Scam Alert: My Experience at a Fashion Health Club in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Introduction

Hey there, I'm PIJ Writer! I want to share a story about an unfortunate experience I had at a fashion health club in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. It was a rip-off, and I want to warn others about these scams.

The Night Out

I met up with my friend Takaya in Ikebukuro after a long time. We had a potluck dinner and then went to our favorite snack bar for some singing and drinking. It was a fun night, and we were in high spirits.

The Scam Begins

"A Deal Too Good to Be True"

On our way home, we encountered a smooth-talking "catch" man. He offered us a deal that seemed too good to refuse: a cabaret club visit for only 3,000 JPY each, with an all-you-can-drink option for 60 minutes. However, neither of us was interested in a cabaret club that night.

Health Club Proposal

That's when the catcher suggested an alternative: a health club. He claimed that the usual price was 8,000 JPY for 40 minutes per person but, as a special offer, we could get it for half price—4,000 JPY for both of us. Takaya and I were intrigued, and the catcher continued to sweeten the deal.

Red Flags

Easy Changes

The catcher assured us that if we weren't satisfied with the girls, we could change as many times as we wanted without any hassle. This seemed like a convincing argument, and we started considering the offer.

The Club

Then, he led us to the club, located in a secluded back alley. This was the first red flag—establishments in such areas often operate with questionable practices. Nonetheless, we proceeded, hoping for a fun and harmless experience.

The Nightmare Unfolds

The Older Lady

We paid the 4,000 JPY fee and were shown to a small private room. Moments later, a girl entered, and to our horror, she was far from what we expected. She was much older, with visible pimples and wide nostril flares. Her overweight appearance and late-50s age were not what we had signed up for.

The Expensive Drinks

I asked for a drink menu, and that's when I noticed the second red flag. The prices were outrageously high: 30,000 JPY for beer, 20,000 JPY for oolong tea, and the same for orange juice! I realized we had walked into a scam, but we were already committed.

Navigating the Scam

The "Change Fee"

I ordered oolong tea, thinking of it as a change fee, hoping that the next girl would be better. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed when the same older lady returned with my drink. I was getting frustrated but decided to give the change option one more try.

The Additional Charges

This time, I directly requested a blowjob, and that's when the lady dropped another bombshell. She informed me that blowjobs were not included in the base price and would cost an additional 50,000 yen for a rubber blowjob or 80,000 JPY for a raw one.

Anger and Confrontation

Demanding Answers

I was furious and demanded to speak to the catcher who had brought us there. I wanted answers, and the lady left the room, supposedly to contact him. However, I had a strong feeling that I was being deceived.

The Cancellation Fee Scam

When she returned, she claimed that she couldn't reach the catcher. I was even more enraged, and that's when they dropped the biggest bomb of the night. They demanded a whopping 100,000 JPY cancellation fee, citing made-up reasons such as turning down other customers and "threatening" the girl.

Standing Our Ground

Refusing to Pay

Takaya and I refused to pay the cancellation fee, knowing it was a blatant scam. We argued with the staff, insisting that we had been misled and that we wouldn't pay a penny more. The situation escalated, and we found ourselves in a stalemate.

The Stalemate Continues

The restaurant staff insisted that we pay the cancellation fee, while we demanded our money back. We questioned the absurdity of the cancellation fee, and they provided ridiculous explanations, such as turning down other customers and a fee for yelling. It was clear that they were trying to intimidate us into paying.

Resolution and Lessons Learned

Takaya's Proposal

The argument went on for over an hour, with neither side willing to back down. Finally, Takaya suggested a compromise. He proposed paying a small amount to settle the matter and catch the last train home. Although I was reluctant to give in, I understood his concern.

Reluctant Agreement

Perhaps the staff realized that we weren't going to back down easily, or maybe they were satisfied with the high additional fees Takaya had already paid. In the end, they accepted our proposal, and we agreed to pay 10,000 JPY each to end the nightmare.

Final Thoughts

I left the club feeling frustrated and angry. I apologized to Takaya for the trouble we had gotten into, and we vowed to never follow a catch again. This experience taught me valuable lessons about being cautious and trusting my instincts.

Conclusion

Remember, scams like these still exist in Japan's entertainment districts. Always be vigilant, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to say no. Stay safe out there, and feel free to share your own stories in the comments!