What is a Host Club? The Hidden Debt Trap Behind the Scenes

Have you heard of the profession of hosts? Many of you may have encountered this profession in Japanese dramas or games.

For most male readers, there are few opportunities to personally experience the services of a host club, so there may be many who are curious about what being a host entails. This time, we'll give you a detailed introduction to the work of hosts and the controversies surrounding it.

What is a Host Club?

Simply put, a host's job is to entertain and make the guests (referred to as "princesses") happy.

Hosts usually use clever conversation skills to engage with the guests, making them feel relaxed and comfortable. In addition to chatting, hosts also serve alcoholic drinks to the customers. For many women, having the chance to drink and chat with a handsome guy they like is a rare and enjoyable experience. A host’s role is to do everything possible to ensure the guest feels happy and is willing to spend money at the club.

The Classic Host Service!? Champagne Call

One of the most famous features of host clubs is the "Champagne Call." When a guest orders champagne or other high-end drinks, the hosts perform a "Champagne Call" for the guest.

The hosts clap and cheer in rhythm, expressing their gratitude to the guest. When several hosts gather around the same small table and the same guest (referred to as a princess), the guest naturally becomes the center of attention in the club. This makes her feel an immense sense of superiority and satisfaction.

Operating Hours of Host Clubs

Most host clubs open around 6:00 to 8:00 PM and close around midnight to 1:00 AM. Due to legal restrictions, host clubs are not allowed to operate between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. However, a new trend has recently emerged in the host industry, with some clubs choosing to operate from 6:00 AM to the afternoon, commonly referred to as "daytime host clubs."

The target customers for daytime host clubs are mostly female bar hostesses.

Number of Host Clubs

Host clubs can be found all over Japan, but most of them are concentrated in Tokyo's Shinjuku district, specifically in Kabukicho. In this area alone, there are about 270 to 300 host clubs, making up around 30% of the total number of host clubs nationwide.

Number of Hosts

Around 7,000 to 8,000 hosts work in Kabukicho, most of them in their 20s, though recently, hosts in their 30s are also becoming more common. Among the male population in Tokyo aged 20 to 30, which is about 1.3 million, approximately one out of every 160 to 180 men is a host. In other words, around 0.5% of men in this age group are professional hosts.

What Kind of People Become Hosts?

Hosts come from a variety of backgrounds, but many are young men who are good at engaging with others and have strong conversational skills. Most are in their 20s, with a growing number in their 30s. Many hosts are drawn to the profession for the potential to earn a high income, but others may be motivated by the excitement and glamour of the nightlife scene.

Some hosts have outgoing, charming personalities, while others may rely on their appearance or unique talents to attract clients. Despite the diverse backgrounds, hosts share the goal of making their guests feel valued and entertained.

The Top Host in the Industry

In the host industry, there are standout hosts who are often referred to as the "strongest" or "top" hosts. These individuals are highly skilled in customer service, mastering the art of conversation, charm, and emotional connection with their clients. They tend to attract high-spending customers and can make a significant income through tips, expensive drink orders, and regular clients.

Top hosts are known not only for their looks but also for their ability to make guests feel special and appreciated. They often have a large following of loyal clients, and their reputation can help elevate the status of the club they work for. These hosts frequently rank at the top of sales charts within their clubs and sometimes even become celebrities within the host world.

Prices at Host Clubs

Below are the average service prices at host clubs:

• First-time price: Approximately 2,000 to 5,000 yen (≒ 427 to 1,067 TWD)

• Regular price: Approximately 3,000 to 7,000 yen (≒ 626 to 1,460 TWD)

  • These prices are for 60 minutes of service.

The prices above are for a 60-minute session. If you stay at the host club for three hours, the cost will be three times higher. However, most host clubs offer slight discounts for first-time customers. It's important to note that the prices listed above only cover the entrance fee and do not include the fees for choosing a specific host (nomination fee) or the cost of drinks, so the final bill can be significantly higher.

Average Spending per Customer at Host Clubs

Many customers become enamored with the hosts at the club and return frequently, leading to an average monthly spending of about 100,000 to 300,000 yen per customer.

The spending levels at host clubs far exceed those of regular establishments, making it a very unique industry! (laughs)

Controversies Surrounding Host Clubs

Although the host industry seems glamorous, the recent issue of "debt" at host clubs has become a hot topic in society. "Debt" refers to the amount that hosts can front for their guests, essentially allowing them to "run a tab."

In a regular restaurant, if you asked to run a tab, the establishment would certainly call the police immediately. However, host clubs not only allow guests to run up debts but actively encourage this practice. Even when hosts know that their guests cannot afford the high costs, they still use sweet talk to entice them into ordering expensive drinks, leading them to accumulate significant debts. Many women end up owing millions of yen because of their experiences with hosts, and they find themselves unable to repay these debts.

Can you imagine the consequences for women who cannot pay off their debts? That's right; to settle their debts at host clubs, many female customers end up working in the sex industry or resorting to illegal prostitution to earn money. The Japanese police are very concerned about the rampant debt issues at host clubs. Recently, they issued warnings to all host clubs in Kabukicho, stating that hosts using aggressive tactics to collect debts and encouraging guests to engage in prostitution could violate the law, and they indicated they would increase oversight of these establishments.

It's no wonder people always say that becoming too involved with host clubs can be dangerous...

Summary

This time, we introduced the host clubs in Japan. These clubs provide female guests with an extraordinary experience, allowing them to drink and chat with handsome men they wouldn’t normally encounter, offering a chance to unwind and relieve stress.

While host clubs are places that bring dreams to life for their customers, they also come with many controversies. Many hosts pressure guests into paying bills that far exceed their spending limits, leading some women to accumulate substantial debt, ultimately forcing them into illegal activities such as prostitution or becoming sex workers.

In Japan, there are many establishments that cater to men, but they generally do not allow customers to run up debts, indicating that the nature of host clubs is indeed quite unique!