Host Shinya Gets Arrested

This is the story of how my junior was arrested on suspicion of violating the Anti-Prostitution Law...

My name is "Shinya," and I'm 23 years old. I work at a host club in Kabukicho, Tokyo.

After graduating from high school, I worked as a waterproof worker in my hometown for a while. However, I was invited by my senior who runs a host club in Tokyo, and I decided to move to the city. Currently, I've worked my way up to the position of director at the club, and on good months, I earn a salary of over 3 million JPY.

My sales method is profit-first. As long as they bring me money, I'll entertain any customer. My clientele is diverse, ranging from the wives of large company presidents to office ladies, cabaret club hostesses, sex workers, NEETs, and runaway girls.

Today is another busy day!

"Yes, believe it or not! We've received a bottle of Roger Grat from an extremely cute and lovely princess! It's going to Table 5—everyone, gather around!"

"Employees, let's gather at Table 5, please!"

"Now, let's dedicate this champagne call to our princess! Believe it or not, we've received a bottle of Roger Grat from the princess at Table 5! Now, let's first hear a word from our princess! 3, 2, 1..."

"Today marks one month since I met Shinya. Thank you for the wonderful champagne call!"

"Now that we've heard such a lovely comment from our cute princess, we, the employees, will put our hearts into this champagne call for her! 3, 2, 1, Washoi! Washoi! Washoi! We've received a bottle of Roger Grat from our princess! Everyone, let's toast together! On the count of three!"

(Clapping)

"Now, let's hear a word from Prince Shinya!"

"You're the best, princess! I'll always treasure you! Thank you! You're the one shining the brightest in all of Kabukicho right now!"

"Finally, let's express our gratitude with a big thank-you call from all the employees! Let's go, 3, 2, 1..."

Festival-Like Nights, Every Night

The host club was lively every night.

"Thank you for the champagne, Yukiko!"

"Ahahahaha... I'm having so much fun♪"

Shinya was receiving money from many women. Among them was a big-spender who would spend 200,000 JPY in a day. However, not all of them paid in cash; about 40% of his customers were on credit.

Credit, or "selling on account," means the store is essentially lending money to the customer. While they set a deadline for payment later on, many host clubs adopt this system because they charge female customers high fees for food and drinks.

Hosts strongly demand that female customers pay their accounts receivable by the due date. For those who don't pay, they resort to harsh collection methods. These methods vary: excessive contact via phone or social media, threatening visits to their homes or workplaces, or even contacting their parents. They may also find out their family home and show up there, recommend they work in the sex industry, or have them borrow money from consumer finance companies or loan sharks.

Hosts can't afford to slack off on collections since they borrow sales proceeds from the store.

"I have other methods, too. One of them is to have them sell themselves on the street. This is quite profitable. After all, there are girls who make 200,000 JPY in a day. I make sure they earn well and then have them spend it at the club. It was working well."

Shinya even hired someone to supervise the women and check that they were out on the streets. He was thorough, even having them send him photos regularly.

"The place is around Okubo Park in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. This spot is efficient. The old men will approach you just by standing there. Of course, there are plenty of other girls I don't force into prostitution, so it's not noticeable."

That place became known as a spot for women to sell their bodies.

"Hey, Shinya... I'm your girlfriend, right?"

"Of course. You're the only one for me, Yukiko."

"I'm so happy... How's the streetwalking going? Are you used to it now?"

"Yeah, I don't like dealing with old men, but I can bear it for your sake..."

"Thank you. Let's get married when I become number one."

"Yay! Then let's pop open some Dom Perignon Pink!"

"Thank you, Yukiko!"

Shinya would do anything to become number one.

Getting Reprimanded About Accounts Receivable

One day, he was called in by the club's representative.

"Hey, Shinya. You've had a lot of accounts receivable lately."

"Sorry... but when a customer asks, I can't refuse."

"Accounts receivable are credit. If they pile up, you'll have to make the customer pay a large sum. A host's skill is to have the customer enjoy themselves within their means."

"Y-You're right..."

"You're not doing anything dangerous, are you? You're not forcing customers into prostitution, are you?"

"N-No!"

"Trust me. I've never been late on paying back my accounts receivable, and I think I'm doing well with sales, too."

"There are strange rumors going around the club, so be careful."

"Okay..."

Frustrated, He Goes to Play Slots

"Shut up! Don't get cocky with me! Don't you dare lecture me! I'll earn more and become number one!"

Shinya was frustrated. He decided to go play slots.

"Ah~, I lost again... It's not hitting at all! My wallet's empty, and it's such a hassle to withdraw my own money. I'll call one of my ATM girls."

"Shinya, I've been waiting for you~!"

"Ah, Risa! Thanks for coming. I suddenly felt like seeing you."

"I'm glad, too. It's nice to meet outside the club."

"I actually have a small favor to ask..."

"What is it?"

"This month, I'm having a hard time collecting accounts receivable. Could you lend me a bit of money?"

"How much do you need?"

"About 200,000 JPY should be enough."

"O-Okay... Wait here."

Risa withdrew the money from a convenience store ATM.

"Here, 200,000 JPY."

"Thank you... I'm really sorry."

"It's fine. My purpose in life is to support you, Shinya."

"You're the only one who understands me. I love you."

"Kyaa, I'm so happy♥"

The Next Day at Work

"Ah, Kyoko! Welcome!"

"I came to see you, Shinya~♥"

"Are you getting champagne today, too?"

"Not today... I can't borrow any more money from the place you introduced me to..."

"Then put it on credit... Please!"

"Ugh, credit again... Fine."

"If you're short on money, why don't you work at a nighttime establishment? I'll cheer you on!"

"Okay..."

Shinya received an introduction fee every time he brought a new girl to the club. He also got a cut of 20% of the monthly earnings of girls working at cabaret clubs.

"I was controlling the girls with sweet nothings..."

Or so he thought.

Arrest

One day, Shinya arrived early at work to practice his champagne call when some unfamiliar men entered the club.

"Are you Shinya? We're arresting you on suspicion of inducing a violation of the Anti-Prostitution Law. This is the warrant for your arrest."

"Huh?!..."

"Please come with us to the station."

Despite the sudden turn of events, Shinya was arrested.

Apparently, he was suspected of having female customers engage in prostitution by having them stand on the streets near Okubo Park in Kabukicho.

"How did they find out...?"

Conclusion

It's fine to aim for higher sales and the number one spot, but making women sell their bodies is a no-go. Customers should be allowed to enjoy themselves within their means.