You've probably heard the term "papa-katsu" (sugar dating), a popular buzzword that's gained traction in Japan in recent years. It originally refers to young women forming financially-driven relationships with older men, involving activities like dining, shopping, or companionship, in exchange for money, gifts, or living expenses.
Recently, a Japanese woman shared on X that she and her father have been repeatedly mistaken for being involved in "papa-katsu" when out together. This misunderstanding not only mortified her but also deeply upset her father. Her post resonated widely with netizens, sparking a wave of social discussion about the stigmatization of gender and parent-child relationships.
The X user, Asa (@assassin_chan_), explained that she and her father share a close bond, often enjoying yakiniku, drinks, and golf driving range sessions together. Yet, acquaintances frequently joke, "Are you doing papa-katsu?" Some even mockingly say, "Your dad looks pretty rich~ Must be easy money!" She lamented, "My dad is an honest man who retired from a teaching profession. Being spoken to like that is truly hurtful."
She also admitted that even if these people seem to be "joking," it still makes her feel humiliated. "No matter what I wear, I shouldn't be seen that way just because I'm out with my dad, right?" She pleaded, "Even if you genuinely suspect something, please don't look, don't speak. Please."
After her post gained traction, many netizens chimed in with similar experiences. One user recalled their father's hurt expression after overhearing passersby whisper, "Is that papa-katsu?" "I'll never forget that look... He's been the most loving family member to me since I was little." She added that she was wearing a vintage leather jacket her dad gave her that day. "Maybe it was a bit more gender-neutral, a bit cool, but so what?"
More netizens came forward, sharing how they, too, had been mistaken for couples or "compensated dating partners" when out with their parents or opposite-sex family members. One user recounted being asked by a store clerk, "What's your relationship?" when shopping with her father in fifth grade. She wryly replied, "We're father and daughter."
Many others pointed out that the problem isn't about "clothing" or "age difference," but rather the existence of a segment of society that can't comprehend normal parent-child relationships and always maliciously speculates about others. One netizen angrily slammed, "People who say such things to others' faces are worse than papa-katsu themselves." Another bluntly stated, "These people are just jealous because they don't have parents they want to go out with."
While some families choose to self-deprecate or use humor to defuse awkward situations—for example, one netizen mentioned, "My dad just says 'This is real papa-katsu☆' every time to poke fun at himself"—it still highlights the imbalance in social attitudes and the invasion of personal boundaries.
Ever since "papa-katsu" became a popular term, it has increasingly taken on negative connotations, leading to misunderstandings and speculation when ordinary fathers and daughters, or couples with significant age gaps, appear in public.
This has also prompted more people to reflect on whether Japanese society overly sexualizes and objectifies male-female interactions, to the point where even basic family relationships cannot be openly acknowledged.
via： togetter