"Japan's First Condom Shop Flourishes Amid Concern About AIDS"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Japan's First Condom Shop Flourishes Amid Concern About AIDS"

United Press International (12/28/92)
Kenny, Peter

Abstract: Tokyo--A condom shop that attempted to open in Tokyo last year received strong opposition from landlords. However, after AIDS awareness in the region grew, the shop was finally allowed to open in the trendy Harajuku neighborhood. After only one month of operation in a country where public mention of condoms still embarrasses people, the shop is doing a booming business. Shoichi Ryuki opened the store, called Peaches, which features 200 varieties of condoms and has become a favorite spot to release inhibitions and learn about HIV prevention. Japan is in severe need of AIDS education programs. The number of new AIDS cases and HIV-positive people in 1992 surpassed 400, according to the Health and Welfare Ministry's AIDS Surveillance Committee, more than double the number in the first 10 months of 1991. The new AIDS cases have increased the official number of AIDS and HIV patients in Japan to 977. A recent poll demonstrated that 50 percent of respondents believed HIV could be transmitted by a mosquito bite, and 26 percent said the infection could be contracted through casual contact. Ryuki said that some of the girls he talked to said even if they asked their boyfriends to use condoms they refused. He added, "Then it occurred to me to sell fancy, humorous condoms which make boys feel at least like trying." At Peaches, more than 70 percent of Ryuki's customers are women with 200 to 300 visiting the shop each day. Also, the sales of fancy condoms at the shop increased from 25 percent of the total to 50 percent.

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