Pole dancing in Japan: a step forward or back?

There was a time when pole dancing was performed by one type of dancer only: strippers. Oh wait, this is still that time. But in Japan, where Western-style strip clubs are rare (the Japanese have much more sophisticated forms of adult entertainment) pole dancing has been gaining popularity, thanks to the general interest in Western trends.

While I have nothing against pole dancing in Japan or the West, it is a little disappointing to see it become so popular in Japan. The UK went through this trend already, which claimed pole dancing was a short-cut to female empowerment and confidence. When some not-so-wise entrepreneur tried to start pole dancing classes for young girls, the trend kinda went bust.

There is a place for pole dancing in Japan: in seedy Western-wannabe strip clubs. In gyms and schools? Not so much.