High-Quality and Discreet: Sneaking Into a Major Club’s Papa-Katsu Party

Parties held at a Ginza lounge

Marriage-hunting parties, events for married people, and various other gatherings that offer real-life encounters are held everywhere. There are even matchmaking parties run by major dating clubs. One such event is held at the lounge in Ginza operated by Universe Club.

Today, papa-katsu (compensated dating with older men) is mainly conducted through papa-katsu apps. Although users must register ID, anyone can sign up easily, so the number of users is large.

But that convenience comes with risks. The infamous “Itadaki Joshi Riri-chan,” who defrauded three men of a total of 150 million yen, used a matching app as her stage. Her technique—using pseudo-romance to draw out money—can be applied directly to papa-katsu. Beyond financial trouble, reports of issues like fake profile photos are endless.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from anyone-can-join papa-katsu apps are dating clubs. Both men and women must undergo interviews, identity checks are strict, and staff provide support, making trouble less likely—though the fees are correspondingly high.

At the industry’s largest club, Universe Club, the highest “Black Class” membership requires a 330,000-yen enrollment fee alone. On top of that, there are additional setting fees and date costs, making membership unrealistic for anyone other than the wealthy. Also, men choose women from profiles and have dates arranged via staff, meaning it takes time and effort before they actually meet.

Matching apps also require effort before meeting — the same weakness. To fill this gap, Universe Club operates Universe Lounge. It is a real-world meeting place, essentially a dating club version of an aiseki-ya (shared-seat bar), located in central Ginza.

Inside the dimly lit, relaxing, high-end lounge space are women who have passed interviews. Since women registered with Universe Club can also register for the lounge, some of the most popular members belong to both. Men must also register upon their first visit.

On a Saturday night, 30 men and 30 women gathered

Universe Lounge occasionally holds special “party” events. Normally, men pay a 10,000-yen entrance fee, during which they can talk with three women for 20 minutes each. If they like someone, they can go out with her afterward (the outing fee ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 yen depending on the woman).

However, at these party events, for a 10,000-yen participation fee, men can talk freely with any number of women, exchange LINE contacts as much as they like, and even go out if they hit it off. Higher-ranked women also join, and attendees range widely from Universe Club and Lounge members to their friends. Fridays are “Club Night,” while Saturdays are “Jazz Night,” giving the events different atmospheres.

The venue uses a standing-drinks style and includes all-you-can-drink service. Optional add-ons include 10,000-yen box seats per hour and 30,000-yen VIP seats with champagne.

The aim behind hosting these party events seems to be to let more people experience Universe Lounge and raise its visibility. Although the lounge prides itself on high-quality interior design and atmosphere, that appeal doesn’t fully come across in photos.

How is it different from an ordinary meeting café? Naturally, both men and women may feel uncertain. So the lounge offers entry to men for a remarkably low 10,000 yen, encouraging them to come and experience it first.

When I actually attended a party event—on a Saturday night, no less—it was quite lively. Around 30 men and 30 women came and went throughout the night. I spoke with several women and even exchanged LINE contacts with a few, including a woman in her late twenties who belonged to the Club.

“I want to grab a drink with someone tonight—but not with a weirdo.” Universe Lounge is exactly the kind of real-life venue that meets such needs. Still, many people may hesitate to jump into a one-on-one matchmaking format like typical aiseki-ya establishments.

With a party format like this one, women can participate with friends, lowering the barrier to entry. Compared to apps, which have high risks of last-minute cancellations or scams, an event organized by a membership-based club also offers a greater sense of safety.

A new way to spend the night, replacing matching apps, may soon become the norm.

In the paid version, I will describe in detail what happened inside the event I infiltrated. What, exactly, is a papa-katsu party held in real life by the largest dating club in the industry—?