Do you know about the Hostess Club? In Japan, they are called kyabakura (キャバクラ), which can be translated as Cabaret. In these bars, men usually interact with a hostess, who is a beautiful and sexy girl. In these bars, you spend your time drinking while talking to this beautiful girl about everyday things or your interests. They are paid to laugh at your jokes, listen to your problems, look at you, and show interest in you.
Unlike other Western bars, a Japanese Hostess usually has many rules. It is not common to have contact with the girl or know her real name. They are like Geishas, present only to entertain without any type of prostitution, sensual dancing, nudity, massage, or touching. There are also Hostess for women with male hosts.
Read also: Geisha – Who are they really? History and Curiosities
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Curiosities about Hostesses
The men who usually frequent these places, besides paying a fee to talk to the girl, often pay for drinks for her. These girls also earn commissions on the drinks they manage to sell; most of the time, they order non-alcoholic drinks to be able to work normally.
There are other versions of Hostess where men can touch the girls (from the waist up) and have steamy conversations. These places are called seku-kyabakura or ichya-kyabakura. They are not common, as the government prohibits these types of establishments. However, there are many establishments and bars with sensual dancing, stripping, and even a bar in this style where you can grope the hosts. There are also “Snack Bars” where the girls are encouraged to flirt and serve male customers, thus attracting more and more lonely men.
There are various services of this type to alleviate Japanese loneliness. It was not just the geishas of the past or the current hostesses; the Maid-Cafés, Cosplay-Cafés, and even dating services with girls without sexual relations, just to go to karaoke or the movies, happen in Japan.
Some men end up spending up to 30,000 dollars a night just on expensive drinks or gifts for the hostesses. The salary of a hostess is great; they usually make more than 3,000 yen per hour.
The Different Types of Hostess in Japan
Now let’s see the types of hostess clubs you can find in Japan. Each of these types of hostess clubs in Japan offers a different experience, reflecting the variety and richness of the country’s adult entertainment culture.
Kyabakura (キャバクラ)
The Kyabakura, short for “cabaret club,” is the most common type of hostess club in Japan. In these places, hostesses are hired to entertain customers with pleasant conversations, drinks, and occasionally karaoke. The interaction is quite controlled, with strict rules about physical contact and the duration of visits.
Girl’s Bar (ガールズバー)
The Girl’s Bars are a more casual and accessible version of hostess clubs. In these bars, the employees also serve drinks and talk to customers, but the atmosphere is less formal and more like a conventional bar. Customers can sit at the counter and interact with the waitresses, who are dressed more casually.
Lounge Bar (ラウンジバー)
The Lounge Bars are similar to Kyabakura but tend to be more sophisticated and expensive. These places usually attract a more mature clientele, offering a quieter and more exclusive environment. The hostesses in these clubs are known for their elegance and skills in maintaining deep and engaging conversations.
Sunakku (スナック)
The term “Sunakku,” which is a transliteration of “snack,” refers to the most traditional type of Snack Bar. These establishments are generally small, managed by a “mama-san” (the bar owner who often also acts as the main hostess). They offer a cozy environment, almost like an extension of someone’s living room, where regular customers come to drink, chat, and often sing karaoke.
Aiseki-ya (相席屋)
Aiseki-ya is a variation of Snack Bar that focuses on providing customers the chance to meet and talk with new people. The term “aiseki” means “sharing a table.” In these establishments, customers are generally grouped at tables with strangers, facilitating new friendships and social interactions. Aiseki-ya often charges a fixed fee that includes unlimited drinks.
Members Club (メンバーズクラブ)
The Members Clubs are exclusive and often require a membership for entry. They offer a higher level of privacy and exclusivity, with highly trained hostesses providing personalized attention. These clubs are frequently frequented by high-level businessmen and celebrities.
Royal Salon (ロイヤルサロン)
The Royal Salon is a luxury variant within the world of hostess clubs, offering high-class services in an extremely sophisticated environment. These establishments focus on maximum discretion and exclusivity, with hostesses chosen for their appearance, education, and conversation skills.
Seku-Kyabakura (セクキャバ)
The name “Seku-Kyabakura” is an abbreviation of “Seifuku Kyabakura,” where “seifuku” means school uniform. This type of club is a more adult variation of the traditional kyabakura, where hostesses wear uniforms reminiscent of school outfits. The interaction in these clubs is generally more physical and provocative, although still within legal limits and with clear rules to ensure the safety and comfort of all.
Icha-Kyabakura (イチャキャバ)
“Icha-Kyabakura,” also known as “Icha-kyaba,” is a variant where hostesses engage in more affectionate and intimate interactions with customers, such as caresses and hugs, always in a controlled manner. This type of club focuses on creating a more intimate and personal atmosphere, offering an experience that simulates a romantic date.
Dohan-Kyabakura (同伴キャバクラ)
In a “Dohan-Kyabakura,” hostesses can accompany customers outside the establishment for dinners or events before visiting the club together. This is known as “dohan” (accompaniment) and usually incurs additional costs. This practice is popular among regular customers who want a more prolonged and personal experience.
Hade-Kyabakura (派手キャバクラ)
“Hade-Kyabakura” refers to clubs that are more extravagant or flashy in their design and approach. These clubs often stand out for their opulent decorations and exuberant performances, aiming to create a more vivid and memorable entertainment experience.
The Lie Behind Hostesses
The girls are just doing their job, but it is undeniable that men end up having fantasies or feeling happy with the girls’ work. Many Japanese are lonely and need people to listen to their problems and compliment them, and that’s where the hostesses of Hostess Clubs come in. They often say things like:
- You are so nice;
- You are smart;
- You are handsome;
- You are so mature;
But in reality, they don’t care about you; they are just doing their job. Sometimes it may happen that a girl is being sincere; some even managed to win over girls who worked in Hostess. Others manage to hire her for extra services ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) after hours. The fact is that many men end up falling in love with hostess girls, and since many are rich, they end up receiving various expensive gifts.
Working in a Hostess Club is not considered a bad thing. Most of the girls who work there say it is the same as being a waitress in a restaurant. The only thing a hostess does is talk, sit, and serve drinks. This job requires more psychology than maintaining morality.
And you? What do you think of this service? Would you have the courage to frequent one? Do you really think that the people who frequent this place are lonely or just looking for a place to drink and talk? We appreciate your comments and shares.
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