Interview with UNIVERSE CLUB: Japan’s Sugar Dating Service with Exceptional Customer Satisfaction
UNIVERSE CLUB boasts unparalleled recognition and success in Japan’s sugar dating club industry. To uncover the secrets behind its 13 years of continuous success at the forefront of the industry, we interviewed Mr. Ishida, who handles foreign clientele, about the allure, operational policies, and future prospects of UNIVERSE CLUB.
Q1: How many years has UNIVERSE CLUB been in operation?
We were established in 2011, so this year marks our 13th anniversary.
Q2: Could you tell us about UNIVERSE CLUB?
We are a membership-based dating club specializing in what is commonly known as "sugar dating” between a “sugar daddy” and a “sugar baby” which is known in Japanese as "papa-katsu" (パパ活).
Q3: When did the term "papa-katsu" start being used?
It began to be used around 2015.
Q4: Who started using the term "papa-katsu"?
Our founder started using it.
Q5: Why did you start using the term "papa-katsu"?
We wanted a trendier term than "dating club." During a marketing meeting, the term "papa-katsu" came up, and we decided to use it in our promotions.
Q6: What is UNIVERSE CLUB’s position in the industry?
While I cannot speak for other companies, I believe we are likely at the top. We will continue to utilize various methods, such as media strategies, promotions, site development, forums, and YouTube, to maintain our leading position.
Q7: What do you consider important in the operation of UNIVERSE CLUB?
Being honest, dedicated, and maintaining transparency is crucial.
Q8: Can you elaborate on this philosophy?
Being honest means providing women’s profiles as they are, without photo editing or false information. We avoid exaggerating men’s professions or ages. Even if a man is expected to have a high income, we refrain from making definitive statements like "billionaire." We also do not require income verification from male members.
To maintain transparency, we clarify the purpose of membership during meetings with male clients. If their goals, such as seeking only sexual encounters, do not align with our values, we recommend alternative services. This is to protect both male and female members.
Q9: What is the concept of UNIVERSE CLUB?
Our goal is for everyone to be happy. Whether the relationship is platonic or romantic, we believe that as long as both parties are happy, it is successful. During initial or dinner dates, we discuss expectations and possible allowances to reach an agreement. If conditions do not match, we believe it is best to part ways respectfully while thanking each other for the meal.
Q10: What challenges have you faced in operation?
When I was handling customer service, there were issues with detailed matching. Often, male members were reluctant to share specific details, leading to mismatches. Although it can be uncomfortable, sharing honest thoughts helps avoid undesirable outcomes and allows us to provide better support.
Q11: What prompted you to start accepting foreign clients?
We didn’t start accepting foreign clients immediately after opening. It was a while before we established our international branch.
We launched our first overseas branch in Singapore in 2019. Despite challenges from the pandemic, we are now operating smoothly.
Q12: Which branch has the most foreign clients?
The Tokyo branch has the highest number of foreign members, followed by Osaka. About 10% of male members in Tokyo are foreign, just meeting that threshold. In Osaka, the percentage is lower. We are enhancing promotions, including an English site, to serve our foreign members better.
Q13: What nationalities do your foreign clients come from?
In Tokyo, many of our foreign members are from Europe. Recently, we’ve also seen an increase in members from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Members from our Singapore branch often visit Japan for travel and enjoy dates with Japanese women. They can use our services nationwide without changing branches, making it easy to arrange dates.
Two-thirds of our members reside in Japan, while the remaining third travel between Japan and their home countries. Although permanent residents are often preferred, those overseas also enjoy unique experiences.
Q14: Are there any points of assurance for foreign clients?
We maintain strict personal information management. We have systems in place to prevent leaks and breaches, ensuring the safety of our members' data. This is crucial in light of past incidents like the Ashley Madison breach.
Q15: Do you have any other language-related strengths?
Yes, we provide English support and have expertise in interpreting specialized English for dating.
Given the high number of foreign clients, our English-speaking staff offer thorough support. We can also arrange dates with Japanese women fluent in English, accommodating various needs, including members who wish to learn Japanese while dating.
Q16: Do Japanese men also seek to meet foreign women?
Yes, we have cases where Japanese men are interested in foreign women. If a Japanese man likes a foreign woman’s profile, he can request a date through our international branch.
Q17: Is the international branch the Singapore branch?
No, the international branch refers to our staff and departments handling foreign clients and English support. It operates primarily online from Tokyo, but foreign members in Tokyo, Osaka, and other regions can also register and arrange dates with members nationwide.
Q18: Have there been any interesting experiences with foreign clients?
One memorable experience involved a foreign man who seemed like he stepped out of a manga. This man frequently visited from Dubai and hosted dinner events for multiple male members, introducing them to female members.
These events were exclusive to black-class male members and involved substantial costs. The opulent settings of luxury hotels for these dinners provided extraordinary experiences for female members to enjoy as well.
Q19: What is the "Letter Date" system?
The Letter Date service was originally available only to black-class members and allowed direct chatting interactions with female members. It offered a more cost-effective alternative to regular dates. This service was discontinued post-pandemic but is now available through a similar service called Patolo, offering enhanced communication features.
Q20: What has been the most rewarding experience for you in your role?
I thoroughly enjoyed overseeing the launch of our Singapore branch and working there for three months. Being fluent in English allowed me to learn and experience many things that are rare in other jobs.
Q21: What is UNIVERSE CLUB’s greatest strength?
Our greatest strength is the human element. While AI systems can match profiles, the personal touch and emotional connection facilitated by our staff are vital. We handle profiles from a staff perspective, ensuring a deeper understanding of female members’ subjective experiences.
Q22: How are women classified?
Women are classified based on a comprehensive assessment during interviews. Classifications can change based on dating evaluations.
We do not disclose classifications to women, focusing instead on interactions and emotional connections. Revealing classes might lead to demands based on classification, which we want to avoid. Currently, the most common class among male members is platinum.
Q23: Are there any guidelines for foreign clients to follow?
Clients should adhere to scheduled appointments. While cancellations due to personal reasons are understandable, it is important to avoid lateness without notice. Honest communication allows for rescheduling or cancellations.
Message to Foreign Clients
UNIVERSE CLUB has over 7,000 registered women who meet our criteria. We invite you to join us and experience our services.
Important Notes
In order to use UNIVERSE CLUB and have a good time with wonderful women, please keep the following points in mind.
Understand the Services
It is important to understand the services offered by the club and to have appropriate expectations. It is important to avoid using the club for the sole purpose of sex and to keep in mind the philosophy of the UNIVERSE CLUB.
Be Honest
It is important to provide honest information in your profile and not to provide false information. Also, remember to be honest about your hopes and expectations.
Strict Adherence to a Schedule
Once you have established a schedule for your date, make every effort to adhere to it. If circumstances require you to cancel or change the date, it is important to notify us promptly in advance.
Cultural Understanding and Adaptation
Non-Japanese members are expected to respect Japanese culture and customs and make efforts to adapt. Even if you do not speak Japanese, English-speaking staff will assist you, but you should try to do what you can, such as studying Japanese at a minimum and using translation applications.
Treat Women in a Gentlemanly Manner
Always treat women with respect and try to behave in a gentlemanly manner. Listen to her opinions, and be considerate and courteous in your communication.
Membership Eligibility
When attending an interview, please be aware that you will not be admitted if you meet any of the following conditions:
- Dress Code: Sandals, Crocs, tracksuits, sweatpants, work clothes, or clothing with visible tattoos.
- Intoxication: Individuals who are visibly drunk.
- Concept Understanding: Individuals who do not understand the concept of our establishment.
- Inappropriate Behavior: Individuals who engage in sexual harassment or other disruptive behavior towards women.
- Other: Individuals who are deemed unsuitable by our establishment.
Service Information
[Service Name]
- UNIVERSE CLUB
[Website]
[Prices]
- Standard Class: 33,000 JPY annually
- Gold Class: 55,000 JPY annually
- Platinum Class:110,000 JPY annually
- Black Class: 330,000 JPY annually
Summary
With 13 years of experience and a leading position in the industry, UNIVERSE CLUB offers flexible services to foreign customers, including support in English, and operates from a global perspective. The club's commitment to honest and transparent management, based on its core principles, has earned the trust of many members. Moving forward, all eyes are on how UNIVERSE CLUB will continue to evolve by listening to customer feedback. We encourage foreign visitors to Japan to take advantage of UNIVERSE CLUB's services and experience wonderful sugar dating in Japan.