Some desires money can't gratify, but for appetites of the flesh, there are ways in Japan to legally sate one's carnal cravings.

Like many countries, prostitution is illegal in Japan, at least on paper. Brothel-like "soapland" and sexual massage parlors get around these barriers.

And the overt, erotic services of the so-called fashion health venues found in Tokyo's Kabukicho district and the soaplands in the hot springs resort of Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, ensure that the world's oldest profession lives on, only under another name.