In this episode of Impolite Society, hosts Laura and Rachel delve into the world of Japan's host clubs, where boyfriends for hire is a booming business. We explain how these clubs operate, the roles hosts play, and the complex relationships between the hosts and their patrons. 

We unpack the societal and cultural factors driving the demand for these services, including the role of women, loneliness, and the appeal of a choreographed romance. And then there is the darker side of the industry, where issues of forced prostitution and sex trafficking are running rampant. Join us as we lift the velvet curtain on this fascinating aspect of Japanese nightlife.

00:00 Introduction
01:30 Hosts vs. Boyfriends
03:04 Cultural Differences and Host Club Etiquette
04:28 The Host Club Experience
09:51 The Business of Host Clubs
20:38 The Financial Side of Host Clubs
26:07 The Life of a Host
29:27 Prostitution Laws in Japan
32:51 Sex Work and Host Clubs
35:56 Dark Side of Host Clubs
54:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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