Hap Bar’s Evolution from Enthusiastic Hangout to Disappointing Pickup Joint
Nonfiction Writer Mizuho Takagi Explores the Roots of Various Adult Entertainment Genres and Associated Items in ‘Birth of Reportage on Adult Entertainment.’ This Second Part Focuses on ‘Happening Bars,’ Which Emerged Directly from ‘Happenings.’ However, as they become more mainstream, their original intentions diverge from those of their founders.
Click here for Part 1 [The Birth of Sex Industry, Happening Bar] “Let’s do it anyway,” it started from a “happening.
The release of DVDs, starting with ‘Key’ in Roppongi, triggered a wave of major capital entering the industry, seeing an opportunity in happening bars. Then, in 2004, police authorities launched a series of raids. While the discreetly operating shop in Kawaguchi escaped unscathed, many major ventures came to an end with the arrests of their managers. This was largely due to the fact that many newcomers, without restraint, had boldly entered the business.
Chocoball Mukai, a top actor in the AV industry, was involved in managing ‘Key.’ When Mukai was arrested on charges of public indecency, his celebrity status led to widespread coverage in newspapers, bringing the term happening bar into the limelight. Ironically, this further increased its recognition and attracted more individuals to exploit it for profit.
Regarding this crackdown, Kawaguchi remarked, “It’s only natural. Happening bars were originally meant to be shadowy establishments, where only those with niche interests, such as enthusiasts, could gather discreetly, with rent and meal expenses covered, simply for enjoyment. But now, to think they’ve been brought into the spotlight.”
