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Hostesses

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Hostesses bid farewell to a customer in Shinjuku.

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My dear faulkmore-san, hahahahahaha, you crack me up! Again, who really cares? It simply isn't a big deal. Sitting, drinking with and talking to a man for money is not prostitution by any definition. What a man and woman choose to do after that however may or may not be and that is another issue altogether.

And my dear humptydumpty-san, hostessing may be hard, but no job is easy or it wouldn't be called "work." Get used to the concept now and it will serve you well for the rest of your life. Carry out whatever job (aka "work") you have with grace and the time moves much more quickly, you will not be as unhappy and you may find something better is just around the corner. Also, it will behoove you to never call your clients fools.. they just might be the ones who hire you in the future and it is better not to burn those bridges. Good luck humptydumpty-san I hope you can get over being so bitter.

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humpty, how long have you been hostessing now? save enuf $ to go home?

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Living in Japan as a hostess makes you feel like you are living in another world. The things you hear..the things you see ITS SICK. And it proves how Japan is still clearly male dominated. They walk in , point their finger at who they want to talk to or DONT want near them they snort, puff cigarettes in your face, grab your boob randomly and spit when they talk that it actually splatters in your face. You constantly have to have your back up straight and can never yawn which is VERY hard. The ice in his drink has to be fresh at all times and you have to fake laugh at every unfunny joke. Its very tiring to be there for 5 hours non-stop with your fake personality. No girl who works there will ever show their real personality its a rule in the game. They adjust their personality to every customer and the mama-san tells you how you should be like. What decent man would pay to have someone fake laugh at your jokes? A damn FOOL!

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Japanophile1...Love the rant in support of prostitution.

C'est la vie! The girls are just trying to earn some extra pocket change...

hehehe you crack me up. BTW prostitution is mostly legal in Japan. So maybe your opinion is the mainstream opinion.

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Frankly, I was a bit surprised by some of the reactions here. Who really cares if another chooses to spend his money on a hostess, at a cafe, at a club, at home, in the movie theater, the comic shop, on clothing, tea, beer, cars, watches, hand carved collectible items or whatever? It is up to the individual to decide on what and where he will spend his money and I'd venture a guess that almost everyone here has "wasted" their money on something in the eyes and opinion of another. Please everyone, stop being so judgmental. These hostesses make a bit of extra money doing this and it's okay. The men pay them and that's okay too. Who really cares? It seems to me that it's a fairly harmless way to relax and not really have to think too hard after what really may have been a difficult day. I don't see anything wrong with it, but maybe I'm more open-minded...

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liste, Steppenwolf and jerseyboy, both of you are right.

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Steppenwolf...Bully for you. I have been here over 7 years, and can proudly state that I have never wasted so much as one yen in one of these clubs. I can "have a beer or two and relax" in my apartment or a restaurant with my girlfriend having a real/meaningful conversation, not some canned dribble the gals are taught to spew out. But, if you want to spend your money to have some young gal tell you how good-looking/funny/gently/smart/take-you-pick you are, then go for it.

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I read these comments quite frequently and generally do not comment, but in this case feel it neccesaary.

I have been in Japan 20 years. I am from Germany and I must admit it, I go to Hostess Clubs sometimes (most commonly referred to as Snacks).

Not the ones such as in the Photo above with flashy signs and time limits but the more exclusive places in Ginza, Shinbashi, and Azabu. Admitedly they are not cheap, but the "Keep Bottle" system defrays a lot of the costs.

I have never been refused entrance, perhaps because I always go the first time with a Japanese friend. While there I speak Japanese, and make them feel comfortable that I understand the system.

Here is where most foreigners have it wrong. The Japanese are not neccesarily exclusionary, they are however very fearful of misunderstandings and feel foreigners don't know the system, based in many cases on bad experiences.

Many of the girls are students trying to make a few extra yen and won't rip you off if you are polite, there are of course exceptions.

Such establishments are good places to bring business contacts or just have a beer or two and relax without your university students by chance running into you.

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Nessie - I don't think 'while you're a guest, you'll be treated well because that's the all inclusive social rule. Social mores if you like. Once you become entrenched to any degree the rules change and the usual exclusion tactics are the norm' can be interpreted that way. It's the exact opposite.

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Cleo, I think he meant "even" those who are entrenched.

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yes, lets hear from some gaijin ladies who have done this, the ones I have met always whinge about it, what the hell do you think you are being paid for is what I say!

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Nessie - Nuts was telling us that the 'usual exclusion tactics' don't apply to 'guests' but kick in when you 'become entrenched'. I have no idea what he was on about. And I'm not sure how the kind of people who might come out with -

"We're just closing." "Members only." Or the flat-out: "Gaijin NO!"

would know whether they were talking to a 'guest' or someone 'entrenched'. Or why they would want to exclude an 'entrenched' gaijin, but not a 'guest' one.
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Nessie - Those are the 'usual exclusion tactics' for those who are 'entrenched'?

Yes, they are. Among exclusion tactics, those are the usual ones. Not sure what you're on about.

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I wanna hear from some gaijin ladies who have worked the club scenes like this. I know a lot of them on teaching visas pad their income with some friendly conversations with Japanese men. I imagine a large chunk of the ex-Nova teachers took their lessons to the club instead of doing it for hot meals. I even knew a Canadian hostess who made off like a bandit doing these gigs. Trips, video cameras, tickets to shows... you name it. She was amazed to find people from home thought she was a whore. Hmmmm... go figure. But hell, I'd do it if I could make the money these lassies rake in.

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Hello. My name Is pimpninja. There, u have met a man that doesn't want to experience this aspect of Japanese society. Dont get me wrong, I like japan. I dont even But I've always wondered at the fools who pay for sex when anyone with a modicum of "game" can get a lady at the club. Now I'm expected to pay exorbitant yen to speak to a lady? I havent the time nor the want to go into how many levels this is wrong on.

Pimpninja say, he who pay everytine woman speak, he soon broke.

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a waist of money

sorry, but it really riled me

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blue dress : "I'm about to hurl, I knew I shouldnt have sniffed that thimble of black nikka/water" black/white twiggy dress: "hope that pervert doesnt come back, his breath stank" mama-san brown oxfam jacket: " bow lower or I'll cut your bonuses"

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OssanULTRA, in my case I would call your comments partly true. Being a giajin, I would like to experience the full effect of a Japanese male, and be able to go into a hostess bar, soapland, happening bar, and all of the other places that have signs that say "no foreigner." But after my run through all of those places, I would not be a repeat customer. I may not be the best looking, but I do find it easy to strike up a conversation with a female, and don't really need one to tell me how great I am and listen to me.

As a matter of fact, I have met quite a few of these "hostess" women after they get off work. Many of them can speak some English, and do look for us "gaijin types" after hours to hang around with, and as one told me to be with a man that does not need her to "babysit him" and not need to be pampered. One friend of mine, a relatively junior guy in the USN was able to pull one of these "high priced" hostesses and marry her. Speaking with her and him, she will admit that she needed to get out of that life, and figured no Japanese man would marry her once they found out what she did.

So, I would like to dabble in that society without restrictions, but I would grow tired of it in about a month or so, and would see it as a waist of money. I have had better luck with striking up a conversation with these types of ladies sitting in Starbucks when they are on their way to work.

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For all the comments here suggesting that only JP men would frequent such places, I have yet to meet any non-JP male who didn't want to experience this aspect of JP society.

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Cleo: 'entrenched' my choice of word, yours to play with. Still, I stand by it; you live in a cocooned environment and it shows. Nuff said.

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Are there rules for bowing? The one in blue in almost at a 90 degree angle. I am just curious.

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Nessie - Those are the 'usual exclusion tactics' for those who are 'entrenched'?

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sad commentary on japan, japanese men, japanese women and the culture of drinking til you almost fall over because you can`t stand your life. oh well, i like my life and so does my husband. he took me to a snack once. that was enough. yuck.

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I've been 'entrenched' a long time now, and in my experience that sentence is rubbish. I've no idea what the 'usual exclusion tactics' are.

"We're just closing." "Members only."

Or the flat-out:

"Gaijin NO!"

There's a ramen shop in Sapporo that's mysteriously closing any time foreigners show up. Don't know the name, but we call it Sabetsu Ramen.

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I hate the whole pretentious bullcrap that comes from the mouths of these women! And how in the hell are these bars not prosecuted for price gouging? I mean...seriously...some poor sucker pays $160 for a bottle of cheap whisky that you can buy in 7/11 for $4, and then pays $20 an hour or more to sit there and drink it - from a tiny glass that wouldn't quench the thirst of an ant, with water mixed in!

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the girl in blue is a little.... hefty if you ask me

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That girl in the blue dress is just drunk, that's all. The more drunk, the more uncontrollable their bows are.

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Has the one in the black and white dress got a matching white nose!

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To Sarge:

That's a serious bow by the hostess in the blue dress.

BINGOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I have been in situations where I saw that kind of "bow". Seeing it sent a shiver down my back.

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thanks ah so! www.tokyorealtime.com

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That is a great photo. I hope we will continue to see more pictures of Tokyo life like this. It makes a pleasant change from pictures of grinning celebrities.

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What kind of losers pay money just to talk to girls?

Ultimately, ALL men pay money to talk to girls. It's only a matter of WHEN you pay...

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Some of my Japanese clients are so wildly enthusiastic about going to "kyabakura", it's quite pathetic really. I've been to quite a few and chatted to some pretty girls, but it's all so artificial and superficial. Nothing like getting drunk and picking up a girl in a nightclub or pub somewhere...

Whoever is saying the girl(s) in the photo are "stunning" must have been stuck on an island with only monks for company. Or Saitama

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Think about it, you're in your 40's, no hope of a promotion, balding, >unfit, smoke 40 a day, lazy, married with 2.4 kids and an annoying >little dog that the wife adores. If he doesn't pay for it, he ain't >likely to get it.

...priceless

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Actually, I lived in Germany for over three years and now Hong Kong for about 14 years. I find there will always be some degree of exclusion for an expatriate, especially if you don't speak the language and are not familiar with the culture.

I found in Germany and Hong Kong that if you make progress in those two areas, life turned out to be a lot better.

That's what scares me about possibly having to live in Japan. I have been trying to learn Japanese. But I find it a lot more difficult than Chinese or German.

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What kind of losers pay money just to talk to girls?

Japanese men.

As mentioned earlier...the main purpose is to get the ego stroked. This need to feel important/pampered is very strong in the land of the rising sun. These dudes like to feel superior in a way, as status is of great importance. The need is so great, they are ok with just the FANTASY of it.

Sad. Very sad. Think of all the money spent that could have gone to their childrens trust fund.

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What a waste of bandwidth.....

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Cleo; your predictable response offers neither any surprise nor insight. Plenty of people, if not the majority here know exactly what I'm talking about.

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ah... ever so hot!! Sometimes I wish I had more than 2 eyes :D

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hostess shmoesteess

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"Most of you people, I imagine live in Japan. I have a question for you. I live in Hong Kong and have been to Japan six times now. Everytime I go, I can't get over how polite Japanese are.

However, a lot of people I know in Hong Kong, especially Chinese, tell me don't be taken in. It is all very superficial, and it is because I am a visitor and mainly white, and they think I have money.

One white guy from Canada also told me they are very racist.

Any comments?

James Graziano La-Giglia Hong Kong"

James,

By writing this comment you've effectively answered your own question.

S

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Prague,

Now you've gone and done it! You're gonna overload the server with all the "Japan in a Nutshell/Foreigner Philosophy 101" crap you are about to be drowned in!

Enjoy!

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All you can see is her bum, and you thinks she's 'stunning'?

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Once you become entrenched to any degree the rules change and the usual exclusion tactics are the norm.

I've been 'entrenched' a long time now, and in my experience that sentence is rubbish. I've no idea what the 'usual exclusion tactics' are.

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Wow! Very cute, especially the girl in the blue dress. Stunning.

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The general rule of thumb is; the Japanese are polite to 'guests'. And while you're a guest, you'll be treated well because that's the all inclusive social rule. Social mores if you like. Once you become entrenched to any degree the rules change and the usual exclusion tactics are the norm. So friend, always be a guest and you'll be just fine...

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Most of you people, I imagine live in Japan. I have a question for you. I live in Hong Kong and have been to Japan six times now. Everytime I go, I can't get over how polite Japanese are.

However, a lot of people I know in Hong Kong, especially Chinese, tell me don't be taken in. It is all very superficial, and it is because I am a visitor and mainly white, and they think I have money.

One white guy from Canada also told me they are very racist.

Any comments?

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Easy... There's more than a few on this forum like that... cough, cough

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<Looking at the guy moving out of frame> Think about it, you're in your 40's, no hope of a promotion, balding, unfit, smoke 40 a day, lazy, married with 2.4 kids and an annoying little dog that the wife adores. If he doesn't pay for it, he ain't likely to get it.

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My God, this is the most profound picture I have ever seen; thank-you, thank-you Japan Today! Oh, I'm sobbing now, I just can't take it any more....

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they all seem very grateful

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to my experience, the chic in blue earned the most. her bow demonstrated her utmost appreciation. the right side is a mama-san judging from her layout!! i guess!!

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The girl in the black skirt's bowing technique is lacking for sure. Looks like she's had one to many customers. Either that or she just got kicked in the stomache.

S

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"What kind of losers pay money just to talk to girls?" well, that's Japan! I'd dare to say 'ALL' j-man go to these places. it's a complete charade, as most things in Japan (politeness, for example), but it's part of the 'put a coin, press the button, get a ca' philosophy in Japan. Why facing you're not interesting enough to attract any body? why just bothering trying it? you pay a 'reasonable' price and somebody (the 'middle' man/woman) gets what you want for you. You don't even have to think of it! The rest is just theater, but japanese like these comedies, guys!!! btw, i don't see the point paying to talk, it's like paying to have friends...nevertheless, those girls are usually gorgeous, sweet and charming...

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That's a serious bow by the hostess in the blue dress.

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Speaking of backs, the woman in the forefront looks as though she has a stiff back. Too many hours on her feet, probably.

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The hostess in the blue certainly is serious about her bowing. However, she should be more careful in not bending her back so much.

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Yep, I find the whole concept pathetic! However, I met many Japanese girls in Australia that paid their way with moneys earned at gent's clubs in Japan. - For the Jp businessmen it's the affair they have without really having an affair.

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pffff... My cat can also fake to be interested in my conversation... and it just cost me a can of "Mon Petit"...

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The one in blue is bowing very low, like an apology. However she looks as if she's gonna puke.

Overall, great shot!

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Well said Alphaape, couldn't agree more

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He should have gone to Club Pure instead, what a waste of money.

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30,000 is about right for the works. The article is about Shinjuku, remember. I dunno about the 'losers' aspect though? It's a mutually understood charade by customer and operators from the moment one walks in and all pretty harmless... Except for the tab of course.

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Yeah, places like this were hit hard after the bubble..

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I love the one in the middle, beautiful legs, I will welcome again.

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30,000 is the going rate for 'full-service'.

It's much cheaper if you just wanna drink.

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thepro...An educated guess would say at least half of Japanese salary men. And the half that doesn't, simply can't afford to.

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And Obama says that Black American males are derelect in our duties to our children and should step up our act. I contend, that it is just as worse to come home late after the children should be in bed, smelling of cheap whiskey and perfume and having spent family money on some lady other than the wife, but he would be considered a role model since he is at least going home.

Not to take the sides of deadbeat deads, but I think this is similar. Just being at home late at night after the lights have gone out is probably not any better.

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What kind of losers pay money just to talk to girls?

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-great deal! 30,000yen for cheap whiskey, having your cigarettes lit, courtesy laughs and a bow on your way out! They might as well raise their middle finger.

30,000 yen?? Which kyabakuras do YOU go to? You're getting ripped off, pal.

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The bird on the right looks a bit old and conservatively dressed. Pretty ordinary.

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Other than the ego stroking, I could never see point in going to those places

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great deal! 30,000yen for cheap whiskey, having your cigarettes lit, courtesy laughs and a bow on your way out! They might as well raise their middle finger.

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Nice, nice bowing gesture

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