Doc film on hostessing

[Kendhe]

hi everyone, i'm really pysched about how active this forum is--i'm a newbie. i'm doing research for a doc on the hostessing industry in japan, the threads so far on this subject have been really insightful.

my question: for research purposes i'm considering traveling to japan to be a hostess. i'm a filipino born canadian. what are people's opinions on how i will be treated?

 

[wintersweet]

Oh, that sounds interesting. It's an intriguing topic.

I believe Filipinos, especially women, have kind of a bad reputation in Japan, partially due to hostessing work and such, but I don't have back-up documentation at the moment. (Obviously, I'm not endorsing these attitudes.) I suspect you'll have to put up with a lot of crap.

 

[Kendhe]

Fair enough. That seems to be the consensus which is unfortunate. I'm curious if anyone knows anything about hostess recruitment agencies in North America? I'm from Toronto, Canada and I only located one agency. It seems very sketchy...just hoping I might be able to locate other women who are planning/have thought about making the trip to Japan to be a hostess through this method...very interested in hearing about motivations/experiences/conflicts etc.

 

[GaijinPunch]

Phillipinos aren't horribly discriminated against in Japan. Also, your English will most likely give you away as not Phillipino just in case. Most Phillipino immigrants are in other professions, although there are some. Anyways, hosting is pretty PG-13-rated. I think the biggest problem you'll have is that most hosting places need you to speak at least a bit of Japanese. The ones that don't are in Roppongi, and are surrounded by some less-than-savory establishments, so you might get some overflow.

 

[Kendhe]

Do you know if recruitment agencies have reached the states yet? It seems as though most Americans/Canadians who find work as hostesses are already in Japan and find work through word of mouth/postings. I've only heard of one agency here but they seem to be MIA.

 

[GaijinPunch]

There are tons of them, and yes -- in the states (and Canada). As a matter of fact, I went to a party with an old school friend of mine, back in the Spring before moving to Hawaii. It was a small part, so you could mingle quite a bit. Most of the women worked in Roppongi as hostesses. One had been in Japan for 5 years, and one had been a hostess 3 years before for 3 months, and was doing it again (for 3 months).

I asked them about it, and they said they were introduced to an agent in Canada, on a friends referral. They come to Japan on a 3-month entertainment visa (which can be renewed) and are given a rate. They generally work 6 nights a week, and are put up in a small flat usually with a couple of other girls. It's not terrible living conditions - but a lot like college.

Living in Roppongi can uh... cause you to pick up some bad habits. Assuming they stear clear of them, they can take home a few thousand bucks easily, and have a great time living in Tokyo.

 

[Kendhe]

Active agencies in Canada? I'm honestly shocked--I've been scouring papers/Canadian sites and the like and I haven't really turned up anything. As I mentioned in the earlier post I'm working on a new doc project on Canadian hostesses. I'm searching for Canadian women who want to/are planning to work in Japan to interview. These interviews will be 100% anonymous -- I would be really grateful if you could put the word out to your friends, not sure if they'd be interested in sharing their experiences/motivations -- I have so many questions. They can contact me personally at [email protected] if they'd be open to it.

 

[Maciamo]

I believe Filipinos, especially women, have kind of a bad reputation in Japan, partially due to hostessing work.

I think Filipinas have a bad reputation in Japan, but not because of hostessing, but rather disguised prostitution in soaplands or massage parlours, while the real hostessing jobs are left to the Japanese (Japanese men need women who can entertain them and laugh at their stories, and for this one needs to speak Japanese very well, so few foreigners in hostessing, apart from places like Roppongi or Kabukicho).

Many Filipinas (or Russian women) also marry much older or ugly Japanese men who can't marry a Japanese and are rich enough to support them (and sometimes their familiy in their country). That is seen as another form of prostitution, which adds up to their reputation (as well as most SE Asian and Chinese women, but especially Filipinas).

 

[Kendhe]

Are foreign women permitted in hostess bars (non-workers)?

 

[Maciamo]

Are foreign women permitted in hostess bars (non-workers)?

Hostessing is not even legal in Japan, but like prostitution it is just for the international image, as everybody turns a blind eye. So, yes, they are permitted, although technically not legal.

 

[Kendhe]

So all the hostess bars in Roponggi district are basically running illegal businesses? Or is it legal to run the business, but illegal to actually hostess?

 

[misa.j]

Kendhe,

My first suggestion would be;Do not get a job through the agencies you are looking for.
It can be very dangerous, might end up being stuck in the illegal business such as prostitution.
If you can read Japanese, there is an easier way to get a part time job through the classified magazines, are published every week, have lots of hostessing jobs.
You are going to need a work permission from the government to work in Japan even as a part time.

I don't think hostess bars are illegal in Japan, but they are usually owned by people who do a lot of illegal business.
I have worked as a hostess as a matter of fact, only for 3 nights though, it was actually a good learning experience, but it sucked like hell.
The bars I worked in Shinjuku area didn't have Filipinos, was dominated by Japanese girls, and I'm not sure where you can find bars that hire foriegners.

I would be extremely cautious with your research.

 

[Kendhe]

Misa.J, thanks for your response. My research so far has definitely led me to the conclusion that I need another way to do this film without putting myself in harms way. It was about a month ago when I posted the original message and a lot has changed since then. There are definite ethical/safety considerations in doing this project, both if I were to make the trip myself or if I was to document someone else's experience. There have been films about women's experiences hostessing in Japan but none have documented the whole process for ethical/safety reasons; my goal is to document this process -- I think it's definitely important for western audiences to see something like this. I'm hoping it will be worthwhile and open up discussion on the global labour choices that are available to women.

Having experienced what this industry is like, what do you think is the best way for me to approach this subject?

 

[PaulTB]

Having experienced what this industry is like, what do you think is the best way for me to approach this subject?

I haven't experienced what that industry is like but I think the best way to approach the subject is bloody carefully.

Interviewing people who were in the business but aren't any more would probably be the safest start, don't you think?

 

[Kendhe]

Yeah I gotcha PaulTB, carefully...heh

Interviewing people who were in the business is obviously the safest bet; that's also part of my research but not necessarily what will be filmed in the end. It may be best to approach the whole subject by looking at the process of recruitment, how easy it may/may not be? Maybe a little undercover reconnaisance without leaving the country...Just thinking outloud now...

 

[PaulTB]

It may be best to approach the whole subject by looking at the process of recruitment, how easy it may/may not be? Maybe a little undercover reconnaisance without leaving the country...Just thinking outloud now...

The basic problem with any sort of under-cover filming / recording is what happens if it's found out? I would think there'd be legal as well as moral responsiblity if someone gets into trouble as a result of carrying any sort of recording equipment on your behalf.

 

[Kendhe]

I definitely wouldn't have someone do that on my behalf. In terms of legal issues, those are some real problems with such an approach. As I said, considering a number of possibilities as to how to make this project work...

 

[misa.j]

Having experienced what this industry is like, what do you think is the best way for me to approach this subject?

Kendhe,
You can start researching on the internet such as reading articles regarding this matter if you haven't done it; go to Filipino community to see if there are any women with this experience, find Filipinos who live in Japan who can help you etc.
Or if you are willing to go to Japan and document on your own, the suggestion I mentioned in my last post can be one way, but it will make it easier if you have friends in Japan.

I knew a Filipino woman who went to Japan in her teen, worked as a hostess and got married to a Japanese man. She wasn't a hostess when I met her and seemed quite happy because she was in love with the man. Ufortunately, I don't have any contact with her to help you.

I can PM you if you would be interested in my experiece. I'm not sure if anybody else here wants to know about it.

 

[Tateishi]

I saw a documentary last night on male hotessing where they followed a few male hotesses around and documented what they did, how they lived their lives and all the jobs they did. It was all in Japanese. I'm sure if you come to Japan you can find hostesses or hostess bars that are willing to co-operate with you and help you film the process, from recruitment from the streets to the things that happened in the bars. In the documentary I saw last night they just blocked out the faces of the people that didn't want to be in the film

 

[Kendhe]

male hostesses

Tateishi, i'm glad you came across this -- knowing that there may be a possibility of finding businesses that are willing to cooperate definitely opens up options. i'm curious if the filmmakers were male or female, japanese or from elsewhere? do you have any info on the name of the program, broadcaster etc.?

Misa.j, thanks for your suggestions. i've read quite a bit but find that my research is really missing current personal experiences, or regular contact with former/current hostesses. i thought a forum like this one might help open up some doors. i would definitely like to hear about your experience, i know i have lots of questions -- you're also welcome to email me offline, [email protected]

 

[MeAndroo]

Weird...one of the hostesses at the club I went to was Filipina, and she was probably the coolest one. She'd been all over the world, and spoke perfect English. I met her early in my study abroad semester, and though we never hung out again, we did stay in touch for about 4 months. There's gaijin clubs, and a friend of mine actually worked at one to help pay her bills while studying abroad. She didn't put up with much crap, as she's very blunt and always starting sh-t. There are sacrifices you have to make, though, just due to the nature of the industry.

 

[GaijinPunch]

Sorry I didn't reply until now... these forums are so dang big... lost the thread.

Maciamo:

Hostessing is not even legal in Japan, but like prostitution it is just for the international image.

Do you have a source for this? While I agree that just b/c something is in plain view doesn't make it legal, hostessing is. Afterall -- there's not even any touching, the advertise in papers, cops never shut them down*. Prostitutes usually don't get busted for prostitution... but they'll every now and again raid a "shop" and send all the illegal immigrants (usually Chinese) on their way.

As for the Phillipinos & Russians, you're more likely to find places with that certain flavor outside of Tokyo. Err... maybe I should say, "you're more likely to find a group of those nationalities active in the scene outside of Tokyo." Not to sound like a pig, but Phillipino's in Tokyo are more known for for being nannies and maids. That's not to say they don't exist though.

The hostessing scene in Tokyo, at least in Roppongi, is a large part "white chicks with fake guns" to put it bluntly. A stroll through that area at 7AM will show you, as I used to cycle through their each morning to get to work. The thing is, there are so many hostessing places, just about any girl can do it. I think about half of the girls I was friends with in Japan at one time or another hostessed.

Kendhe:
Those nightmare stories of women getting sold into prostitution usually don't happen to westerners. Sure, it's not impossible, but I seriously doubt it'll happen. The women I was referring to all seemed to have gotten to Japan on the same reference, and I assure you were having a great time. I do agree though, that speaking at least survival level Japanese and being IN Japan will help your project immensely.

 

[Maciamo]

So all the hostess bars in Roponggi district are basically running illegal businesses? Or is it legal to run the business, but illegal to actually hostess?

Hostess bars, soaplands, massages parlours (for men), etc. are all illegal. But legality doesn't mean much in Japan. What's important is how the law is enforced, and it basically never happens that any of these places is asked to shut down or receives a fine or whatever. As the matter of fact, there are "illegal massage parlours" around almost every (major) station in Tokyo. The only time it makes the news is when illegal Chinese or other Asian workers are arrested in such places (rather than arresting the yakuza that brought them there). In other words, as long as it's between Japanese or does not distrub social order, it is perfectly ok and the authorities turn a blind eye.

The same is true of almsot any law in Japan. It's illegal to drive a bicycle with an umbrella, but half of the very numerous Japanese driving a bike do it. It's illegal to park your bicycle in front of most metro station, but everybody does it, even in front of police officers or right in front of the Koban. There are signs everythere saying you can't park, but people and the police itself just don't care, because it's inevitable. I have never seen a bike been taken away during daytime. If you leave it overnight, they will give you an orange paper of warning, then if it's still there the nexct day it's gone, because they think it's been abandoned. Just trying to keep things smooth and organised. The law is just in case of accident or emergency or any unusual situation that causes trouble.

I saw a documentary last night on male hotessing where they followed a few male hotesses around and documented what they did, how they lived their lives and all the jobs they did. It was all in Japanese. I'm sure if you come to Japan you can find hostesses or hostess bars that are willing to co-operate with you and help you film the process, from recruitment from the streets to the things that happened in the bars. In the documentary I saw last night they just blocked out the faces of the people that didn't want to be in the film

There are lots of documentaries (and TV series) about hostessing on Japanese TV. I rarely watch TV, but I have seen at least 3 such documentaries. They usually don't "block" their faces though, as many of the girls are quite proud of being hostesses in places like Ginza. That somewhat implies that they are beautiful and well-spoken, and they make a lot of money (depends a lot on the clubs' clientele and prestige as I have seen ads here where the salary is lower per hour than English teachers).

 

[GaijinPunch]

Hostess bars, soaplands, massages parlours (for men), etc. are all illegal.

Soaploands and "massage" parlours yes... but hostess bars are fair game. I'd be shocked and apalled to find out otherwise... even asked the wife. You can go to the middle of the sticks and find them in plain view, while a soapland will take a while to find. Again, that doesn't really change the legality of it, but I did a bit of research before moving there some time ago.

I fully understand what you're saying about them not enforcing anything though. I mean you can buy just about anything from the Iranians on Sentagai in Shibuya, was offered a massage on a daily basis cycling home through Shibuya, and even dance clubs are illegal between 12AM and 5AM (old law to keep the GI's out of trouble -- and they enforce this one on occasion).

It's illegal to park your bicycle in front of most metro station,

Guillty!

There are signs everythere saying you can't park

Well -- I didn't see any signs saying not to though.

The law is just in case of accident or emergency or any unusual situation that causes trouble.

Or a tool to get rid of a person/entity... a la the Chinese prostitutes and the aforementioned club law.

There are lots of documentaries (and TV series) about hostessing on Japanese TV. I rarely watch TV, but I have seen at least 3 such documentaries.

Well nobody's gonna blame you for not watching much tv. Hehe. I saw one such special. Weird... it's not like it's news to anyone, yet, they air it. They showed some poor guy go in for like 45 minutes, sat down w/ a chick, ordered some booze, then went on about his way. Cost him like 20,000 yen or so.

 

[Maciamo]

Soaploands and "massage" parlours yes... but hostess bars are fair game. I'd be shocked and apalled to find out otherwise... even asked the wife. You can go to the middle of the sticks and find them in plain view, while a soapland will take a while to find. Again, that doesn't really change the legality of it, but I did a bit of research before moving there some time ago.

I know some girls working as hostess and officially they are "unemployed" although they do have to pay taxes without mentioning where their revenues come from (don't ask me the logic !).

Well -- I didn't see any signs saying not to though.

Did you live in Tokyo ? The rules differ a bit from ward to ward, but in my area you can't miss them. You might think they are maps for people who are lost, but those 1,5 m across boards with half of the streets marked in red indicate that people can't leave their bike there. There is an explantion in Japanese (also in English in some areas) explaining the fine system for bicycles and motorbikes that have to be carried away (this actually differ from ward to ward). And just in front of these notices, there are always dozens of bicycles parked. :sorry: