The numbers are in. STDs in the United States are at an all-time high. The Centers for Disease Control says that more that 2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were diagnosed in 2016.This isn’t just a domestic problem. Japan has been experiencing similar troubles with STDs. Syphilis infections have been skyrocketing, particularly in young women. But the Japanese government has an ace up its sleeve: Sailor Moon.Or, at least, that’s what they’re hoping. Late last year, they rolled out an extensive campaign with Sailor Moon’s face printed on flyers and condoms, in hopes that nostalgia will entice young women to get tested.
This segment originally aired Sept 28, 2017, on VICE News Tonight on HBO.