BURUSERA

Burusera is derived from the English words "bloomers" (burumazu) and "sailor suit" (serasuutsu), and refers to the massive obsession in Japan with schoolgirls and panties. The trade in used schoolgirlwear includes whole uniforms, gym shorts, etc, but by far the most popular item is used, and preferably soiled, panties. Of course, there are no Trade Description Acts covering this trade, so there is no guarantee that the items bought have not been produced by a grandma in Yokohama with a box full of panties and a tub of yoghurt, but most sales include a photo of the schoolgirl along with the panties. For those who are more particular, many of the establishments selling the panties will have the schoolgirls themselves available. The customer chooses his girl, who then enters a booth with a glass partition, removes the panties in view of the customer, and then slips them through a slot in the partition. But the most infamous sales method by far is by vending machine. A few years ago the vending machines in Tokyo were shut down by using an obscure antiques law, but other cities have not passed such a law, so the vending machines still exist. Tokyo introduced new laws to protect minors, so the trade in panties of under 18-year-olds is outlawed, but the market is so big and well established that the trade has simply moved underground. A quick check on Yahoo Japan's internet auction site brought up 400 pages of used underwear for sale.