
Sitting Down with a REAL Japanese Host | Trash Taste #78


[06:39 - 06:54]Jan was a host in Japan


[07:02 - 07:12]Jan was born in Turkey and went to school in Japan


[07:12 - 07:24]After high school, Jan went to Dubai for two years, then to university in Turkey for two years


[07:24 - 07:30]Jan then went to university in Czech Republic for one year, then transferred to Jochi University in Tokyo


[07:24 - 07:30]He graduated from Jochi University and decided to stay in Japan


[07:37 - 07:44]Jan was interested in being a host and ended up working as one in one of the "hottest clubs" in Tokyo


[00:00 - 08:19]Jan was born in Turkey, went to school in Japan, and eventually became a host in one of the most popular clubs in Tokyo after graduating from university.


[08:19 - 08:30] Everyone claims to be an introvert and wants to be humble


[09:05 - 09:11]The speaker loves being by themselves but understands the need to socialize


[09:35 - 09:48]The speaker claims to be an introvert and explains why


[09:49 - 10:09]They enjoy hanging out with friends but also feel drained after socializing


[09:49 - 10:09]Their social battery gets depleted and sometimes they just want to be alone


[11:43 - 11:49]The speaker is half Japanese and half Turkish and is fluent in both languages


[12:53 - 13:00]They were enrolled in a Japanese school and their dad only spoke to them in Japanese


[14:09 - 14:19]They earned money for studying Kanji and it was a big incentive for them to learn


[15:15 - 15:29]The speaker reflects on their life with a friend and their perspective helps them understand things better


[08:19 - 15:49]The speaker discusses introversion, their bilingual upbringing, and how reflecting with a friend has helped them.


[15:50 - 16:07]The speaker discusses a conversation they had with someone about their past and decision-making


[16:07 - 16:12]They mention their belief in God as a good father figure


[16:54 - 16:59]The speaker talks about their experience being picked on for the way they drink


[17:45 - 17:51]They discuss their fluency in Kanji and how it relates to their interest in anime and manga


[19:32 - 19:38]The speaker explains how they got into hosting and their initial reluctance


[20:00 - 20:06]They mention their father's past experience working in the red light district


[22:24 - 22:30]The speaker talks about their experience as a host at a club in Japan


[22:30 - 22:40]They discuss their first job at a pizzeria and how they later started taking night shifts


[22:40 - 22:50]The speaker mentions that the main customers at night were older women


[15:50 - 22:50]The speaker's overall experience in Japan has influenced their vocabulary and understanding of the culture Overall, the speaker discusses their past experiences and how they have led to their current understanding of Japanese culture and language.


[29:55 - 30:02]Man describes his experience as a host in Japan


[30:03 - 30:16]Man's boss tells him about ex-sports teacher who has connections with former students


[30:53 - 31:01]Man starts working at a high-end pizza place that also serves alcohol


[30:53 - 31:01]Man decides to apply as a host after working at the pizza place


[31:01 - 31:09]Former students are now married with kids and may have issues with their husband


[31:01 - 31:09]He applies for a job at a host club in Ikebukuro and gets paid for the interview


[31:01 - 31:09]The demand for hosts is high and smaller clubs may pay for interviews


[31:09 - 31:20]Man's initial motivation for becoming a host was for easy money


[31:09 - 31:20]The host industry in Japan is in high demand


[31:20 - 31:30]Boss tells him that women come specifically to chat with him and are allowed to buy him drinks


[31:20 - 31:30]Foreign girls used to be hired in girls bars, but it is now illegal


[22:56 - 31:30]The man describes his experience as a host in Japan, starting with his boss telling him about a former sports teacher who still has connections with former students. He then starts working at a high-end pizza place that also serves alcohol, where his boss tells him that women come specifically to chat with him and are allowed to buy him drinks. After working at the pizza place, he applies for a job as a host at a club in Ikebukuro and gets paid for the interview. The industry is in high demand, and smaller clubs may even pay for interviews due to a shortage of staff. He also mentions that hiring foreign girls in girls bars used to be common, but it is now illegal.


[31:30 - 31:45]Person talking wants to work at a girls bar near their house


[31:46 - 31:53]They talk about a Russian girl who is working illegally at the bar


[32:00 - 32:12]Person considers applying to many jobs just for the interview pay


[32:19 - 32:26]They discuss the interview process and how it involves drinking


[33:41 - 33:48]Person decides to join the equivacro bar after two interviews


[33:48 - 34:06]They mention a previous experience at a different bar where they were sat down with a customer to drink


[34:06 - 34:15]The customer they were sat with was a regular member of the bar


[35:45 - 36:04]They mention the traditional way of doing a hostel and how the other person should talk more during the interview


[36:04 - 36:11]The person talks about how they were asked questions during the interview and how they made the customer talk more


[36:25 - 36:34]The customer was impressed and wanted to see the person again


[37:11 - 37:21]They mention their experience filming at a host club and how they were given all access and shouted out their YouTube channel


[37:11 - 37:21]They mention the psychology and tactics used in host clubs


[37:34 - 37:42]The person was hired and talks about their character and gimmick as a host


[39:05 - 39:17]The person talks about how the hosts at the club were transparent about not caring about the customers


[31:30 - 39:46]The person talking discusses wanting to work at a girls bar near their house and mentions a Russian girl who is working illegally at the bar. They consider applying to multiple jobs just for the interview pay and discuss the interview process, which involves drinking. They eventually decide to join the equivacro bar after two interviews. They mention a previous experience at a different bar where they were sat down with a customer to drink, and how the traditional way of doing a hostel involves having the other person talk more during the interview. They also discuss their character and gimmick as a host, and their experience filming at a host club where the hosts were transparent about not caring about the customers. They mention the psychology and tactics used in host clubs and how it would take years for someone not from Japan to understand the culture and reasoning behind them.


[39:46 - 39:54] The host discusses the appeal of host clubs in Japan and the types of people who go there.


[40:12 - 40:24]He mentions that the social structure of Japan, which is not very social-friendly, contributes to the popularity of host clubs.


[40:24 - 40:35]The host also talks about his personal reasons for going to a host club, which include wanting to see what kind of people work there and the potential for networking opportunities.


[40:49 - 40:58]He explains that most customers at host clubs are also involved in the nightlife industry.


[42:16 - 42:35]The host discusses how he played a specific character at the host club, acting as a life coach for the female customers.


[43:57 - 44:06]The host describes the process of becoming a host, which involves approaching potential customers on the street and inviting them to the club.


[45:07 - 45:26]He also talks about the specific rules and expectations for interacting with customers, including not asking personal questions.


[46:51 - 46:56]He also mentions that he didn't take the job too seriously and was willing to move on if he was fired.


[47:44 - 47:51]Host clubs involve sitting with customers for five minutes and then switching to another customer.


[39:46 - 47:51]The host discusses the appeal and social structure of host clubs in Japan, his personal reasons for working at one, the process of becoming a host, and his experiences interacting with customers.


[47:57 - 48:03]Discussing business cards and the use of them in the host club industry


[52:07 - 52:27]Talking about how host clubs rank their staff and the importance of having a high rank


[54:08 - 54:13]Mentioning the different types of clientele that visit host clubs, including idols and older women


[54:53 - 55:05]Questioning whether the host club environment could work in other countries


[55:12 - 55:21]Sharing a story about taxi drivers in Turkey and their organized connections


[47:52 - 56:31]The host club industry in Japan is highly competitive and staff are ranked based on their success in attracting customers. The clientele includes a variety of demographics and the environment may not work in other countries due to cultural differences.


[56:40 - 56:45] The speaker talks about the benefits of being a host in Turkey and how it is all about connections and meeting people.


[56:45 - 56:53]Taxi drivers are highly regarded in Turkey because they know everyone and can get you anywhere.


[58:44 - 58:59]The speaker talks about the demographic of his clients and mentions a senior lady who is there to make friends.


[59:54 - 1.00:02]He believes that personality is more important than looks when it comes to being a successful host.


[1.03:33 - 1.03:40]The speaker praises another successful host, Rolando, who has changed society's perception of what hosts can be.


[1.04:22 - 1.04:44]He talks about how he tries to make his customers feel rejuvenated and leave with a new perspective.


[1.04:52 - 1.05:11]The speaker believes that life experience comes from engaging in new activities and traveling to different places.


[56:31 - 1.05:11]The speaker discusses the benefits of being a host in Turkey and the importance of personality over looks. He praises another successful host and talks about the importance of life experience.


[1.12:21 - 1.12:39]Host club life involves juggling multiple clients and attending lunches, birthdays, and anniversaries


[1.12:40 - 1.12:54]Hosts typically work in the evenings until morning


[1.12:54 - 1.13:02]The number one host would sleep only 2 hours and then go on dates with clients during the day


[1.12:54 - 1.13:02]The host club scene in Japan is unique and offers a variety of cultures to explore


[1.12:54 - 1.13:02]Europe also offers a diverse range of cultures in a small space


[1.13:02 - 1.13:08]Being a successful host involves grinding on the ladder and being the top host


[1.13:02 - 1.13:08]Hosts can only be found at the host club, making it a sought-after experience


[1.13:08 - 1.13:15]Successful hosts spend a lot of money on gifts and dates with clients


[1.13:08 - 1.13:15]Hosts are admired for their seductive behavior and self-awareness


[1.13:08 - 1.13:15]Hosts pay for everything during dates with clients


[1.13:08 - 1.13:15]The author was not interested in investing in clients for personal gain


[1.05:11 - 1.13:15]Being a host in Japan involves juggling multiple clients, attending events and dates, and investing money in gifts and dates. The top host would only sleep 2 hours and prioritize going on dates during the day. The host club scene in Japan offers a unique and diverse culture, while Europe also offers a variety of cultures in a small space. Successful hosts are admired for their seductive behavior and self-awareness, and being a successful host involves grinding on the ladder and being the top host. Hosts can only be found at the host club, making it a sought-after experience, and pay for everything during dates with clients. The author was not interested in investing in clients for personal gain.


[1.13:15 - 1.13:22]The speaker expresses their interest in collecting data about host clubs.


[1.13:22 - 1.13:33]They compare the host club system to the game Persona 5 and discuss how the social rank increases when gifts are given.


[1.18:18 - 1.18:26]The discussion shifts to the role of helpers in host clubs and how they assist with pouring drinks and making conversation.


[1.18:35 - 1.18:52]The speaker reveals that they used to work as a helper and shares some treacherous stories about competition between hosts.


[1.19:30 - 1.19:38]The speaker shares that the number one host at their club can spend up to 70% of their salary on gifts.


[1.19:46 - 1.19:52]They talk about how the helper gets paid to drink the client's drinks.


[1.19:46 - 1.19:52]They discuss how the number one host would often bring multiple girls to their table and manipulate them against each other to buy expensive drinks.


[1.20:36 - 1.20:49]They discuss the intense gift-giving culture in Japan and how it relates to the host club industry.


[1.20:36 - 1.20:49]They mention that hosts often have alcohol addictions due to the pressure to drink every day.


[1.20:49 - 1.20:58]The speaker mentions that the host club system is well developed and involves going on dates to gain allies in battle.


[1.20:49 - 1.20:58]The speaker mentions that the number one host at their club was a former salaryman who gave up everything to become a host and is now very successful.


[1.20:49 - 1.20:58]The speaker acknowledges that there are likely deeper reasons for the popularity of host clubs and that the cultural context of Japan must be considered.


[1.21:28 - 1.21:35]They mention that misogyny may play a role in the host club industry.


[1.13:15 - 1.21:35]The speaker discusses their interest in collecting data about host clubs and compares the system to the game Persona 5. They describe the intense gift-giving culture in Japan and how it relates to the host club industry. The speaker shares their experience as a helper in a host club and reveals treacherous stories about competition between hosts. They also discuss the success of a former salaryman who gave up everything to become a host. The speaker acknowledges that there are likely deeper reasons for the popularity of host clubs and mentions the role of misogyny in Japan.


[1.21:35 - 1.21:52] The hosts discuss the structure and laws of the host industry in Japan, which is based on the concept of an alpha male.


[1.22:02 - 1.22:19]The hosts explain how the industry is set up to make the client feel like a rock star, with everyone around them catering to their every need.


[1.24:45 - 1.24:57]One of the hosts talks about how his job is essentially a social fetish, where he is paid to make people feel good about themselves.


[1.25:26 - 1.25:35]The hosts discuss the depressing atmosphere of the host clubs and how some clients may be using it as an escape from their everyday lives.


[1.25:35 - 1.25:41]The hosts also talk about their own experiences of going to girls' bars and promoting themselves as hosts.


[1.28:14 - 1.28:21]The hosts reflect on the strange and sometimes cringe-inducing interactions they have witnessed in the industry.


[1.28:50 - 1.28:59]They mention the practice of shima, where hosts go to other clubs to campaign for votes from potential clients.


[1.28:50 - 1.28:59]They mention that the shacho (owner) would often take the top-performing hosts to other clubs to promote the business.


[1.21:35 - 1.29:48]A comprehensive summary of the discussion is that the host industry in Japan is based on the concept of an alpha male, and hosts are expected to make their clients feel like rock stars. However, the atmosphere can be depressing and some clients may be using it as an escape. There are also certain tactics, such as campaigning for votes and promoting oneself at other clubs, that are used to boost one's rank in the industry.


[1.29:48 - 1.29:58]Late evenings host club finishes at 12pm


[1.29:58 - 1.30:03]Subsidiary bar is usually closed at 12pm


[1.30:04 - 1.30:26]Shacho (owner) would take the group to a different venue


[1.30:26 - 1.30:31]Shacho would pay for everything, sometimes up to 6-7k USD


[1.31:37 - 1.31:43]Verbal agreements hold more value than written agreements in Japan


[1.33:50 - 1.33:58]Promises must be kept or risk losing reputation and respect


[1.35:34 - 1.35:52]Host club culture has been around for a while, but became popular in the last 15 years


[1.36:04 - 1.36:15]Main difference between older and newer clubs is the customer service experience


[1.36:15 - 1.36:34]Hosting famous hosts can up a club's name and reputation


[1.36:35 - 1.36:43]Advertising through social media and news can also increase a club's exposure


[1.38:07 - 1.38:13]Dramatic box opening sponsored by Boxu Kona


[1.38:20 - 1.38:38]Boxu is a monthly subscription service for Japanese snacks and tea pairings


[1.38:20 - 1.38:38]Boxu makes a perfect gift for those who appreciate Japanese snacks and culture


[1.29:48 - 1.38:38]Host clubs in Japan finish late, with the owner taking the group to a different venue and paying for everything. Verbal agreements hold more value and hosting famous hosts can increase a club's reputation. Boxu is a monthly subscription service for Japanese snacks and tea pairings, making it a perfect gift for those who appreciate Japanese culture.


[1.38:39 - 1.38:44]Free tickets to Japan giveaway for subscribers before December 31st


[1.38:58 - 1.39:10]Special offer for a wooden box known as a "kitty buckle boxu"


[1.39:37 - 1.39:48]Discussion on the differences between new and old host clubs and the respect they hold


[1.42:10 - 1.42:21]Potential violence and pressure in the industry to perform well


[1.42:43 - 1.42:55]Discussion on the impact of famous hosts, specifically Roland


[1.43:35 - 1.43:46]Pressure and expectations in top host clubs compared to smaller, less respected ones


[1.44:12 - 1.44:21]Japan's double standard for male and female hosts


[1.45:55 - 1.46:09]Challenges and tests faced by those in the industry


[1.45:55 - 1.46:09]Reflection on the culture and reality of the industry


[1.46:32 - 1.46:47]Understanding and respecting the culture and history of the industry


[1.47:01 - 1.47:10]Examples of violence and mistreatment in the industry


[1.38:39 - 1.47:10]Questioning whether the practices in the industry are acceptable and if change is necessary


[1.47:16 - 1.47:39]Discussion about a violent incident and the difference between disciplined business practices and violence


[1.47:56 - 1.48:02]Host clubs often do not allow foreigners and those who cannot speak Japanese


[1.50:15 - 1.50:31]Host clubs have a lot of money and clients due to the high-paying nightlife industry in Japan


[1.51:41 - 1.51:51]The top 1% of hosts barely have time to sleep and mostly spend their money back into the industry


[1.51:59 - 1.52:07]A typical day for a top host involves working at the club, drinking with clients, and sometimes going on dates with multiple girls


[1.53:35 - 1.53:42]A top host does not have to drink and can focus on conversational skills, potentially becoming a life coach


[1.53:50 - 1.54:01]Host clubs are similar to strip clubs, where clients pay for the service of spending time with a person


[1.54:02 - 1.54:10]Buying drinks is a way for clients to support the atmosphere and continue spending time with the host


[1.47:10 - 1.54:54]Host clubs in Japan are a lucrative industry, with the top 1% of hosts barely having time to sleep due to their busy schedules. The clients, often young women with disposable income from working in the nightlife industry, pay for the service of spending time with a host, similar to going to a strip club. The hosts themselves may focus on their conversational skills and act as a sort of life coach for their clients. Foreigners and those who cannot speak Japanese may not be allowed in host clubs, and violence is frowned upon in the industry. Overall, hosts spend most of their money back into the industry, and buying drinks is a way for clients to support the atmosphere and continue spending time with the host.


[1.54:54 - 1.55:01]Jan discusses the high markup prices of drinks in host clubs


[1.55:20 - 1.55:26]He mentions a drink called "strong zero" which costs 30 bucks and is 10 times the original price


[1.57:33 - 1.57:39]Jan shares a story about his friend who spent 200k on a host club for his 30th birthday


[1.58:03 - 1.58:11]Hosts often use champagne towers to impress clients, with prices ranging from 10k to 200k


[1.59:00 - 1.59:16]Hosts often have "host buddies" and girls who save up for their special occasions


[2.02:17 - 2.02:26]Jan worked in the host club industry for almost 10 years and has known many clients for a long time


[2.02:45 - 2.02:54]Jan's honesty and quality conversations helped him maintain good relationships with clients


[2.03:00 - 2.03:07]He attended weddings and other events as a guest, with some clients crediting him for giving them life advice


[2.03:54 - 2.04:04]Jan's wife introduced him to her husband as someone she spent a lot of money on before she met him


[1.54:54 - 2.04:04]Jan discusses the high prices and techniques used in host clubs, shares stories about his experiences in the industry, and talks about attending events as a guest due to his relationships with clients.


[2.09:58 - 2.10:07] The host reminisces about his past relationships and friendships.


[2.10:47 - 2.11:19]He discusses the mentality and strategies involved in being a successful host.


[2.11:34 - 2.11:44]He talks about the pressure to maintain an image and cater to customers' desires in order to keep them coming back.


[2.11:44 - 2.11:50]He compares the host industry to other Japanese industries, such as the idol industry, in terms of strict standards and audience education.


[2.11:50 - 2.12:27]The host explains how the media has glorified and popularized the host industry, but it often portrays a false and toxic image.


[2.12:50 - 2.13:03]The host believes that in order for change to happen in the industry, companies must be willing to take risks and adapt to new ideas.


[2.04:04 - 2.13:12]Overall, the host shares his perspective on the host industry and its impact on Japanese culture and society.


[2.13:44 - 2.13:57] The speaker discusses the difficulty of being a host and the pressure to maintain traditional practices in the idol industry.


[2.13:58 - 2.14:10]The speaker mentions how idols cannot speak out against the industry or they risk losing their career and fans.


[2.14:26 - 2.14:36]The speaker talks about the need for the entire industry to recognize the need for change in order to actually enact change.


[2.17:39 - 2.17:58]The speaker discusses the dilemma of following tradition vs. forging a new path.


[2.19:55 - 2.20:19]The speaker references the character Itachi from Naruto as an example of sacrificing oneself for the greater good.


[2.21:14 - 2.21:34]The speaker mentions how successful hosts are often too busy to spend time with their friends and the concept of min-maxing social interactions.


[2.21:54 - 2.22:00]The speaker talks about the potential cost of buying a Dom Perion champagne towel for someone's birthday.


[2.22:31 - 2.22:40]The speaker briefly mentions the lifestyle of the daughter of a billionaire.


[2.13:15 - 2.22:49]The speaker discusses the pressure and challenges of being a host and the need for change in traditional practices in the idol industry. They reference Itachi from Naruto as an example and touch on the idea of min-maxing social interactions. They also mention the potential cost of buying a Dom Perion champagne towel and briefly discuss the lifestyle of a daughter from a billionaire family.


[2.26:14 - 2.26:25]Host club industry has grown massively in the past 5-10 years, potentially due to Roland's impact


[2.27:11 - 2.27:23]Due to COVID-19, host clubs are facing challenges and finding ways around it (e.g. streams)


[2.27:11 - 2.27:23]Individual hosts are focusing on building their personal brand rather than the company's


[2.27:31 - 2.27:50]Roland brought new ideas and showcased that his business model can be successful


[2.28:38 - 2.28:44]Jan (guest) is starting a Twitch channel called "Sushi Kebab Guy"


[2.29:19 - 2.29:28]Jan's goal is to get banned and see how far he can push the boundaries


[2.29:19 - 2.29:28]Jan's channel will cover "fucked up" topics and discussions


[2.29:19 - 2.29:28]Jan's channel can be found on Twitch, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook with the username "SushiKebabGuy"


[2.29:19 - 2.29:28]Patrons who have "A" or "X" in their name will get a hug and kiss from Jan for supporting his channel


[2.29:36 - 2.29:52]Jan plans to do a controversial stream every Sunday to test the limits of Twitch


[2.29:36 - 2.29:52]Corner and Joey will do a react episode on Twitch after this episode is released


[2.29:58 - 2.29:58]Host club industry has potential for the future but may face challenges due to COVID-19


[2.29:58 - 2.29:58]Jan has finished half a bottle of gin during the podcast recording


[2.22:49 - 2.29:58]The host club industry has grown due to Roland's impact, but COVID-19 has presented challenges. Jan is starting a Twitch channel to push the limits with controversial discussions, and individual hosts are focusing on building their personal brand. Jan's channel, "SushiKebabGuy", can be found on various social media platforms.