Pink Box: Inside Japan's Sex Clubs 
asked by jerseymike on November 8, 2006 11:07 AM
In Pink Box, photographer Joan Sinclair takes us on a journey inside the secret world of fuzoku (commercial sex) in Japan, a world where kawaii (cute) collides with consumerism and sex.
Unrivaled in their creativity and the sheer number of choices, the clubs featured in this book offer their clientele every fantasy imaginable. Subway groping, visits to the nurse's office, and comic book character encounters are just the beginning of the immense list of possibilities that are played out in colorful playrooms for adults where no detail is overlooked. Sinclair's photographs capture it all, while an introduction by sociologist James Farrer provides a brief history of commercial sex in Japan and places the images in the context of contemporary Japanese culture.
Unrivaled in their creativity and the sheer number of choices, the clubs featured in this book offer their clientele every fantasy imaginable. Subway groping, visits to the nurse's office, and comic book character encounters are just the beginning of the immense list of possibilities that are played out in colorful playrooms for adults where no detail is overlooked. Sinclair's photographs capture it all, while an introduction by sociologist James Farrer provides a brief history of commercial sex in Japan and places the images in the context of contemporary Japanese culture.
Reviews
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I had the absolute privilege of attending the October, 2006, West Coast launch party for Joan Sinclair's, Pink Box. This book of breathtaking images brought together the absolute best in San Francisco's cultural and creative mix. The images that Joan has captured, and chosen to share in this book, epitomize the very best in culturally significant photography. Frank, honest, and shocking to some, their significance is never lost from view. I look forward to seeing something new each time that I reach for this photographic gem.
And the icing on the cake, I met Joan, and am now the proud owner of an autographed copy.
Not for sale!
And the icing on the cake, I met Joan, and am now the proud owner of an autographed copy.
Not for sale!
reviewed by learner on November 23, 2006 7:46 PM
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Joan Sinclair's revealing look at the sex industry exemplifies its essence - raw, provocative, and ironic. Joan was granted unprecedented access to these clubs (and given that she is blond and American, this itself is unprecedented), and through the lens of her camera, provides a detailed view of what appears to be an illegal, but tolerated industry. Her photos are genius - she has an incredible eye, and the photos are provocative, genius, and beautifully done. Though provocative on its face, her book is a cultural piece and is clearly motivated by her desire to illustrate a piece of Japanese socity and culture. It's especially fascinating that it was done by a beautifully talented American woman, and brilliant attorney at that.
reviewed by mattisboss on November 26, 2006 10:17 PM
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I purchased this book out of an interest in all aspects of Japanese culture as well as that of the international sex industry. It is a beautiful full-color book, with page after page of photographs of sex workers, their clients, and their highly imaginative fantasy environments. Occasionally we will see an image of an actual session-in-progress.
The book is professionally neutral, I believe, and leaves it up to the reader to have a reaction. Ms. Sinclair treats her subjects with respect and dignity, and quotes from both workers and clients are peppered throughout, adding additional layers and insight to the author's thorough explanations.
I believe it is the ideal ratio of text to photographs. The layout as well (as colorfully designed as FRUiTS, by Shoichi Aoki), I must say, is very attractive and heightens the experience of reading this book, whether reading alone or sharing with open-minded friends on your coffee table.
The neon pink vinyl slipcover is the icing on the cake.
Excellent piece of work.
The website, [...] offers a preview and an interview with Ms. Sinclair.
The book is professionally neutral, I believe, and leaves it up to the reader to have a reaction. Ms. Sinclair treats her subjects with respect and dignity, and quotes from both workers and clients are peppered throughout, adding additional layers and insight to the author's thorough explanations.
I believe it is the ideal ratio of text to photographs. The layout as well (as colorfully designed as FRUiTS, by Shoichi Aoki), I must say, is very attractive and heightens the experience of reading this book, whether reading alone or sharing with open-minded friends on your coffee table.
The neon pink vinyl slipcover is the icing on the cake.
Excellent piece of work.
The website, [...] offers a preview and an interview with Ms. Sinclair.
reviewed by faithfulone on November 29, 2006 2:38 PM