Have you been to hostess bars ?

[Maciamo]

I am just wondering how many of the men here have been to hostess bars in Japan. I haven't (yet), but I know that there are different classes, from the cheap "bunny clubs" (about 3000yen to enter) to the exclusive clubs requiring an invitation and frequented by CEO's and high-rank politicians, where a bottle of wine usually cost about 100.000yen.

How is it and what do people do exactly (just chatting ?). Do people get more in more expensive places. Are the girls just more beautiful, or also more intelligent ?

I am under the impression that most Japanese men have been to such a place at least once, often after marriage.

[cstaylor]

I wrote the management software for one in Kannai. Yes, they charge a good deal of money for the booze and the time.

What kind of things did you want to know?

[Taro Toporific]

...I am under the impression that most Japanese men have been to such a place at least once, often after marriage.

Yep. Japanese wives have been known to pay their husbands "health" tab when the company or bribes do not cover it.

Ask the "Cap" who has written a 6 chapter book on the topic so far and is still has PLENTY more to write....
http://www.bigempire.com/sake/hostess1.html
http://www.bigempire.com/sake/hostess2.html
http://www.bigempire.com/sake/hostess3.html
http://www.bigempire.com/sake/hostess4.html
http://www.bigempire.com/sake/hostess5.html
http://www.bigempire.com/sake/hostess6.html

[Crispy]

I was advised to stay out of them just for the explosive impact they can have on your wallet. I do so like reading about them though, it's such a great concept. Women who will act like you're great and won't reject you because they're paid, without the shame of actually hiring a call girl. How can it go wrong? Sounds pretty good on the girl's side too, being paid to drink and lie, which many women would do for free anyway.

[tidbits]

[Crispy]

Well, one of them specifically said that part of her job was to make each and every once of her clients think that they were her favorite. That's a little more active than just sitting and nodding your head...

[Captain Japan]

Well, one of them specifically said that part of her job was to make each and every once of her clients think that they were her favorite. That's a little more active than just sitting and nodding your head...

You'd be surprised. The salaryman really wants to believe she likes him (that's 3/4 of the battle). Then add a little booze and, well, effort just doesn't play into it.

Actually, unless you have ungodly amounts of cash (and want to burn it) I don't think there is much appeal to the average westerner. Quite literally the girl is paid to lie, pour drinks, sing, and light cigarettes (that is what a wife is for, right? ). The average salaryman loves it (I guess because he can fill his mind with the illusion that he is getting somewhere with a girl half his age). For the girls they see it as easy money.

Many of the clubs have exclusionary policies (not just foreigners, but strangers in general). They get pretty snobbish. So you can't just walk into any old place in Ginza and expect to start drinking and singing. You sort of have to know someone and get them to take you. But that'd be the best way anyway. Just walking into any 'ol place could result in a bill that might run into the hundreds of thousands of yen (and should you not pay, you could find yourself in the trunk of a taxi later that evening).

I have sort of come to realize that this evening ritual, and the kurumaken that he can use for no charge at 2AM to take the taxi back to his home in Saitama or Chiba, is just one of the few traditional bonuses left for the average bucho to brag about to his underlings as the company further sinks into the economic muck.

Captain

[cstaylor]

At the more expensive places, many of the customers are wining and dining clients... they aren't all loser salarymen.

[GomiGirl]

I've been to a hostess club - was taken there by clients. It was pretty tame actually and the girls just pour the drinks and keep everybody happy.. but then we were at a fairly expensive one like CS mentioned and there were no illusions of anything sexual.

It was not the type of place that guys went to by themselves.

[Taro Toporific]

[cstaylor]

That and some of the customers think they can get away with stuff when they're drunk.

[American Oyaji]

There's a lot of CHIKANery going on at host clubs and hostess clubs.

However, lets clear something up.

There are SNACKS. (at least in Aomori). These are usually quite small with a manager (mama) and maybe 1 or if a little bigger or busy, 2 girls that wait on customers from behind the bar, but if it's a regular customer they may come from around hte bar and sit with them if they are alone.
The place is usually a bar and maybe some sit down seating at small tables that's not far from the bar and the seats a few people.
Usually the word snack is in the name of the place. Like SNACK OHZU (my favorite b4 I got married) or SNACK HAPPY. Sometimes the rest of the name is in English or Japanese.
These aren't hostess clubs, its just that only women work there because the main clientell are men. Usually low paid middle management or oyaji's that just want a drunk.

A CLUB is much larger and glamourous. Lot's of mirrors and at LEAST 5 women. And there may be a bar, but most of the seating is sitting at small tables, maybe surrounding a small dance floor. It also tends to be a more lively atmosphere because the women are trying to keep everyone upbeat and happy. Host clubs are similar as well. The clientelle also tends to have more money. And may are may not be better behaved. I have been groped and pawed by drunk women and sometimes MORE goes on at clubs.

This one lady brought in the staff of HER hostess club to the host club where I was sort of part time. There was one of her staff she didn't like and she told her to give head to one of the hosts. (now what guy is gonna turn down free head). She was angry at her because she said that the girl didnt know how to please a customer (it wasnt a sex club either, this was ijime because the girl pissed off a high paying customer who didnt come back. This girl hung out around a lot of americans so she wasnt as demure and coy as the mama wanted her to be.) So the mama was mad, and the girl didnt dare disobey because she wanted to keep her job. This mama was ALSO curious about the size of gaijin penis, but didnt want to do it herself, so she became onibaba and made this girl suck this guy off. EVERYONE was drunk and it was a WILD night. My friend didn't say no because it was free head from a pretty girl. However, he said she was SO bad at it, that she later tried to hook up with him (maybe a year later) and he turned her down. He said he couldnt even get it up.

Anyway, that is a very extreme story on a VERY wild night. I think there was a matsuri that week too.

Also Host clubs tend to stay open longer than hostess clubs and snacks, because the women tend to go THERE when THEIR work is finished. Drink at work and then go drink in a bar.

[Naniwan Kid]

Good advice, Oyaji. I would say:

1) NEVER enter a club without going with someone who has been there before and knows the place well. Especially as a gaijin.
If you walk in with one of their regulars they will fawn all over you. If you walk in alone they might call the cops. It's all about trust and who you know.

2) The girls on the poster don't work there.

3) The girls on the poster don't work there.

4) Don't let the leather doors and sexy names trick you into thinking something special happens there. These people are pros at seeing into your wallet with x-ray vision. If they consider you a "one-timer" from the second you walk in, expecy shitty servive and a high bill. Again, go with a friend.

[Steve Bildermann]

or more simply just don't go.

[cstaylor]

2) The girls on the poster don't work there.

Posters indicate a low-quality establishment.

[Naniwan Kid]

Posters indicate a low-quality establishment.

I am not sure how to define "high quality" or "low quality". The high quality places would probably not have me as a customer.....or if they did I couldn't afford it....

or more simply just don't go.

I think everyone should go to a snack bar at least once, if only to answer the nagging question of "What goes on behind those doors?!?" Many of my favorite (and most memorable) moments in Japan happened in snacks. Like pachinko, you ought to try it at least once.

[cstaylor]

"High quality" is at least 20 women working in the establishment per night, food provided by an onsite professional chef, a large selection of decent wines, real music, and the best looking women in low-light you've every seen.

Poster establishment: looks like someone's basement, food is brought in from outside, the customers sit in padded chairs instead of on nice plush couches, mirrors everywhere (yuck), and your wife puts most of the girls to shame.

[Steve Bildermann]

I think everyone should go to a snack bar at least once, if only to answer the nagging question of "What goes on behind those doors?!?" Many of my favorite (and most memorable) moments in Japan happened in snacks. Like pachinko, you ought to try it at least once.

I agree there's lotsa stuff you should try once while in Japan. I'm just suggesting that rip off joints and mindnumbing games not be *too* high on the list

[cstaylor]

I'd agree with that... I had to be there for the programming job.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Actually, I have been to a bunch of "hostess" bars. It can be fun but you absolutely must speak Japanese to get anything really out of this experience.

Taro maybe recalls a place called "Vacation" that used to be close to Chukkagai. It was also close to the American House. Do you remember that place Taro? I was there all the time. Vacation was a young person's hostess bar and I would say the average of the customers was about 22. It catered to the college party boy type who played on Dad's tab.

It was alright but they were blown away when a foreigner walked in. After a few tries however, it was cool but I wasn't spending like the locals.

There was another place I used to go in Kannai called the "tomei kukan." No idea if it is still there. I used to tick off the mama because I would run out of cash frequently. I also used to frequent a place in Ginza (sort of close to Shinbashi however, but still Ginza proper). It was elaborate. They had indoor fountains and Jimmy Onishi played the drums (I could swear his name was Onishi but that is also the name of another comic). Anyway the Onishi I am thinking of would have to be about 85 now. He was a haffu and played jazz. Going to a hostess bar is nothing more than going to a bar with a bunch of your friends and having unusually attentive waitresses. Many of these gals are pretty and funny and are quick to light your smokes for you.

Also, I used to have a membership at the Esquire Club. I am a sucker for bunny girls. They had a decent system. Not a high end club by any means but a chain of clubs where the service and food were pretty good and always dependable. I used to go to the one in Ginza a lot. Also, mind you I was usually the lone paleface in a group. I used to walk into the Esquire Club and give my name as Yamada (they tracked you by your name and number). That always got a laugh. Having J friends as regulars can go a long way to eliminating blank stares.

It's a shame to do the Ginbura these days. I remember when it was wall to wall Rolls and Bentleys and long legged raven haired beauties in Chanel suits. They were made for Chanel suits. They walked like thoroughbreds in their heels. God I miss that.

[Naniwan Kid]

Going to a hostess bar is nothing more than going to a bar with a bunch of your friends and having unusually attentive waitresses. Many of these gals are pretty and funny and are quick to light your smokes for you.

Iactually used to work at a snack. The owners were a Japanese mama and an American dude. There was me and a bunch of girl's behind the counter.

You are right, the good places feel like Cheers!

There's a lot of CHIKANery going on at host clubs and hostess clubs.

This maybe true of the lower level clubs, but at most of the snacks I frequented the women stay behind the bar, any impropriety usually ends you up with the bill.

[American Oyaji]

There's a lot of CHIKANery going on at host clubs and hostess clubs.

This maybe true of the lower level clubs, but at most of the snacks I frequented the women stay behind the bar, any impropriety usually ends you up with the bill.

Actually no. I've been to both. And as far as CHIKANery, it is usually the regular customers. Not the one timers.

It's best to go with a friend. But if you DON"T, it's best you go in a suit and tie and that you speak Japanese. Maybe sing a song in Japanese (enka preferably). That breaks the ice REAL quick. I got to be a regular at one place and I ran out of cash once and I told the mama I'd pay her back the next time I showed up and she was cool with it, and I paid up. Infact, I usually ran a backtab, but I was always current. Every now and then, I'd walk in without ANY money and it was cool. I've been to a couple places like that. It's nice to be a regular at a place. They know your name.

The name I went by on the streets was Taro. The reason for this is the first Japanese girl I met in college gave me that name. She swears she didn't, but I told her how in the U.S. we pick names in the language we are learning. So she told me Taro. And that is the name I used while in Japan. If I went to my old haunts, that is what they would call me.

Anyway, back to snacks, bars and hostesss clubs, it's best if you speak Japanese. ALWAYS. It gets you into places that have signs on the door that say Japanese only. I usually ignored those signs and went where I wanted. Then again, most people knew OF me if they didnt know me personally in that town. I was the tallest man in 3 prefectures.

[Taro Toporific]

Actually no. I've been to both. And as far as CHIKANery, it is usually the regular customers. Not the one timers.... Then again, most people knew OF me if they didnt know me personally in that town. I was the tallest man in 3 prefectures.

I have to really agree with American Oyaji on both counts. I'm forever shocked by how little action most my bucho get at their hostess bars.

And as far as being a regular...it is kind of cool since "most people know OF me" by sight in Kanto.

[Steve Bildermann]

And as far as being a regular...it is kind of cool since "most people know OF me" by sight in Kanto

Most people know me in Nagoya too but unfortunately not in the same way as you

[Naniwan Kid]

Don't get me wrong, I would see some assgrabbing every once in a while, but that was only if the girl made the mistake of coming around the counter. And you are also right, it was usually the regualrs harrassing the newer girls, and not the one-timers.

I would add that if you are planning to go to a place on your own, at least ask around before you go in. Some places set up shop, rip a bunch of people off, then take off before the first month is up. Make sure it is an established place that you can ask a co-worker about.

[sideways_gaijin]

I went to a hostess bar in Chiba city. Was with a guy from Ireland who was desperate to "sample" the local women. Walking down an alley near the Washington Hotel a guy came up and said "you want to have fun with sexy japanese lady"? So we agreed and went it. As we sat down I realised that we were just in a snack bar, but my Irish companion didn't understand. After about 45minutes of drinking expensive whiskey he asked "when do we have sex?".....we then left

[Big Booger]

I've been to a couple. Most hostess bars and snacks are decent. Girls talk, laugh, and karaoke! Some kiss, some offer BJ services, and others are well, I won't get into it, but the levels are different depending on the place.

You can usually tell which places are crap, are filthy, and which are nice and legal.

[Shibuya Me]

After having read this stuff about these bar girls...I feel sad.

Sad because no one can see that the souls of these people
are crying out for attention from the people who are suppose
to be the most important people in their lives...

Japan is in need of some real deep thought into what they are
doing. I realize this is all deep rooted stuff...however tradition
does not mean its the right thing to do.

Sure I am sort of a country pumkin from the sticks..but what
happen to marriage and all that it means and stands for?

Welp, I guess marriage is just like Christmas here in Japan. Does
not mean a thing but everyone gets to eat cake.

Well...live and learn.

[GargoyleTS]

I went to a hostess bar one time, and there were all these cakes and pies. And they had Twinkies and Ding dongs...or was that the stag party in Frisco? Oh well, I will probly visit a hostess bar several times while in J-land cause I am a man who likes to have his ego stroked occasionally, and I prefer in small controlled doses.

[Naniwan Kid]

Shibuya Me wrote:

After having read this stuff about these bar girls...I feel sad.

Sad because no one can see that the souls of these people
are crying out for attention from the people who are suppose
to be the most important people in their lives...

Japan is in need of some real deep thought into what they are
doing. I realize this is all deep rooted stuff...however tradition
does not mean its the right thing to do.

Sure I am sort of a country pumkin from the sticks..but what
happen to marriage and all that it means and stands for?

Welp, I guess marriage is just like Christmas here in Japan. Does
not mean a thing but everyone gets to eat cake.

Well...live and learn.

Don't feel sorry for them. It's a job where with little or no education you can be gainfully employed, and actually meet a husband (as several snack girls I know have) and spend maybe 10 to 1000 hours with him before hand (in the bar) instead of the 45 minute arranged marriage date.

These girls know what they are doing, and most do not put out or get paid for sex (at snacks). Many are encouraged to date customers, but not put out, as why buy the cow when the milk is free? (According to the Mama).

It's not a cry for attention, but a cry for employment. I think it is probably easier for a woman to get a job in Japan than a man