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Entertainment of Japanese nightlife, “Kyabakura”
Explore the dynamics and cultural nuances of kyabakura, where female hosts engage in conversation and provide companionship to male customers. Uncover the fine line between entertainment and controversy, while examining the evolving perceptions and efforts to regulate this intriguing facet of Japanese nightlife.
As you may know, kyabakura is a type of Japanese hostess club that originated in the 1970s. In these clubs, male customers are served by female hosts or hostesses who pour drinks, light cigarettes, and engage in conversation with them. The term “kyabakura” is derived from the Japanese word “kyabarē,” which means “cabaret.”
Inside Kyabakura Clubs
There are Kyabakura clubs in typically entertainment districts. Their feature is decorated with luxurious and stylish interiors. In the Kyabakura system, customers pay for the time they spend with the hostess, while the club and the hostesses provide drinks and any additional services. In fact, it would be imagined right that women just sit down on sofas next to their guests chatting and serving drinks occasionally.
The male customers usually attempt to seduce the hostesses and require them to go out for more drinks when the club closes. On the other hand, the hostesses also pretend to be interested in their customers in order to receive plenty of tips.
However, Kyabakura clubs are not explicitly sexual activity.
In fact, although the Japanese sex industry would be called fuzoku-industry, many would argue that kyabakuras are not part of fuzoku-industry. This is because most hostesses working in this place do not have sex with their customers. This is also strongly regulated currently.
Kyabakura is a popular form of entertainment in Japan, particularly among men who are looking for companionship and a chance to relax and unwind. However, it is significant to identify that the industry can be exploitative, which means it reinforces traditional gender roles and harmful stereotypes about women.
After all, kyabakura is a complex and controversial aspect of Japanese nightlife that continues to evolve and adapt to changing societal norms and values.
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