After Hours

After Hours (アフター) is an industry term referring to the time a cast member (hostess or host) spends privately with a guest outside of regular business hours. Unlike a nomination (指名) or a dinner date (同伴), after-hours takes place after the venue has closed, offering an opportunity to build a more personal connection.

The activities during after-hours can range from a casual meal or drinks at a bar to karaoke. The cost may be split or covered entirely by the guest, and failing to clarify this beforehand can lead to misunderstandings. In high-end establishments, there are unwritten rules about how to invite a cast member for after-hours and how to decline gracefully. Some cast members treat it as part of their job, while others see it as a purely private arrangement.

When inviting a cast member for after-hours, it is customary to do so naturally during conversation within the venue. Being pushy is considered poor etiquette, and cast members have the right to refuse if they are acting in a professional capacity. Excessive physical contact during after-hours is also taboo.

Pricing varies by venue. If after-hours is arranged directly with the cast member without going through the venue, the guest typically pays for the meal or drinks directly. In some high-end clubs, the cast member's hourly wage continues during after-hours, and the cost is billed through the venue.