Key Facts
• Revised Entertainment Business Law takes effect on June 28, 2025.
• Targets malicious host clubs exploiting female customers’ emotions for financial gain.
• Prohibits coercing customers into debt or sex industry work for payment.
• Violations include up to 6 months imprisonment or fines up to ¥100,000.
• “Scout Back” payments between sex industry and hosts/scouts are banned.
• Penalties for unlicensed operations increased to up to 5 years imprisonment or ¥10 million fines.
• Corporate fines raised from ¥200,000 to ¥300 million.
Summary
The revised Entertainment Business Law, effective June 28, 2025, introduces stricter regulations on malicious host clubs exploiting female customers. It bans practices like manipulating romantic feelings to incur debt and coercing sex industry work for payment. Violators face up to 6 months imprisonment or fines up to ¥100,000. Additionally, “Scout Back” payments between sex industry establishments and hosts/scouts are prohibited, with similar penalties. Unlicensed operations now face harsher punishments, including up to 5 years imprisonment or ¥10 million fines for individuals, and corporate fines increased to ¥300 million. These measures aim to curb exploitative practices and protect vulnerable individuals.
