Definitions for terms you'll encounter in Japan's nightlife scene: shimei (nomination), dohan, after-hours, and more.
VIP
VIP
A status for premium members offering exclusive treatment and priority service. Often comes with a separate fee structure and perks distinct from nomination or companion charges.
つけ
つけ
A system where the bill is settled later. Drinks, nomination fees, and other charges are tallied and paid at the end of the session.
ぼったくり
ぼったくり
A term for establishments or practices that charge exorbitant, dishonest prices, often targeting tourists unfamiliar with local pricing.
アフター
アフター
The time a cast member spends with a guest after their shift, often involving a meal or drinks.
イベント
イベント
A special promotion or themed night held at hostess bars, clubs, and lounges, often featuring discounted drinks, live entertainment, or seasonal themes.
カード払い
カード払い
A payment method that allows you to settle your bill using a credit or debit card.
ガールズバー
ガールズバー
A girls bar is a casual nightlife spot where female staff serve drinks and chat with customers across a counter.
キャスト
キャスト
A general term for staff or hostesses working at nightclubs, hostess bars, and similar venues.
キャンセル
キャンセル
The act of canceling a reservation or nomination. In Japan nightlife, cancellation policies vary by venue and service type.
クレジットカード
クレジットカード
Credit cards are a widely accepted payment method at nightlife venues across Japan.
コンパニオン
コンパニオン
Companion is a term used in Japanese nightlife venue listings and customer guidance.
サービス料
サービス料
An automatic fee added to food, drink, or service bills, typically separate from cover charges or table fees.
シャンパン
シャンパン
Ordering a bottle of premium champagne, a hallmark of high-end hostess bars and nightclubs in Japan.
シャンパンタワー
シャンパンタワー
A celebratory performance where a hostess pours champagne over a pyramid of glasses, creating a dramatic cascade effect, often ordered to mark a special occasion or show off.
ショットバー
ショットバー
A shot bar is a small, counter-focused bar that primarily serves whiskey and spirits, often with a curated selection and a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
スカウト
スカウト
A person or practice of approaching potential customers or staff on the street or via social media to recruit them for nightlife venues such as hostess clubs and lounges.
スカウトマン
スカウトマン
A male staff member who recruits customers or talent for nightlife venues such as hostess clubs and cabarets.
スナック
スナック
A snack bar is a small, counter-style bar in Japanese nightlife where the mama or cast engages in conversation with guests, creating a cozy, homey atmosphere.
セット料金
セット料金
The base charge paid upon entering a venue, often excluding time charges, nomination fees, and other add-ons.
チップ
チップ
A tip is a cash gratuity given directly to staff as a token of appreciation for service.
ツケ
ツケ
Tsuke is a credit-based payment system unique to Japanese nightlife, where bills are settled later in a lump sum.
テーブルチャージ
テーブルチャージ
A fixed fee charged upon seating at most nightlife venues, automatically added to your bill as a cover charge for the table service.
ドレスコード
ドレスコード
The set of clothing rules or recommended styles for entering nightlife venues in Japan.
ナンバー
ナンバー
A number assigned to cast members based on popularity, used by customers as a reference when making a nomination.
ネーゴ
ネーゴ
Nego refers to a style where the customer negotiates the price and service details directly with the cast or staff.
ヘルプ
ヘルプ
A system where a substitute cast member temporarily provides service in place of the nominated cast member.
ホステス
ホステス
A hostess is a female staff member who provides table-side conversation and entertainment at fueiho type 1 licensed nightlife venues.
ホスト
ホスト
A male staff member who entertains female customers through conversation and table service, with charges based on time and drinks.
ホストクラブ
ホストクラブ
A nightlife establishment where female guests are served by male hosts who provide conversation, drinks, and entertainment, with charges based on time and services.
ボトル
ボトル
Bottle refers to a system in Japanese nightlife where a customer purchases a full bottle of liquor under their name, which is then stored and managed by the venue for future visits.
ボトルキープ
ボトルキープ
Bottle Keep is a system where a customer purchases a bottle of liquor and the venue stores it for future visits.
ママ
ママ
A term used to refer to the female owner or manager of a snack bar, hostess club, or similar nightlife venue.
ママ業
ママ業
A term referring to the comprehensive role of a female owner or manager (mama) in a snack bar or club, encompassing hospitality, management, and relationship-building.
ルーム料
ルーム料
The basic charge incurred upon entering a venue, also called seat fee or table charge. It is part of the time-based pricing structure.
ワイン
ワイン
Wine served at nightclubs and lounges, often enjoyed with the cast.
一見さん
一見さん
A first-time visitor to a venue. In Japan's nightlife, special etiquette and unwritten rules often apply.
予約
予約
The act of securing a table or time slot in advance. In Japanese nightlife, many venues require a reservation for entry.
個室
個室
A private room is a service format where you have your own enclosed space, separate from other guests, offering complete privacy for your party.
初回
初回
A term referring to a customer's first visit to a venue. Many table-service establishments offer special pricing or services for first-time guests.
初回
初回
First Visit refers to the industry term for a customer's initial visit to a specific venue or with a specific cast member. It may affect nomination options and pricing structures.
口コミ
口コミ
Reviews are firsthand accounts and ratings posted by customers who have visited a venue.
同伴
同伴
Date Accompaniment is a term used in Japanese nightlife venue listings and customer guidance.
営業
営業
The act of a cast member or staff encouraging a customer to order drinks or services. A key hospitality skill that can lead to nominations or dinner dates.
場内
場内
A term referring to the time a customer spends inside the venue, distinct from nomination or companion services, simply meaning the period of sitting, drinking, and conversing.
場内指名
場内指名
A system where a customer directly requests a specific cast member who is present in the venue at the time of visit.
富裕層
富裕層
A term for high-income customers expected to spend generously in table-service nightlife venues.
常連
常連
A regular refers to a customer who repeatedly visits a specific venue or requests the same cast member.
常連
常連
A regular customer who repeatedly visits the same venue or requests the same cast member, a cornerstone of Japanese nightlife loyalty culture.
指名
指名
Nomination is a system where a customer requests a specific cast member by name. A nomination fee is typically charged.
指名料
指名料
A nomination fee is an additional charge incurred when you request a specific cast member or staff by name.
接待
接待
Settai is a Japanese business practice where companies entertain clients or partners at upscale restaurants and nightlife venues to build relationships.
暴力団
暴力団
A warning term indicating potential involvement of organized crime groups in certain nightlife establishments.
本指名
本指名
A system where a customer nominates a specific cast member, granting priority reservations over first-time nominations.
法人客
法人客
A term used in Japan's nightlife industry for customers whose expenses are covered by a company or organization.
深夜営業
深夜営業
Late-night hours refer to nightlife establishments in Japan that operate from late evening into the early morning, often until 5:00 AM or later.
現金
現金
In Japan, many nightlife establishments operate on a cash-only basis. Credit cards and electronic payments may not be accepted, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash and confirm payment methods
迎え
迎え
A service where a cast member goes to pick up the customer from a designated location.
迷惑行為
迷惑行為
Disturbance refers to behavior that causes discomfort to other guests or staff within a nightlife venue.
送り
送り
A service where a cast member accompanies a customer to their home or station after a session. Rules and fees vary by venue.
送迎
送迎
A service where the venue or cast provides transportation to and from a designated location.
過度な接待
過度な接待
A warning term referring to entertainment that exceeds the scope of Fueiho Type 1 licensed operations.
酔客
酔客
A term used in Japan's nightlife industry for a customer who is visibly intoxicated from alcohol.
領収書
領収書
A formal proof of payment issued by the venue. In Japanese nightlife, a receipt itemizes the total amount including service charges and consumption tax.
風営法
風営法
The Nightlife Law (Fūei-hō) is Japan's regulation governing entertainment and nightlife establishments, setting operating hours and licensing requirements.
黒服
黒服
The floor staff in nightclubs and host clubs, responsible for managing the floor and supporting the cast, typically dressed in black suits.
