this- "Perhaps, in a society where women are gradually gaining more power and freedom, men are running scared - turning to images of younger and less threatening girls." (from an article posted by samurai8) is probably right on the money, even though it sounds harsh.

The whole gender roles thing in japan is offputting in my opinion, even though i have great respect for the country in a lot of ways. I do have a problem with this school girl thing, and the belittlement of women in the media and society. I'm a 21 year old Australian woman and I'm going to be working in Japan next year (or intend to), and this is probably my biggest concern.