Hostess club
Hostess clubs, also commonly referred to as hostess bars are a common feature in the night-time entertainment industry of East Asian countries. They employ primarily female staff and cater to males seeking drinks and attentive conversation. The modern host clubs are similar establishments where primarily male staff adhere to females. Host and hostess clubs are considered part of mizu shōbai (literally "water trade"), the night-time entertainment business in Japan.
Customers pay for seating time, drinks and hostess company. The experience typically includes buying drinks for both parties and paying table or hourly costs, with optional bottle service. Physical contact is often limited and direct sexual services are not part of the official business model.
Prices vary widely, but costs can escalate quickly due to marked-up drinks and hostess charges, especially in cities like Osaka and Tokyo.
Hostess clubs are not officially part of prostitution, though private arrangements may sometimes occur outside the venue.
They are also linked to Bar and Nightclub Scams, particularly in tourist areas, where unclear pricing, expensive hostess drinks and pressure to order can lead to unexpectedly high bills.
Hostess clubs are most common in Japan, as well as parts of South Korea, China and Taiwan, typically located in nightlife districts.
See Also
- North America | South America | Europe | Africa | Asia | Oceania
