This is a location that's often fetishized in anime and manga—and soon, it'll be a fetishized for advertising.
The term zettai ryouiki originally appeared in the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion in reference to a barrier called the "AT Field", but its meaning has since changed in Japanese geekdom, now referring to that area of exposed skin.
There is even a scale that "grades" the various levels of zettai ryouiki. For example, thigh-high socks and a skirt score an "A", while ankle socks and a skirt would get the lowest grade, as they are not zettai ryouiki.
Attempting to cash in on this craze, a Japanese marketing firm is launching "zettai ryouiki koukoku" or "absolute territory PR" by putting out helped wanted notices. There are three criteria for prospective thigh flashers: You must be a female; you must be over 18; and you must have over 20 "connections" on your social networking site, whether that's Facebook, Twitter, or Mixi.
Males cannot apply. Sorry, fellas.
It's a one day gig, during which you'll wear a sticker on your thigh, and participants will get paid between ¥1,000 and ¥10,000 (US$13 to $128). You'll need to be photographed in at least two different locations and then upload those photos on a social networking site.
This marketing stunt is clearly a way to drum up publicity (it's working!), and I guess it's better than trying to get women to put stickers on their chest. I guess. There doesn't seem to be a shortage of those willing to partake, either. The marketing company has been overwhelmed with applications and is currently not accepting new ones for the time being.
これはつい見ちゃう自信アリ！ 絶対領域に貼りつける広告ステッカー「絶対領域広告（Absolute Territory PR）」 [Kotaku Japan]
