Papa-katsu is a euphemism for the relationship between an older gentleman and, in general, a young woman or a juvenile girl which develops after an exchange of money from the man for companionship from the woman. This type of transaction often leads to prostitution. The watered-down word papa-katsu has, however, been gaining traction in the Japanese language, possibly because it seems to sound softer to the ear and, therefore, somehow more socially acceptable.
Women scouting for potential sugar daddies often start out innocently enough. Many begin while still in high school. A special investigative report that recently aired on the Japanese web-based news channel Abema News found that for many young women papa-katsu peaks at the end of their teens into their early 20s— especially among college students. A plethora of on-line dating sites now makes it easier than ever for Generation Z to hook up with a potential sugar daddy.
For many young women in Japan life can change dramatically upon entrance into a university. The pressure of entrance exams is over. Many experience a true sense of freedom for the first time.
Often it is the first time to really let loose and party, a habit which can be costly in Tokyo. Some resort to papa-katsu. Kaori, a twenty-two year old fourth year college student pseudonym to protect her identity , interviewed by Bengoshi Lawyers Dot Com in a recent story carried by Yahoo News Japan , explained that she started papa-katsu in the summer following her first year at college. At that point she had just started clubbing and was racking up high entertainment expenses.
Kaori had trouble managing her own finances and always seemed short on cash. She tried doing a regular part-time job to cover her new expenses, but Kaori was frustrated with the low pay and had difficulty waiting to get paid until the following month. Kaori found, however, that she could get paid right away with papa-katsu. It did not take long for her to get hooked. Riko, another twenty-two year old fourth year college student pseudonym to protect her identity interviewed by Abema News , explained,.
