Prostitutes' Union

The ranks of Japan's organized labor received an unexpected reinforcement last week. A prostitutes' union formally announced its organization to the Supreme Command. The new union was made up of house girls, including many defrocked geishas, who had banded together to meet increasing competition from unhoused streetwalkers. Its formation highlighted the plight of womanless G.I.s, and of Japan's geishas, many of whom, as a result of the war and postwar conditions, have taken to prostitution.

Occupation authorities still allow fraternization. But new rules have gradually narrowed the limits until the chief G.I. problem has become: how to fraternize. The G.I. cannot take a Japanese girl to dinner: Army messes are off limits to Japanese; Japanese restaurants are off limits to Americans. A G.I. cannot take a Japanese girl to U.S. Army or Japanese movie houses, to a swimming pool, beach, or his billet.

Even transportation is a problem. Japanese cannot ride in Army vehicles without written authorization. A G.I. can still take his Japanese date walking (in non-military zones), to his unit club (on special occasions) or to approved Japanese dance halls. Any public display of affection may subject a G.I. to arrest. He is forbidden to offer a Japanese girl a U.S. cigaret, chewing gum or chocolate bar.

Alfresco Freelancers. Many G.I.s still fraternize with roten imbai ("open-air prostitutes"), as the Japanese call streetwalkers. Hence the sudden union activity of the house girls.

In a neatly written English letter they explained their position to General Douglas MacArthur: "Through the kindness of SCAP, we reception girls were released from the restriction of freedom which derives from the loan with our employer. And now we have awakened to democratic ideas and are filled with hope for a free life.

"But against our will, we must say we can't provide for ourselves without continuing this calling in this place that has enough sanitary arrangements. For now have no ability and fund by which we can be independent and make an honest life. But we are all striving to make an honest life as soon as possible.

"And this time we have organized ourselves into a self-governing body, aiming at mutual aid, sanitation and cultivation.

"We shall be very happy to have your sympathy and mercy."

Then they asked SCAP to crack down on their streetwalking competitors.

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