Press "Enter" to skip to content

Korean pop wave hits Akasaka’s hostess clubs

Shukan Post July 5
Shukan Post July 5

Tokyo’s Akasaka entertainment area is catching the Korean pop wave, says Shukan Post (July 5).

Young hostesses resembling the leggy members of Kara and Girl’s Generation can be found at a number of clubs, says comic writer Ryo Kurashina — but, he warns, be sure to bring a thick wallet and healthy liver.

“The pricing system is clear,” says Kurashina, whose comics appear regularly in weekly tabloid Josei Seven. “There’s a cover charge of 20,000 yen. A bottle of Chivas Regal (12-year) whiskey goes for 20,000 yen. The 18-year version is 40,000 yen.”

To nominate a girl in which to engage in conversation, that’s another 10,000 yen, as is a plate of fruit and snacks. “So in general, including two girls, the average customer is looking at 60,000 yen in total for the night.”

Such a system exists at bars and “snack” clubs nationwide but in Akasaka it is commonplace. Many places will also offer live stage shows featuring a synthesizer and backup singers. Customers are, of course, allowed to stretch their vocal chords as well.

Notable to Kurashina is the ability of Korean girls to drink large quantities of alcohol. “They can imbibe a small glass of whiskey in one go,” assures the writer. The magazine includes a photo of three lovelies, all in very short skirts, reclining on a sofa with their glasses raised.

“There this famous mix of beer and whiskey called a ‘bomb,'” continues the author. “That bottle will be empty immediately after she starts drinking.”

One well-known activity in Akasaka is for a customer to chug a drink while his arms are entwined with those of a hostess. Such intimacy may seem overly superficial — especially considering the large sums of money changing hands — yet Kurashina says that is not exactly the case.

“If a man and woman meet once the relationship is long lasting,” he explains. “This is true even after the woman has returned to Korea. I know many examples of that.” (A.T.)

Source: “Kankoku kurabu no kata,” Shukan Post (July 5, pages 16 and 17)