Kabukicho Hosts’ Outrageous Scheme – Swindling Female Patrons with Accounts Receivable Fraud, Referring to Consumer Finance

A man walking with his head down, eyes fixed on the ground throughout. Despite an assertive attitude, there was no hint of the vigor that allegedly enabled him to forcefully extract exorbitant fees from female customers.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Security Division arrested Shintaro Obokata (25), a resident of Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, on suspicion of violating the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Anti-Fraud Ordinance by February 22nd. Obokata, an employee of Host Club S in Shinjuku Kabukicho, worked under the name ‘Shin Hō (Ootori Shin).’ It is reported that Obokata remains silent during questioning.

“The victim, a woman in her 20s referred to as ‘A,’ encountered Obokata on the street in October 2022 and became acquainted with him. After several dates, Obokata reportedly revealed that he was a host and introduced ‘A’ to Host Club S. It is believed that Obokata burdened ‘A’ with a significant amount of ‘accounts receivable’ in the form of bills. The total amount reached approximately 930,000 yen within six months.”

“When A couldn’t pay off the accounts receivable, Obokata allegedly attempted to collect payment by saying the following while parked in a car in a convenience store parking lot in Adachi Ward last December: ‘You’ll be in trouble,’ ‘Collectors will come,’ ‘If you can’t tell your parents, you’ll have to borrow from places like that.’ Obokata reportedly said, ‘I can borrow now, so do it,’ and is said to have made A apply for consumer finance from her smartphone. It is said that A applied to three companies.” (National newspaper social affairs reporter)

The club made them sign a contract

 

A, who was aggressively demanded payment by Obokata, consulted the police. It was revealed through LINE exchanges and other evidence that Obokata had been unreasonably collecting fees.

“It seems that Host Club S also made A sign a contract, indicating that it was a systematic crime by the establishment. The operating company M of the same club was also referred to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Anti-Fraud Ordinance. It is unusual for a corporate entity operating a host club to be indicted.” (Same source)

There have been a series of troubles with female customers at host clubs, leading to social issues.

“Earlier this year in January, an employee of a host club in Kabukicho was arrested on charges of coercion. It is reported that they made female customers who couldn’t pay their ‘accounts receivable’ stand around parks in Kabukicho to solicit clients for prostitution. Some host clubs and their employees deliberately charge high fees to female customers and engage in unjust collection practices.”

“Since the beginning of this year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Commission has issued administrative orders to suspend business operations for three host clubs in Kabukicho due to fraudulent practices and other reasons. The police have also strengthened crackdowns on malicious hosts and establishments.” (Same source)

 

The police are advising female customers not to be swayed by the sweet words of hosts and to avoid ordering expensive drinks, among other things.