Hostess clubs have a strict "no touching" policy, and patrons are removed who try to initiate private or sexual conversation. While hostess clubs are clearly gendered in the way that women serve men, research has also revealed the complexity of intra-gender dynamics and sometimes tension among hostesses as well, and the ways that male customers often work to mitigate problems among hostesses as well as between hostesses and Mama-san. While most establishments have male touts outside to bring in customers, it may also fall upon a (usually new) hostess to do so. In either case, the hostess will leave after a certain amount of time or number of drinks, offering the customer a chance to see a fresh face. In some instances, a customer is able to choose with whom he spends time, while most often that is decided by the house. Patrons are generally greeted comfortably at the door and seated as far away from other customers as possible. At one establishment, about 90% of all tabs were reportedly paid for by companies. īusinesses may pay for tabs on company expense with the aim of promoting trust among male co-workers or clients. The light or no alcohol content of the drinks maximizes profits and ensures that the hostess does not become intoxicated after only a short time at work.
The hostess then splits the proceeds of the sale with the bar 50/50. For example, a patron purchases a $20 drink for the hostess, these are usually non-alcoholic concoctions like orange juice and ginger ale, and the patron has purchased the hostess's attention for the subsequent 30–45 minutes.
Most bars use a commission system by which hostesses receive a percentage of sales. These problems can be the result of frequent consumption of alcohol, from which many consequences may arise. Hostesses often drink with customers each night, and alcohol problems are fairly common. Hostess clubs are distinguished from strip clubs in that there is no dancing, prostitution or nudity. The clubs also often employ a female bartender usually well-trained in mixology, and who may also be the manager or mamasan. They can be seen as the modern counterpart of geishas, providing entertainment to groups of salarymen after work. They light cigarettes, provide beverages for men, offer flirtatious conversation, and sing karaoke to entertain customers.
Kyabakura hostesses are known as kyabajō ( キャバ嬢) ( cabaret girl), and many use professional names, called "genji name" ( 源氏名, genji-na). In Japan, two types of bars are hostess clubs: kyabakura ( キャバクラ), a portmanteau of kyabarē ( キャバレー, lit. And yes, it is advisable that you book your private room in advance, so you don’t miss the unique opportunity to enjoy the most authentic Japanese karaoke experience.Signage for hostess bars in Kabukichō, Tokyo. One of these karaoke bars is the Duke of Tokyo, located a few blocks from Amsterdam’s famous red light district. As for the music, you will find many international hits at your disposal, so –at least this once– you won’t have to sing in Japanese.
And when hunger strikes, you can request drinks and typical dishes from a screen, in addition to having your own beer on tap (a dream of so many, finally made reality!). These offer you a private space where you and your friends can become kings of rock and roll… at least for a day.
But you will never lack options to move around in this fascinating city.Īnd when night comes and Amsterdam calls you to the beating heart of its exciting nightlife, there is an attraction that can make all the difference between a fun getaway and a unique getaway: a visit to one of its picturesque Japanese karaokes, an experience that will add magic to your visit to the city of coffee-shops.Ĭlassic Japanese karaoke works this way: there are a series of private rooms that can hold from four to more than twenty people.
On previous occasions we have told you how to experience the center of Amsterdam in a more original and immersive way, by navigating its channels by private boat.
After all, the capital of the Netherlands is full of great museums ( Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum), and the simple act of walking through its old town is like entering the medieval history of one of Europe’s most amazing cities.Īmsterdam’s historic center is easily accessible both by bike (you will find many places to rent them) and by tram, which give you unlimited travel for twenty-four hours for only seven and a half euros. Not a lot needs to be said about everything that a city like Amsterdam has to offer in terms of cultural and architectural riches.