This video, from the upcoming Japanese PS3 game Yakuza 4, showcases in-game footage of a cheeky (or perverse) game of table tennis between the protagonist and one of the hostesses he has the option of dating. Its innovative game mechanics—which involve the counter-intuitive act of literally taking your eyes off the ball to succeed—are perhaps overshadowed by its more troublesome connotations (namely, the objectification of women and male domination). According to Keza MacDonald’s review of the game on the Eurogamer Web Site, the game’s sexism is not confined to this segment. “Essentially you pick a girl, and adjust every conceivable aspect of her appearance so that you can sell her company at the hostess club for a higher price.” Without condemning this game outright (especially since I have not played it yet), I think it is essential to understand what aspects of Japanese culture are reflected within a cultural artifact such as this one. In the riveting book Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan, author Jake Adelstein explains, “Host and hostess clubs are probably the most misunderstood aspects of Japan’s adult entertainment industry. They’re not about sex, they’re about the illusion of intimacy and the titillating possibility of sex” (p. 158). Does the sentiment echoed in this statement apply to the video in question? Or maybe even explain it?
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