There is a Showa-era (or perhaps early Heisei-era?) association of ideas—“mistress = no condom = the Pill”—so I’m somewhat perplexed when people heckle me (thank you) by calling something that “obvious” vulgar or perverted. Still, I suppose it may be unavoidable in the papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan) era of the late Heisei period… I find myself increasingly lamenting the decline (?) of the mistress tradition.

The fact that condomless sex is widespread—or becoming more common—in the real world can also be inferred from statistical data on sexually transmitted infections. This is correlated with the spread and normalization of compensated dating, including papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan). As a man, I find it difficult to accept the double standard of running a nationwide business that generates exorbitant profits through papa-katsu, or actively entering papa-katsu as a woman out of self-serving desire, while conveniently setting oneself apart and attacking only the inconvenient elements of that correlation. Mr. Saito says, “This isn’t an issue suited to discussion. Just keep doing it quietly,” while Mr. Joe pats me on the shoulder and says, “Now, now—if the women run away, there’s nothing left, is there?” I’m realizing that I’m not mature enough to respond as calmly as they do. Incidentally, I have sex without a condom, though I usually pull out. I imagine many people insist on ejaculation inside because otherwise they don’t feel a sense of completion or emotional fulfillment, and I respect them for being more logically consistent. Personally, though, I prefer pulling out because it gives me a stronger feeling that I’m “doing something I shouldn’t” and feels more thrilling. I’m sorry this didn’t take the form of a question. If you find it vulgar, please feel free to give me a good thrashing.