Key Facts
• Revised Entertainment Business Law took effect two days ago, increasing penalties.
• Tokyo police raided seven unauthorized girls’ bars, including “BAR Qualia” in Machida.
• 12 individuals, including manager Haruki Murayama (32), were arrested for illegal operations.
• Bars earned approximately ¥150 million (~$1.02 million) over two years without permits.
• Murayama admitted to allowing staff to interact with customers over the counter.
• Revised law raises individual penalties to up to five years imprisonment.
• Maximum fines for businesses increased from ¥2 million (~$13,600) to ¥300 million (~$2.04 million).
Summary
Tokyo police conducted a large-scale raid on seven unauthorized girls’ bars following the implementation of the revised Entertainment Business Law, which significantly increases penalties for illegal operations. Among those arrested was Haruki Murayama, manager of “BAR Qualia” in Machida, who admitted to allowing staff to engage with customers over the counter. Despite administrative warnings in April, the bars continued operations, generating approximately ¥150 million (~$1.02 million) over two years. The revised law now imposes stricter penalties, including up to five years imprisonment for individuals and fines of up to ¥300 million (~$2.04 million) for businesses.
