SHIZUOKA (TR) – Two men were taken into custody in Numazu City on Wednesday after police raided an unlicensed establishment operating as a clandestine host club, reports Shizuoka Asahi TV (Nov. 2).
The suspects — the 36-year-old manager of Bar Rigel and his 27-year-old store manager — were arrested on suspicion of violating the Law on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business. Police allege the pair conspired to provide “entertainment” to female customers and serve alcohol without obtaining the required license from the Shizuoka Prefectural Public Safety Commission.
Footage from the scene showed the suspects being escorted by investigators, with one of the men dressed in a colorful idol costume.
Police have not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted to the allegations.
According to police, the duo utilized social media to attract clientele to the establishment in the Takashimacho district. While the venue was officially billed as a “karaoke bar,” patrons told investigators that the men provided services synonymous with a host club, including engaging in conversation, sharing drinks, and offering “call and response” cheers during karaoke sessions.
The business allegedly operated well into the early morning hours, remaining open until 7:00 a.m.—far past the 1:00 a.m. limit imposed on such businesses under the Law Regulating Adult Entertainment Businesses.
Investigators have discovered that the 36-year-old manager had previously operated a legitimate, licensed host club in the same building. Authorities believe this history indicates that the suspects were fully aware of the legal requirements for operating such an establishment and intentionally bypassed regulations to keep the operation running illegally.
Investigators are continuing to look into the full extent of the business’s operations and the motive behind the illicit venture.
