Japanese Perceptions of Trafficking in Persons: An Analysis of the ‘Demand’ for Sexual Services and Policies for Dealing with Trafficking Survivors

摘要

This paper analyzes and discusses Japanese people's awareness on issues relating to human trafficking, based on the results from a 2006 nationwide survey on perceptions on trafficking and prostitution, conducted by the National Women's Education Center of Japan. First, we summarize prior studies on Japanese people's awareness regarding sex and sexual behavior, and then, based on the findings of our survey, we clarify both the conditions surrounding male demands for sexual services and the consciousness of Japanese society overall in supporting those conditions. Additionally, we analyze people's attitudes regarding different approaches to dealing with survivors of human trafficking. Finally, we discuss the kinds of information necessary to educate the public so as to help eradicate human trafficking.