The Intriguing World of Staged Seduction in Tokyo Host Clubs
The chapter delves into the meticulously choreographed experiences at Host Clubs, where relationships go beyond monetary transactions to shape imaginings of a predestined future. Hosts and clients navigate a realm of commodified romance, negotiating intimacy and exceptionalism. The narrative unfolds the complexities of a service economy built on aspirational dreams and outcome-oriented labor, where each interaction is a potent blend of power plays and mutual investments in constructed success.
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Presentation Transcript
Staged Seduction: Selling Dreams in a Tokyo Host Club Chapter 2 Commodified Romance
Key Words Enchantment Staged/the stage Extraordinariness The catch (kyacchi) Power relations Service economy Future Aspiration Multiple forms of capital
Chapter Summary 1. Contrary to popular media representations of Host Clubs, Fantasy (and other clubs) are carefully staged with each movement choreographed to deliver a precisely calibrated experience. The client/host relationship is not a simple exchange of money for goods or services. Hosts engage in the perpetuation of an imagined future where their success is imminent and predetermined.
Staged Romance These are just a few examples from the highly profitable genre of reality television dating shows.
Heterosexual Desire Host designation Designation here is not just a one-time deal; it is like an engagement or a marriage (51) Negotiation of Intimacy When a client selects a host she looses the ability to switch Her ability to express her desire (emotionally and economically) is focused on one single source
Exceptionalism Exceptionalism Women in the host club are aware of the general perception of hosts and their female clients as irresponsible, greedy, and promiscuous. Yet they often convince themselves that their particular relationship with their host is special. (54) Mutually Constructed Success Investment in a future relationship The client becomes essential to the host s future Status elevation by association
Outcome Oriented Labor Shame Hosts are shamed into working harder and performing better The constant threat of being labeled a loser Staggered starting times and more profitable shifts
Aspirational Future Hope is not just about reorienting knowledge but also about reorienting existential modes of being that consist of feelings about the future and active engagement with it (66). Hosts must strive for a better future everyone has a chance (66) Persevering becomes a meaningful act
Conclusion The Host Club is staged to produce specific affective reactions The Client/Host relationship is not a simple economic exchange of money for services Hosts are shamed into continually working harder, self-policing, and constantly looking toward an imagined future
