— bts: japanese host clubs ;

Have you ever wonder what it's like in the life of a host? Have you thought about how they feel and what it's like for them? I've done some research, doing video observations and some may have been interviewed by themselves giving us their personal views of things; even with the ones who are called "the king of host".  Some things may or may not be true; for others they have different experiences but in most part it's dark and sad. Not what most of us might have imagined based off of people's delusions.

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WHAT'S A HOST OR HOSTESS?

Hostess clubs are a common feature in the night-time entertainment industry of Japan, East Asian countries and other areas with a high Japanese population. They employ primarily female staff and cater to males seeking drinks and attentive conversation. The more recent host clubs are similar establishments where primarily male staff cater to females. Host and hostess clubs are considered part of mizu shobai (水商売, literally "water trade"), the night-time entertainment business in Japan.

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WHAT DO THEY DO OR EXPECTED TO DO?

Well in most similar parts with both a host (male) and hostess (female) they serve drinks which are very expensive and keep their guest(s) company. The thing is — the visitors, clients, or guests (however you would like to call them) ;  they are the one paying the drinks. Now, based on an interview with a male host — most girls who visit them are either "lonely, crazy, or looking for entertainment" and they would spend loads of money everyday just to hang with them. There are regular costumers who would pay them thousands or more. They also hold shows for them which are usually crazy or weird.

They won't ask about their client's private life or what they do for living unless the client are open about it but other than that ;  they will basically ask their clients about how they are doing or just a normal open conversations. I don't they think they are allowed to ask how they feel because they want them to have the best time, trying to forget and not bring up problems. Host clubs want to avoid situations where a customer does something that makes it unpleasant not only for her own host, but for the rest of the customers as well.

Most host clubs don't just let anyone in; they make an effort to only approach those girls that they think can make money from.

According to a professor in Japan, host clubs are supposedly popular because: Men generally don't like to listen to women's problems, so that's where they step in that position. These women want to be loved and taken care of.

One host club from Japan says that some woman go because they have psychological problems, especially younger women who work in adult nightlife industry. They want the same treatment that they give men at their jobs.

Host clubs highlight three flaws of people: they can be manipulative, greedy and most importantly, lack of empathy.

Depending on a host club, tabs can add up fast. You're paying them to get their attention to laugh, drink, and talk with you.

IT'S A VERY COMPETITIVE PLACE since clients chooses who they want to be companied by. Some just don't get a chance to have a client at all.

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WHERE CAN YOU FIND THEM?

Well, if you ever want to visit a host club, they'll be in the 'red light district' of Japan. Basically, somewhere in Tokyo ━ I'm sure there are other places but the most common place where both host and hostess clubs reside is at Kabukicho (Shinjuku, Tokyo).

In the night, you'll see them roam on the streets to themselves or pick up a costumer.

You can also find them all over Japan, but many in Tokyo alone.

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NEGATIVE PART OF BEING A HOST

Hosts come from all walks of life. There are long term hosts who do it for 10 plus years. Then there are the kind who go and do it for a month and disappear.

Now, this may sound sad but most of these host don't have a place to stay, no dreams or basically no where to go. The only option they think where they would belong is working at a host club. From an interview of a new guy trying to get in, the man asked "Do you have a dream? Do you know what you want to do with your life? Did you bring anything with you?" and the new guy answered, "I ran away from home with nothing on me and have never thought of doing anything in my life. I don't know what to do or what I want to do." Then the man said, "There are a lot of guys here who gave me the same answer as you. No where to go and have nothing in their pockets."

The living condition for a host is pretty some what they called "embarrassing" and bad. (To some host clubs maybe so, but for others - well...)They actually live in run down apartments / dorms ; all bundled up together. Maybe max of 3 people in the same small apartment with bunk beds or couches.

Some others may live in casual apartments alone or houses. It just depends how they live or how the host clubs works. There are other clubs who give the TOP HOST nice houses and things. "So if they want to live a better life, they have to work harder and earned it."

Another thing I realized and learned - the host drinks all the time, non-stop. It's actually common that there are hosts who can't hold their alcohol ; they're forced to drink and take that risk. It's shown that they'll drink, puke somewhere before it hits them too much before they go back to drinking and drink again until the night is over. They may get sick and stressed out but in this type of situation, they aren't able to stop.

To be honest, most hosts end up having less sex while working but there are others that'll sleep with 90% of their clients. There are things such as "sponsors" relationship as well. Most hosts tend to live with their costumers who pay their rent free, buy them expensive items or clothing.

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POSITIVE PART OF BEING A HOST

The host club culture can be pretty brutal but that doesn't mean there aren't some good things about it too.

For those who worked at the club, the men there are socially-competent people. It's because a lot of them tend to learn or become socially-competent people which brings out confidence. Makes them good with talking people which is a fantastic training for sales or maybe marketing. Who knows?

But it's also a life experience to meet different people in the crowd even though most are devastating. This is actually an option for people who can actually live.

From starting point, they don't get paid a lot but can manage by actually getting paid a lot if they can convince the customers to buy their expensive drinks or a lot of drinks in general; there are food as well.

They also have at least a place to stay other than not having a place to sleep in or eat at all. Male hosts are usually satisfied with being a host where they can feel like they have a place where they belong and enjoy themselves.

I'm slightly not sure but there may be hosts who are really narcissist and like being competitive since it brings the best out of them.

They can have a good time.

If some haven't known, there are hosts who do modeling and singing yet it'll be only for a little period of time or it doesn't really add much money for them.

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CAN FOREIGNERS BECOME A HOST?

It is possible but it's not quite as simple as walking up to the doorman and asking to come in.

First, there are things that needs to be done as in they must be residing in Japan or have papers that you are a citizen there. There are many hosts that will sneak in some foreign people in to help.

Most foreign hosts only want to be a host just for entertainment and having fun. There are some who barely speaks Japanese but if they could, that's a good progress. They also have to know how to behave and act like a host. There is a difference between culture and what to say to the clients.

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WHAT ABOUT RANKS?

Well, hosting rankings are based on how many clients and sells they have. Basically, this is where popularity comes in and is the most important part of being a host. Sometimes they don't care about rankings and care more about the sells. Maybe for others they want both money or clients.

The highest ranks are sometimes from 1-3 or 1-10. Posters will be up specifically big for them outside or rank 1 will have his very own large picture of himself d.

The highest ranks will have good living conditions than the other . It's to show that they are better and higher than the lower ones.

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FASHION

Well, some may have concepts but most will have a formal suit costume to make them look good and classy. Very fitting because they don't want to look all baggy and slightly off. They have to look good at all cause if they want attention.

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OTHER INFORMATION

I'm sure there are more into a host but who knows. Other than that, both a host and hostess are slightly the same if you're wondering.

If there's anything I'm off about please explain or tell me more about a host or a hostess.