Geishas, Prostitutes, and Sex Shops: Kyoto by Night
One evening, I was walking through Kyoto with Carlos. Every now and then, geishas would rush past us – you're not allowed to photograph them, it's punishable by a fine. Right nearby, on a side street, stood a row of prostitutes dressed as anime characters. Their 'boss' was standing close by.
When I pointed my camera at them, some of them turned away.
'Many of them are Filipinas from very poor families. When they come here, they might not even know they'll be forced into prostitution. Basically, they're coerced into doing it. They have no choice. They're under the control of the yakuza.'
'That's so sad – I've seen Filipinas sleeping rough in Hong Kong too…'
Right there, taxis are waiting for customers. The drivers wear suits, shirts, ties, and white gloves; the seats are covered in white lace; there's a distinct fragrance inside the cabin – it all feels like something from the past, from 80s Japan.
By the way, these taxis are also owned by the yakuza, which is why they're extremely expensive. You never know how much the driver will charge you at the end of the ride.
Walking a bit further, Carlos pointed out one of the city's most famous spots – a three-story sex shop.
'Can you believe it? On neighboring streets –geishas, prostitutes, and a sex shop, all right next to each other!' Carlos exclaimed.