AICHI (TR) – Aichi Prefectural Police on Sunday arrested a 31-year-old reality television personality who goes by the name “Assun” for allegedly operating an unlicensed hostess club in Nagoya, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Nov. 15).
Asuka Oguri, who appears in the popular Netflix dating reality show “Love Joto” (Season 2), was taken into custody on November 15 alongside two men on suspicion of violating the Law Regulating Adult Entertainment Businesses.
The other suspects are identified as Hiroyuki Otake, 44, and club employee Shingo Kurosaki, 36.
According to police, Oguri and Otake are accused of operating the club, Guri, located in the Nishiki area, without the required permit for a hostess establishment.
“Specialized entertainment”
Authorities allege the venue provided booth seating where hostesses served alcohol and entertained customers. Kurosaki, who served as the club’s manager, was arrested for similar alleged violations occurring on Sunday.
Investigators believe the establishment, which had obtained a permit for “specialized entertainment dining” in 2019, was essentially acting as a loophole.
While standard hostess clubs in the area are legally required to close by 1:00 a.m., the “specialized” permit allowed the venue to remain open significantly later. Police suspect no actual live shows or dance performances were taking place at the venue, and that the permit was used merely to bypass strict nightlife operating hours.
Police further suspect the club was frequently used as an “after-party” spot for cabaret hostesses working elsewhere in the city.
Backlash
Oguri, a well-known figure in the Nagoya nightlife scene, gained broader notoriety this year following her appearance on “Love Joto,” a dating reality show that has faced its own share of controversy. She boasts 800,000 Instagram followers.
In August, the Ministry of Justice abruptly pulled a collaborative poster campaign featuring the show following a backlash on social media regarding comments made by participants.
Police have not disclosed whether the three suspects have admitted to the charges. Investigations into the operation are ongoing.
