Manager Discusses How Crackdowns Have Shaped the Happening Bar Scene

Operating while being on edge

“I read the article about ‘Nocturne,’ and I think the owner is really fighting hard. If they are violating the law, then it’s understandable they’d be cracked down on. But the standards are not at all clear. It feels like it’s up to the discretion of those enforcing the law, and it seems like just an example being made. That’s why I want the court case to clarify this,” says X, a manager of a bar.

The “Nocturne” article he refers to is an interview with Tatsuya Isayama, the owner of the happening bar “Nocturne” in Tokyo’s Kinshicho, which was published by FRIDAY Digital on January 6. The bar was raided on October 2 of last year, and Isayama was arrested on charges of aiding public indecency, later being indicted. Police intervened when a man in his 30s and a woman in her 40s were engaging in sexual acts in the bar, and both, along with Isayama, were arrested on the spot.

In the first trial held at the Tokyo District Court on December 2, Isayama denied the charges and decided to contest the case in court. Typically, when bars are raided, a summary indictment and a fine are the usual result, so an indictment is rare. “I thought it would end with a summary indictment, so I was ready to accept that. But once I was indicted, I decided to contest anything I disagree with in court,” Isayama said in an interview with this magazine.

Isayama claims he did not witness the sexual acts as he was at the reception desk when the police entered, and argues that he did not assist in the public indecency. He is also strongly questioning what the standard for public indecency is.

“In June 2022, four people were arrested for public indecency after a 120-person orgy party at Lake Hamana, where the question of whether acts in a closed space with only ‘like-minded individuals’ could be considered public indecency became a point of contention. Similarly, at happening bars, only those who wish to join as members are allowed inside. Since the penal code does not specifically define what constitutes ‘public,’ there are strong doubts raised with every raid,” said a writer for an adult magazine.

Isayama also raised this point in the interview, questioning why a private gathering, such as being naked or engaging in sexual acts at a friend’s house, is not considered public indecency, but it is when it occurs at a happening bar.

His argument has sparked a strong reaction within the community. The earlier-mentioned X reveals more (the following quotes are from X):

“These days, most bars are making sure to check IDs properly when people join, banning people from undressing in the main area, and securing playrooms with strong locks to prevent anyone from entering, all to comply with the law and avoid being raided. Even with all of this, I think many owners are frustrated that they still have to operate while being on edge.”

 

Fake couples have increased

While the outcome of Isayama’s trial is still unfolding, there have been changes in both the clientele and the atmosphere of the bars. X, who is in his 40s now, first encountered a bar over a decade ago. “It was more fun being in the space of the bar than actually playing,” he says, and has been hooked ever since.

According to X, who has frequented bars for years, the vibe of these places has changed significantly over time. For example, he says that in the past, “It was fun playing with couples.” He would play with the girlfriend or wife of a man who had a netorare (cuckold) desire, where the boyfriend would get excited watching his girlfriend or wife with another man, although he couldn’t quite understand the thrill. Despite this, it was fun for him in its own way.

“Men like that seem to want to show off their girlfriend or wife. Like, ‘Look at my wife, my girlfriend, she’s beautiful.’ And yes, they are beautiful,” he explains.

However, these types of couples have become rare these days.

“When couples come, the price is cheaper. In Tokyo, if a man goes alone, it usually costs around 15,000 yen, but for a couple, it’s only about 8,000 yen. So, a lot of people who meet through matching apps or aiseki-ya (seating bars) come together, play for a chance, and then leave. These fake couples have become more common.”

The happening bar scene itself is undergoing a major shift in line with the times.

In the paid version of “FRIDAY GOLD,” X shares his recommendations for bars that are currently popular and tips for how to have a good time.