Birth of the Host Club - Shinjuku Kabukicho - Late 1970s

Birth of the Host Club - Shinjuku Kabukicho - Late 1970s

In the late 1970s, host clubs sprang up in Kabukicho against a backdrop of economic growth and women's social advancement. When "Ai Honten" first opened, it attracted about 300 customers per month, and it grew rapidly, reaching about 36,000 customers per year by the end of the 1970s. It became a symbol of Kabukicho, favored by single women and career women. On the other hand, high billing was a problem, with some establishments reporting charges in excess of 1 million yen, prompting calls for a healthier industry. This culture symbolized not only entertainment, but also a change in the social status of women and consumer culture, and influenced subsequent businesses such as cabarets.