The Reality of the Globalization Impact with Host Clubs and Fashion Trends in Kabukicho Gain Massive Popularity Among Foreigners

The live-action adaptation of “City Hunter,” which started streaming worldwide on Netflix from April 25th, has been receiving high praise both domestically and internationally for its depiction of modern-day Shinjuku.

Kabukicho, which has suddenly garnered attention, sees numerous foreign tourists visiting daily. Interestingly, in the vicinity of To-Yoko, foreigners dressed in landmine-style fashion have appeared, with some even engaging in conversations with To-Yoko Kids using translation apps.

Even during the theatrical release of the stage production “Kaijyu ha nai Kudanai” (The Monster Won’t Attack)  themed around To-Yoko Kids, in Shimokitazawa (Setagaya Ward) in March, there were quite a few foreign attendees among the audience. 

The To-Yoko area, renowned even overseas, has drawn significant attention to its fashion, with a particular focus on the Efe-Yoko neighborhood, which sparked a huge buzz on social media.

These are French women living near the Eiffel Tower who dress similarly to the To-Yoko area, wearing landmine clothing for photo shoots. While some online voices suggested they should be called Towereffel neighborhood since they are near the Eiffel Tower, the women clarify that they are simply enjoying To-Yoko culture as a fashion statement.

In response to inquiries from Japanese people asking if underage individuals in France are also engaging in illegal activities like in To-Yoko, they uploaded a video stating that they are not drinking St. Zero, but Sprite.

According to a French paper written in 2009, Japan’s Gothic Lolita culture began infiltrating France from the early 2000s, with Gothic Lolita brands participating in the Japan Expo’s Paris-Harajuku collection. In France, where Japanese youth culture has long been recognized, the acceptance of “Jirai” or landmine-style fashion might be considered a natural progression.

Similarly, host clubs, as a unique Japanese cultural phenomenon, are gaining acceptance overseas. Moreover, influenced by recent media exposure and news coverage, there has been an increase in foreigners visiting host clubs.

The author also recounts guiding a host club visit for a Taiwanese actress who expressed a desire to go. During the afterparty, it was memorable when the host insisted on paying for the actress’s meal, to which she objected, saying that she was the customer, so it’s not equal if she doesn’t pay. It would be strange.

“On the flip side, there were some sketchy customers who came in with an inexplicable demand for pillow talk.”

Masaki (pseudonym, 27), the host, chuckled.

“There are foreigners who seem to think it’s a normal system to be able to buy boys. I kept refusing, and then one of them poured their drink over me and told me to die. Then they started bawling their eyes out at the table. That was quite a punchy first encounter.”

With an influx of foreign tourists to host clubs and an increase in establishments catering to overseas workers and Chinese nationals living in Japan (known as “Chaideli”), Kabukicho is diversifying for better or for worse.

“Customers who come to our Chaideli often use sex services overseas. One of them mentioned that when they call for Japanese girls, it’s not because of poverty but rather to save up for cosmetic surgery or to support hosts, which surprised me. I wonder how Japanese women are perceived abroad. It’s a bit worrying, haha,”says Kaho (pseudonym, 23). 

While overseas attention tends to focus on the pop and exotic aspects, Kabukicho can also become a hotbed for crime. If aiming for globalization, it seems crucial to accurately communicate the reality.

From the May 31, 2024 issue of FRIDAY