Hi,
New here but found this thread because, well...you probably guessed it.
Just got back from Shitjuku (excuse me, Shinjuku) downing my drink as I type this. I'm a veteran when it comes to this industry in various countries. But this incident involved my safety and wellbeing. Someone mentioned Yakuza here, and this was my involvement:
-Cost of scam? Totaled 66K Yen plus my time and train trip.
-Scammer: Japanese
-Method: Teaming up with the store.
I don't fall for scams, but this one beats me unfortunately. Its like some Japanese want to punish me for seeking adult service (yet, I'm fine with no intercourse and keeping things legal)
Here I am walking around the red district dodging all Africans, and a Japanese guy approaches me for some business. My reason to follow through: I wanted to get past the door for a soapland, then take care of business from there.
I already know he is a scammer but I wanted him to get me through and I'm ok to pay him commission. He tried the pictures method on a tablet with another guy, and asked me to pay 25k to him on the street for a 70 minute session. I'm like forget it, not happening. I ask him to take me to the store and I pay them inside. So he takes me there with his buddy (Japanese I should add). Then tried to get the cash before going up to the store. Again I'm like forget it. Then he decides to take me to a pickup bar that has soapland facilities. So I went with it and insisted I pay the store not him. We get there, door man opens the door and shows me 4 ladies, average but okay since they supposedly spoke some English...I pay the doorman 25k for a 70 minute session where I've been told by the scammer that it includes their rooms for soap fun.
I get in, door closes, it sure is a lounge with a bunch of ladies and tables with bottles and I'm asked to be seated. I look around, plenty nice girls. But, some looked very sad and sort of "forced into the situation". I'm completely against human trafficking, forced prostitution or any other form of abuse. I've had fantastic encounters in the past with professionals who willingly engaged in the trade, expressed it, and never put me on the clock because we simply socialize and go from there. I treat all ladies with utmost respect (no insults or aggressive style).
Anyhow, a lady who apparently spoke some English sat with me to discuss things. From the get go she tells me my drinks are on the house. I'm like ok cool. But, my bottles on the table are not sealed, so I asked for sealed bottles. First she pretended that she didn't understand, then she tried to convince me not to worry and go ahead because sealed bottles are expensive. I refused and asked for a menu. She gets me a laminated paper that lists some sort of time and membership fees (500k annual membership, no drinks list). At this point I was completely annoyed by the situation and just wanted to bust out.
I explained to her my 25k payment at the door, she insisted it was not for the store NOR her. That's when I realized I'm dealing with 3 parties pretending to be independent but are, in reality, collaborating. The lady spoke decent English when she wanted to, and when I corner her, suddenly she doesn't understand! After much debate and her realizing no way for extra money, three dudes are summoned to my table, the biggest/fatest one gave it to me plain and simple: pay 39k to get out, or pay 30k to go out with the girl I'm not even interested in.
I argue and try to stand up to find my way to the exit, but things got a bit heated and at the verge of physical engagement, the fatso wraps his arm around me and tells me in a "there is no way but to pay" way, make your choice.
Already long story short, it became a safety issue than money. I paid up the 30k and ended up with the lady in one heck of a shady joint (charged 8k, 2k of which she paid after telling her that the place is not my standard). She refused I pick a love hotel even after showing her the web page (literally 5 stars quality). At the shady place, people next to us are getting it on, but she didn't want to even touch me with her hands and started massaging me with a towel barrier (seriously?!? I shower twice a day and smell better than her, everywhere! And get compliments on looks). After 30 min of fake touching and begs for more "plus money" I said In a mechanical way: Sorry, time is up I have to go. I felt like a victim...thank god no more surprises on the way out and I'm back home safe.
Moral of the story: such business in japan is horrible and I don't care about the exceptions because they are just that, exceptions. Over 30 attempts at stores gave me the "X" because it is only Japanese is enough for my statement.
I miss China, where a 5k Yen would get me a fabulous massage service (4 hours at a top facility) and HJ is simply part of the deal without me asking. Oh, zero English I may add.
Please don't get me wrong, I love Japan in many aspects, except this one. Too bad it is such a teaser with no real pleasers! Please spread the word fellow Gaijins. Because since when does this trade involve verbal language? It is all body language. I've read excuse about face value...etc. Please, trust is a bigger thing here. But if it's ok to scam, I don't believe there is face value to begin with. Money is no big issue for me, but to be treated in such a way is way worse because I did not get what I want. I really don't understand what some Japanese are trying to protect when they do this. Maybe they get a kick out of it? The store was full of Japanese customers so I am completely perplexed.
Thank you for reading and I would appreciate some thoughts,
Phil