Japanese news is rife with stories of host clubs that take advantage of their female clients. Now, lawmakers are getting involved.
Nov 16, 2023 • Subscribe
More like this


An Observation on School Clubs in Japan
One thing that I think is fairly apparent, at least through anime, is that school clubs seem like a bigger deal in Japan. And from what I’ve seen,…


Shibuya’s Host Clubs Will Raise Age Limit to 20
As police and politicians put host clubs under a microscope, Shinjuku clubs announced they'll bar 18- and 19-year-olds from entering.


Letters from Japan: ‘Why Hostess Clubs?’
Savvy Tokyo's resident "Love in Japan" columnist, Hilary Keyes, answers anonymous questions from readers on everything from dating in Japan to women’s health issues. Got a question you’d…


Badminton Clubs and Tournaments in Japan
Do you want to pick up badminton or find a club to play with other plays in Japan? Here is a quick rundown on how to do it.


Japanese Politicians Sound Off on Suga-Biden Summit
Opposition leaders spoke out against Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's statements on the Olympics, during a Suga-Biden Summit in April.
New Law Would Restrict Japan’s Host Clubs From Pushing Customers Into Prostitution, Adult Films
The law would also raise penalties for both individuals and businesses, making it easier to shut down manipulative clubs for good.


Anger as Japan Politicians Avoid Charges in Slush Fund Scandal
Seven members of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party won't be charged in a scheme that saw them receive substantial financial kickbacks.


Writing Prompt: What are some of your favourite school clubs in anime?
This one seemed fun to think about. As we all know, clubs are a pretty glorified part of any school anime. And to be fair, I’d say they…
Dr.STONE – 21 [Spartan Crafts Clubs]
Welcome one and all to Dr.STONE and my first post on the new site! I hope its working well for anyone, and if you have any issues, please…
Episode 306, "We Are On A Podcast"
On this episode of The One Piece Podcast we have The Dude joining us to host a very special, in-depth “Dude and Zach’s Dance Carnival” going through eighteen…
Episode 306, "We Are On A Podcast"
On this episode of The One Piece Podcast we have The Dude joining us to host a very special, in-depth “Dude and Zach’s Dance Carnival” going through eighteen…


Episode 22 – Host Stalker. Host Car. Nanyate?!
OK. This is the first “regular” episode of 2012. Yes. Let’s go with that. We talk about the return of our favorite hosts and the inspiration behind our…


Japan Host Club Shut Down for Trapping Women In Debt
For the first time, authorities in Japan have shut down a host club for using a debtor's system that's forced many women into prostitution.


Whisper Me a Love Song Episode 4: Of Clubs and Practicing
With our heroines’ current status set it’s time to see what each girl would do next going forward.


See Where Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming Now in Japan on GaijinPot Travel
Cherry blossom season is officially here! Check out GaijinPot Travel to learn about Japan's best cherry blossom viewing spots.


Japan Nature Caught On Camera! A Chat w Japan Trail Cam | Japan Station 102
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we talk to Wombat, one of the creators of Japan Trail Cam. About Wuon-Gean Ho Wombat spends his day in…


Survey Reveals 10 JPN Politicians Women Want Gone
5000 Japanese women discuss the politicians they want out of government, revealing a litany of controversy and public gaffes.


Japanese Public Fumes as Politicians Caught Gaming, Napping
An elementary student who exposed a politician gaming is the latest Japanese citizen to catch elected officials sleeping or goofing off.


Who Should Pay On A Date in Japan?
Who should pay on a date in Japan? If you’re seeing someone, knowing the local expectations can save you from some seriously awkward moments.
Even Monsters are Scarier in Japan
Ok, I really need to get this out of the way first. I’m a bad blogger… That title is clickbait! Japan has a very rich tradition of supernatural…


Japan Tourist’s Suitcases are Frustrating Locals
The latest "Tourists Behaving Badly" story in Japan is a bulky problem, with residents complaining that luggage is clogging public transit.


Even Superstitions are Scarier in Japan
Every year I write a post aout how things are scarier in Japan! This year we look into Japanese superstitions.


Japan Society New York to Host Seijun Suzuki Centennial Feb. 3 – 11
At Japan Society New York, Feb. 3 – 11


New Host Club Laws in Japan Would Ban Romance, Impose Hefty Fines
The clubs have come under fire for pushing female customers into debt and, in some cases, forcing them into prostitution.
Podcast host temporarily down
Hey, all! Just a head's up that if you've been getting any error messages, or podcast episodes haven't been loading for you, it's because my...
Bong Joonho: The Host
The Chicago White Sox have won the season series against the Cleveland Guardians, and I think that...
Bong Joonho: The Host
The Chicago White Sox have won the season series against the Cleveland Guardians, and I think that...


News: London to host Britain’s first Fap-a-thon
| No fapping on company time! According to Metro newspaper this morning: Channel 4 is expected to show coverage from Britan’s first marathon masturbation event, which is expected…


Could You Date A Japanese Host? Here’s My Experience
Dating in Japan comes in various forms, but could you date a Japanese host? Read my personal experience and the advice I have about it.


As Japan’s Birth Rates Continue Declining, Politicians Talk Cash
Both Japan's PM and Tokyo's governor want to pay people to have more kids. But is this just another doomed short-term strategy?
We are now on Patreon
Help support us through Patreon and watch us grow. We have some great ideas that we want to bring everyone and this is your chance to help us…


A Railway on Mt. Fuji?! Why Critics Are Crying Foul
Mt. Fuji may lose its World Heritage status if it can't control overtourism. But one proposed solution - a railway - has critics up in arms.
Love & Japan Part 2: I Went on a Date
Who would’ve thought that more than a week later I would write a Part 2 of this post (I did promise I would do it in my previous…


Letters from Japan: ‘Are Our Relationships Okay?’
Savvy Tokyo's resident "Love in Japan" columnist, Hilary Keyes, answers anonymous questions from readers on everything from dating in Japan to women’s health issues. Got a question you’d…


Are More Tourists Getting Defrauded in Japan?
More tourists to Japan report getting overcharged or just plain ripped off for goods and services. Here's how to avoid getting fleeced.
Even Campfire Stories Are Scarier in Japan
Every year I bring you a collection of scary stories with a Japanese flair. This year we go back in time for some classic campfire stories.


What Are Self Defense Laws in Japan?
Learn about self-defense laws in Japan, including what counts as reasonable defense, when it's allowed, and how important it is to walk away.


Why E-Scooters Are Driving Japan Insane
An e-scooter company CEO's dismissive remarks have renewed anger over the prevalence of the devices on Japan's streets.
Pick of the Week: Idols, Clubs, and Maidens
MICHELLE: I’m reluctant to tout anything from TOKYOPOP, given that I am still bitter about past deeds, but I must admit that Ossan Idol! looks really fun. I’m…


Tokyo Court Rules Host Club Host Broke Law Receiving Sex Work Kickbacks
For the first time, a court in Japan rules that hosts taking kickbacks from routing indebted customers to sex shops breaks the law.


Host Sozoku Shichimashita – Hey! I finally noticed propaganda all on my own!
This is another title due to me being chronically on Instagram, that I was overly aware of if only because Yagi Yusei of Fantastics and My Beautiful Man…
Ouran High School Host Club: Let’s Have a Romantic Love
There’s little dispute among most that ‘harem anime’ love comedies thrive on formula. Few distinguish themselves beyond the pretty boys and physical comedy for one to be even…


Can You Start A Business in Japan On ‘Work Visa?’
Do you want to start a business in Japan? Here are the legal steps to take if you're currently on a work visa.


What Dubbers Are Missing Out On!
When watching most anime, it doesn’t really matter whether you like the subtitled or voice dubbed over version, both convey the same story with the same themes, jokes,…


Brief Thoughts On: Are You Lost?
Disaster has struck! A plane crash during a school trip leaves 4 girls stranded on an abandoned...


Upper Moons Are Based On Diseases?!
The Upper Moons are the strongest demons in Kimetsu no Yaiba. What if I tell you that these deadly beings are based on real-life diseases? However, before we


"Heroes" are a Lie
Metal Gear Solid (MGS) is one of the most loved video games of all time, written and directed by Hideo Kojima, and tells the story of Solid Snake;…
Sketching Taoism’s Influence on Japan
Taoism, or Daoism depending on which transliteration system you want to use, like many Chinese imports, mixed with Japan’s culture and the native religion Shinto. Although calling Shinto…
On Cons, Japan, IDOLM@STER
Rather than the usual newsletter I just want to throw this out there to organize some thoughts and info. It’s also an update on my personal leisure time…


Anibros Podcast Episode 29 – I Hate Clubs and Girls!
In this episode we recognize some recent anime with well thought-out and meaningful honors in our first seasonal awards ceremony. Spring 2013 was…