Following in Riri-chan’s Footsteps with The Journey of Kabukicho’s Hostesses

On April 22nd, a verdict was handed down for the case of “Takami Girls Riri-chan”. The prosecution had sought a 13-year prison sentence and a fine of 12 million yen, but the Nagoya District Court delivered a verdict of 9 years in prison and an 8 million yen fine.

Defendant Mai Watanabe (25), known as Riri-chan, was charged with fraud for deceiving over 155 million yen from three men, as well as the crime of “aiding and abetting fraud” by selling and distributing a manual detailing techniques for deceiving money from “oji”. Additionally, she was accused of income tax evasion totaling about 40 million yen.

In response to the sentencing, there has been controversy in Kabukicho, with some voices saying, “It’s unfair that only Riri-chan faces such a heavy sentence for fraud, while politicians escape punishment for tax evasion! It’s all because of the ‘oji’s influence!”

“I’m not just about close romance. That’s why I thought I was different from Riri-chan.”

Ayane (22), a sugar dating girl, says she hasn’t read Riri-chan’s manual, but she used similar methods to obtain money from ‘oji’.

“I’ve thought before that I’m similar to Riri-chan. We sugar babies generally create a ‘persona.’ Because, you know, men don’t like it if the person they’re into is into plastic surgery or high brands or hosts. It’s fine if they spend money, but not if they don’t. So we create a ‘persona.’

Riri-chan said she needed 8 million yen to cut ties with her parents, but I used a similar setup. I pretended that if my parents found out I was doing sex work, my sister would threaten me to pay. Many gentlemen want to help and be together. A lot of uncles want to help, and that’s why they want to be with me.”

Ayane doesn’t engage in romantic relationships.

“It’s easy to pull money through romantic relationships. But instead of that, it’s important to bring Ayane-chan to the phase where she’s happy and alive, even without physical or romantic relationships. Once you reach that point, you can pull in unlimited money. I don’t do romantic relationships because they involve risks like resentment.”

Ayane, who was earning 3 to 5 million yen per month with her unique methods, spent most of her earnings on hosts and high-end brands.

“It seems like if you’re set up to look like a kid who doesn’t have money and is in trouble, you’ll get nagged for buying high brands. That’s why I’ve been setting myself up as someone who likes high brands from the start. From the first time we met, I made it look like what I want for next time. That way, people who are resistant don’t come around, and those who accept it will spend money on me.”

Ayane mentioned that on her third meeting with a customer from the sex industry, he suddenly transferred 5 million yen. When asked why he did it, he answered nonchalantly, “I wonder why, I was lucky.”

Girls who draw large sums from “uncles” often rely on the act of “summit.”

“I create setups and justifications right on the edge of believability, not knowing if I can deceive, and when I get a message back, I meet them and get a stack of bills. It feels better than playing pachinko poorly. Once I’ve handled the situation, all my previous anxiety and guilt disappear. Spending money at the host club and pulling money from ‘oji’ makes me feel alive.”

Starting with Riri-chan, the issue of girls has come to light. While these words lightly express fraudulent acts, there may also be a dependence on the act of pulling in large sums of money. The aftermath of these events is something to keep an eye on in the future.

From the May 10 and 17, 2024 issue of “FRIDAY”