[RealJames]

It's been stipulated that those Japanese women who I befriend all come from the same minority of freaks and sideshows, but I sincerely doubt this as in my eyes they are from all facets of society.

Keep that in mind when I say the following:
I have asked very directly, and personally, several (I'd say between 25-30 or so now) women and girls in Japan what their first sexual experience was and at what age.
Either 13 or 14 years old were by far the most common ages admitted, and also almost always with a man over the age of 25, very often over 30 and more often married. They were always "willing" and it wasn't ever in an aggressive manner. Years later they regretted and felt shameful for their affairs or relationships with these older men, which were always secret, often even from their close friends. I can only speculate as to why they trusted me with that information.
They were all shocked to hear how many other women had told me similar stories, somewhat relieved to know they weren't alone in this, and then sickened to think it may still be going on in the same proportions, in that order of reaction.

When I told them that if a man had done something like that to them in Canada, that the man would be facing massive social ostracism and decades in jail, they were astonished.

In case you think I'm hating on Japan, this is one of it's flaws. American culture has far worse flaws (which Japan is devoid of) than this one.

You gotta accept both the good and the bad, I love this place knowing this happens.