nightlife
We hung out at one of Tokyo’s most popular pickup spots, drank our hearts out and met many men
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Koh Ruide
Jan 27, 2019
It was an exciting night for our female Japanese-language reporter, but how did it turn out exactly?
Homeless dropout becomes Lamborghini-driving ladies’ man and top host in Kabukicho 【Video】
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Oona McGee
Dec 10, 2018
Akaya Kunugi owes it all to his rich “princesses” who spend up to US$35,000 a night on him.
- Japan
- (Asian Boss • Handsome men • host clubs • hosts • Kabukicho • nightlife • shinjuku • Tokyo • Tokyo nightlife)
Introducing Roland, King of the Hosts: Top earner and most successful host club host in Tokyo
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Dale Roll
Sep 30, 2018
The best at encouraging clients to spend money, he rakes in as much as US$375,000 per month.
- Japan
- (Handsome men • host clubs • Kabukicho • nightlife • shinjuku • Tokyo)
Interview with a “happening bar” customer: “I was getting repulsed by the whole atmosphere”
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Master Blaster
Sep 15, 2017
We ask the difficult questions, like what the hell is a “happening bar?”
- Japan
- (bars • funny • happening bar • interview • Japanese subculture • nightlife • society • subculture • weird)
Miya Inoue is the kimono-clad owner of the chain of bars in Tokyo’s Yushima neighborhood operating under the Kesho Danshi brand staffed primarily by transgender women. She also built the interior of the first location herself by hand, drawing on her previous work experience as a carpenter. As the “Big Mama” of Kesho Danshi, Miya spends her time managing the staff at three locations, chatting with customers, and, amazingly, remembering everyone’s name. Oh, and did we mention she’s written an inspiring book about her life?
If you’re looking for good conversation and a fun place to drink in Tokyo, you can’t find a much better place than sitting across the counter from Miya or any of the welcoming staff members. Click below to take a visit to all three of the Kesho Danshi locations and listen in on our chat with “Miya Big Mama” yourself.
- Japan
- (bars • Kesho Danshi • LGBT • nightlife • transgender)
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.
- Japan
- (entertainment • hosts • Kabukicho • nightlife)
Friday night means going out for a drink with your buddies from the office or your favorite classmates. It also means a large chunk of cash is missing from you wallet when you wake up with a pounding headache on Saturday morning. As much fun as a night on the town is, it’s often ridiculously expensive–especially in Tokyo! And it doesn’t help things that bars and restaurants love to mark up their drinks by…well, a lot. If only you could get your booze and snacks at cost.
Well guess what, thirsty and hungry readers? You can at the Genka Bar! At least, that’s what they claim. We sent one of our Japanese writers to find out the truth. Check out the results below.
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