Definition of Lolicon

Lolicon is the romanization of a Japanese term that refers to the obsession of young girls, particularly in a sensual sense, and a mental disorder known as a "Lolita complex" that is a common motif in Japanese animation. It is a reference to the famous work by Vladimir Nabokov of the name "Lolita" and came into use in Japan after the translation of Russel Trainer's "The Lolita Complex" during the 1970s.

History

Lolicon has its roots in the "kawaii" style of manga that translates into cute. Typically, this refers to the young schoolgirl, a common costume stereotype of girls in Japanese animation and manga. The "hentai" style which translates to pervert is the actual sexual act in these styles of manga. In Japan, there is a specific distinction between the two, but to the Western viewpoint, they seem to mean the same thing. This is the reason why many Western countries have banned Lolicon art as a form of child pornography since some scientific data shows that it leads to pedophilia. While many fans of the style claim the exact opposite, evidence in Japan shows something entirely opposite.

Types

There are several forms of Lolicon that exist, including Shotacon that refers instead to young boys. Included in this genre are kawaii, hentai, and ecchi--all varying extremities of what the manga or animation shows whether cute, entirely sexual or mildly sensual. Lolicon is a widespread phenomena across all of Japan and is inexplicable in its popularity. It is spreading rapidly to other countries as well.

Features

Lolicon is usually popular around male white-collar workers between the ages of 20 and 30. The men purchase trinkets and other paraphernalia from Burusera shops that sell figurines, used underwear and other merchandise to fulfill their perverted desires. Schoolgirls that masquerade as prostitutes by night add to the continuing fantasy of those a part of the Lolicon movement.

Considerations

Lolicon is viewed by the Western mind as typically something of a perversion, and has been relegated to the designation of pornography. While this seems to be the case on the surface, there are studies that give evidence showing that Lolicon or "Lolita complex" is not an obsession with young women, but rather an obsession with flat-chested women.

Geography

As the Lolicon phenomenon continues to spread outwards from Japan, the legal ramifications and cultural reactions have been great. In Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, the Lolicon manga has been deemed child pornography and comes with the same punishments. Many adult bookstores in the United States even refuse to sell Lolicon merchandise despite their being in the pornography business.. Specialized stores, known in Japan as Burusera shops, have begun popping up in major cities in America and Europe, however, and the reaction by most Westerners has been far from favorable.

References

• Lolicon Trope in Television
• Lolicon Protection Petition of 2008
• A History of Shojo, Loli, and Harmful Books