forms of exploitation of the youth. In Japan, however, this seems to be an underdeveloped concept. Let’s just pretend the panties are from real schoolgirls. What is truly the difference, at least as far as the customers are concerned? Let them have their fun, but without accidentally damaging the youth of the country. Or, Roxy will just sell you her panties. She can always buy more from a vending machine.