Tokyo’s Red Light District: The Hidden Economy of Loneliness

Hyperactive and frenetic by day, Tokyo transforms by night, revealing a totally different side of Japanese society. We come across eccentric characters who speak of a Japan that is mysterious and inaccessible to foreigners. A world where traditions are expressed but so are the flaws and failings of Japanese society. In Kabukicho, the capital’s red-light district, the latest trend is “hosts” clubs. Here, young men are paid to keep customers company and to flirt with them. The one rule: no sex! An astonishing business born from the immense loneliness experienced by the Japanese. The job may be lucrative, but the young hosts are worn down by the night-shifts and the astronomical quantities of alcohol they guzzle down each night. Equally disconcerting for Westerners, the phenomenon of “Idols” sees hundreds of groups of very sexy singers and dancers idealised by the Japanese. They view them as their virtual girlfriends. Asuka is one of Tokyo’s most respected nightlife personalities. She is ‘Mama-San’, an heiress to the Geisha tradition. She runs the city’s most exclusive hostess bar, a meeting place for rich and influential businessmen. For those who want something a little different, Adrien organises the city’s most decadent parties. Tonight it’s S&M night but you won’t find any whips or handcuffs. Instead there are men in nappies and sexy babysitters. By night, some of Tokyo’s streets take a darker turn. This is where we meet the ‘Toyoko Kids’, teenage runaways fleeing domestic violence, who live on the streets and now have to fend for themselves. This documentary was produced by Sable Rouge and directed by Hervé Bouchaud. It was first released in 2024. --- SUBSCRIBE for more amazing stories, including free FULL documentaries. On Java Discover we have an incredible library of award-winning documentaries: from world-leading investigations to true crime and history, we have something for everyone! Click the SUBSCRIBE button and make sure to set NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated with all new content! Follow us on TikTok, Facebook & Instagram: https://linktr.ee/javadiscover