Just Looking: Tantalization, Lolicon, and Virtual Girls

Abstract

Using discourse analysis, I critically investigate the intertextuality of the Japanese subculture of Lolicon and Lolita representations; including the controversy around erotic anime called rorikon, and issues related to virtual child pornography. What was once culturally-bound to Japan, now influences popular culture in the United States and Europe. Inherent in the formation of Lolicon and rorikon are the discursive connections threading throughout the Lolita genre and the subculture of Loli-girls, which I argue serve to tantalize and further promote consumption of sexualized girl imagery.