Meet Naoki. He pulls down US$30,000 a month, has his own TV show and music group, and is called “an ideal man” by one of his many woman clients. Is he some kind of doctor or finance wizard to be making that kind of dough? Nope, he’s a host, one of scores of men that work in the seedy bars of Kabukicho, drinking with the ladies of the capital and charging them for the privilege.
A new video by VICE Japan takes a look at Naoki’s bizarre and booze-soaked world.
A host club is a bar where lots of young and attractive men flirt with, pour drinks for, and generally entertain the largely female clientele. They earn a commission on the alcohol they sell, so the goal is to keep customers coming back and ordering lots of drinks, both for themselves and for the hosts.
This results in a lot of body-abusing alcohol consumption by the junior hosts, while the senior ones try to stay sober enough to entertain their guests.
And entertain they do! At Naoki’s club, Fantasy, there is a nightly show, which involves some probably fire-code-infringing stunts…
Naoki, a local legend in the host club world, was chosen as Japan’s number 1 host in 2011, and has now moved up the ladder to producing, which seems to mean managing a club and mentoring younger hosts. At 33, he is still very popular among the clients and respected by the other hosts. He is also the frontman for a music group called Never Fade and has a weekly online TV program.
He has a fairly glamorous life with money, free time and his choice of women, but what about the less talented members of the crowd? The video also shows younger hosts being slapped around, vomiting up copious amounts of champagne, and running away from home, and it ain’t pretty.
And I can’t help but wonder what will happen, even to superstars like Naoki, when they get a bit too old or run-down for the business.
In any event, the video is a fascinating look behind the scenes of a distinctly Japanese subculture, so take a look. Whether your interest is sociological or prurient, you will definitely be entertained.
Source and images: VICE Japan
Introducing Roland, King of the Hosts: Top earner and most successful host club host in Tokyo
Roland, king of Japan’s host club scene, shows us his self-isolation routine【Video】
Homeless dropout becomes Lamborghini-driving ladies’ man and top host in Kabukicho 【Video】
Roland, King of the Hosts, has his own museum exhibition now, shows off hostdom and catchphrases
Tokyo host club host headbutts woman after being told he “sucks” at karaoke
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Eating cheap sushi in a narrow building in Tokyo is an adventure for bold diners
Hayao Miyazaki’s Whisper of the Heart concept art revealed in new Ghibli illustration book
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey]
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Losing your Japanese host club virginity: a guide for the ladies
How do Japan’s host club hosts get their professional names? We talk with five Kabukicho pros
Japanese boy celebrates 8th birthday dressed as a host at a club in Tokyo’s Kabukicho
Why don’t hosts in Kabukicho approach our female reporter any more?
How to get a date in Japan, according to hosts in Kabukicho
Host King Roland goes to Akihabara disguised as a foreign otaku 【Video】
What do hosts in Kabukicho eat after a night of working in Tokyo’s red-light district?
Get ready with Roland, the top-earning host in Japan【Video】
Japan’s host club king wants to sell you some US$490 hair product in a tiny, tiny bottle