I am in the midst of researching my next story which will explore the world of Enjo Kosai (compensated dating). In Enjo Kosai, which originated in Japan but has spread to other countries including Hong Kong, South Korea and the USA, men pay ladies for companionship. The practice is highly contentious as many of the girls who participate in Enjo Kosai are underage and (if sexual activity takes place) the adult partner is guilty of child rape or molestation. Controversy also exists regarding to what extent the practice of compensated dating entails sex. It can, in some instances entail ladies accompanying men to caroke bars, having a meal etc, while other instances do involve sex.
Enjo Kosai is viewed by some as arising from the desire of girls and women to participate in consumer society. In return for company and/or sex participants are furnished with money or gifts which are considered desirable by the recipients. Others point to poor parenting and an abusive childhood as the key factors leading ladies to embrace Enjo Kosai.
This is a fascinating subject so watch this space. For an overview of the practice of Enjo Kosai please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enjo_k%C5%8Dsai
K Morris - Poet 
I understand that another issue is the number of young men in Japan who are forming virtual relationships due to the shortage of available young women. The new film ‘Her’ may be futuristic for the moment but probably not far off.
I will check out “Her”. I hope it is audio described (I.E. there is voice-over during the silent bits) as, being blind I find it extremely frustrating trying to follow programmes when the dialogue ceases. An increasing number of programmes, in the UK now have audio description but many still lack it. I remember talking to a colleague who has spent time in Japan and worked in a Japanese company about the attachment of some Japanese men to virtual girlfriends. While she didn’t dismiss the matter out of hand she did say that the media can often exagerate such stories. She mentioned a peculiar vending machine in Japan (I am afraid I can’t recall the details) and how the media gave it great prominence. In fact there was only one vending machine which was subsequently removed. However, having said that, if it is possible to invent something then it will, as sure as eggs are eggs be invented. So if it is possible to create ever more realistic virtual partners then they will be invented and some people will use and (perhaps) get attached to them.
Here is the link to the rather amusing article about Japanese vending machines, http://kotaku.com/5948143/japans-panty-vending-machines-the-unreal-hyperbole-and-honest-truth
Thanks for the reply – I have not seen Her yet but I hope will be accessible to all. Relationships are complex that is for sure – I am sure in the last 34 years my husband has probably wished for an on/off switch from time to time. I shall look forward to reading your blog going forward.