hey guys, just to weigh in on the happening bar ID situation - they are defo being way more strict right now. I no longer have a zairyu card as I’m mostly in Korea these days, but been back in Tokyo for a bit recently and have been turned away from both Sleeping Beauty and 9259 due to no Japanese ID (despite having visited a bunch of times in the past). Went back to 9259 last night with a mate who knows the shop staff well and between us we managed to talk me in with just my overseas IDs, but it was close and only on the understanding that I have to bring my zairyu card next time (which means there won’t be a next time, or not any time soon, anyway. Shame... great night, as usual). He didn’t mention health insurance in my case - but he did ask to see my mate’s (who is Japanese) in order to re-register him... apparently 9259 got busted a few weeks ago and was closed for a couple weeks. They’ve just reopened with stricter rules, and I think all existing members are being re-vetted and re-registered when they next visit. Makes sense if the other bars are also being stricter as a result. Only place I’ve had no issues entering recently is Retreat, but I’ve hit Retreat at least once on every visit to Tokyo this year (4 times) and it’s my usual spot, know all the staff etc so that surely helps. I guess I may have trouble renewing when my present year membership expires, but will just have to deal with that when it comes around.
But shit... if I can’t get into happening bars anymore next year I might have to stop bothering with Tokyo! Hopeless addict, they’re literally my favourite thing about visiting this city