I don't agree with the connotation, but unfortunately there are negative associations in American culture with older white men who are into anime or other Japanese cultural artifacts.

Sure, there's a certain stigma attached to anyone who enjoys Japanese culture -- older white men included. But even then, one of the words that pop into my mind when thinking about said stigma isn't rape. It's weeaboo, nerd, otaku, geek, parents basement, neckbeard, etc etc etc.... I say that as someone who enjoys japanese culture from time to time myself. Not anime, but j-dramas, movies and their music. Especially their music. It reminds me of how music was here in the 90s (not as manufactured, still a lot of experimenting going on, etc).

Um... perhaps by sexualising a young girl?

I believe that's a picture of two happy people sharing a box of candy. I think you're looking a bit too deep into this one.

Honest question - what do you see as sexualising in that picture? (I'm not going to question the young girl part, but I think that depends on culture / drawing style / reception)

In Japan you have 30 year olds (and older) who dress in that manner[1] and behave in that manner and speak in that manner. It's just different --so viewing it under a western lens probably introduces misinterpretation.

[1]Just look into Rorita fasshon, etc.

I believe they're talking about the art on the box, not the picture of the cosplay girl holding it.

Two (seemingly young) girls, one of who is winking at the recipient? Plus this: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=candy

>Plus this: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=candy

It's a box of candy. It's not a metaphor for sex, it literally contains candy.

I never got a rapey vibe from my grandmother when she winked at me while sneaking me a bit of candy out of my mother's eyeline.

Maybe I'm the weird one here?