The Real Reason Behind the Post-War Surge of Panpan Prostitutes

Sex industry journalist Akira Ikoma writes about the “Modern History of Streetwalkers.” In the third installment, he looks back at the reality of streetwalkers in post-war Showa Japan, focusing on the “Panpan”—prostitutes who primarily served American soldiers—who appeared on the streets in the aftermath of World War II.

 

The term “Panpan” originates from the Japanese soldiers’ term for local women during World War II

There are various theories about the origin of the term “Panpan.” One is that it comes from the Indonesian word “plumpang,” meaning woman. Another theory is that after World War I, Japanese soldiers in the Saipan mandate territory would call local women by clapping their hands and exchange sexual services for food or goods, which led to the term “Panpan.” As the U.S. military occupied various parts of Asia, the term spread among the soldiers and was brought to Japan by American soldiers landing on the mainland. Japanese soldiers returning from the war were reportedly surprised to find that this term, which they had used in the South Pacific, was being used in mainland Japan.

Other terms used for these women included “Night Women,” “Panpan Girl,” “Pan-suke,” and “Honey-san.” There were also specific terms based on the type of customer: “Yōpan” for foreigners, “White” for those who served only white clients, “Black” for those who served only black clients, “Gomashio” for those who served both, and “Wapan” for those who served Japanese clients. Moreover, “Only” referred to women who served a single client, while “Butterfly” referred to those who served multiple clients.

The mass increase of Panpan women was caused by the social confusion and economic hardship following Japan’s defeat, along with the presence of occupation forces. The sharp rise in their numbers was also a result of the occupation policies by GHQ (General Headquarters of the Allied Powers).

In late August 1945, the Japanese government established the RAA (Recreation and Amusement Association) as a sexual bulwark to protect respectable women. However, due to the spread of venereal diseases, GHQ closed down the comfort stations in March 1946. As a result, the prostitutes who suddenly lost their jobs became streetwalkers.