From sex to childhood dreams, there are lots of reasons why some people in Japan are wearing tight-fitting head-to-toe spandex body suits, it appears.

The suits envelop the entire body - including the eyes - and are favoured by people who find the anonymity of the outfit liberating, the Japan Times newspaper reports . The costumes are called "zentai" - from "zenshintaitsu" - the word for a full body suit.

In Japan, many people "feel unable to find their role in society" and find solace by erasing their outward appearance, says academic Ikuo Daibo. Others, such as 36-year-old teacher Nezumiko, acknowledge a sexual dimension. "I like to touch and stroke others and to be touched and stroked like this," he says. Another member of Tokyo's Zentai Club explains: "I was always fascinated by hero costumes as a child."