Key Facts
• Revised Entertainment Business Law takes effect on June 28, 2025.
• Bans ‘romantic sales tactics’ exploiting customers’ emotions for financial gain.
• Violations include up to 6 months imprisonment or fines up to ¥1 million.
• Law addresses issues like unpaid tabs (‘urikakekin’) and forced prostitution.
• Example: A 17-year-old girl spent up to ¥800,000 in one night to meet her favorite host.
• Host club manuals previously encouraged exploiting romantic feelings for sales.
• New law prohibits false pricing, unsolicited orders, and emotional manipulation.
• Administrative penalties include potential business suspension for violations.
• Industry leaders acknowledge past issues and support the law as necessary reform.
• Host clubs must now balance customer satisfaction with legal compliance.
Summary
The revised Entertainment Business Law, effective June 28, 2025, prohibits ‘romantic sales tactics’ in host clubs, targeting practices that exploit customers’ emotions for financial gain. Violators face up to six months imprisonment or fines of up to ¥1 million. The law also bans false pricing and unsolicited orders, with administrative penalties for non-compliance. This reform addresses longstanding issues like unpaid tabs and forced prostitution, which have plagued the industry. Industry leaders largely support the changes, viewing them as necessary to correct past misconduct. Host clubs must now focus on creating a satisfying yet legally compliant customer experience.
