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. |