Fascinating in-depth study of Tokyo hostess clubs! This exploration branches out into a much wider look at the ways elite Japanese career-men's masculinity manifests itself and is manipulated by postmodern capitalism.

Despite being a western outsider, the author does an excellent job of counterbalancing. She not only utilizes her fieldwork effectively but also shows a great deal of self-awareness and introduces a significant amount of self-critique.

Her introduction of a Marxist lens is particularly interesting, adding a unique perspective to the study. The many anecdotes included are also very memorable. Perhaps these anecdotes are what I'll retain most from what is primarily a study resource and reads like one.

This work provides valuable insights into a complex and often overlooked aspect of Japanese society, making it a must-read for those interested in gender, capitalism, and cultural studies.

I recently came across Anne Allison’s anthropological study, Nightwork, about hostess bars in a used bookstore. I had seen a reference to this work in one of Sawa Kurotani’s Behind the Screen columns.

Although much of the fieldwork was conducted during the exuberant bubble days when corporations had huge entertainment budgets, I believe Allison has a great deal to say about work, play, sexuality, marriages, and Japanese society. I must admit that it is one of those Asian customs that I have always found rather puzzling. Why would one pay an exorbitant price to be pampered by women who are only doing so because they are paid? Allison has done an outstanding job of explaining the allure of such institutions.

One of the most significant cultural differences between Americans and Japanese can be observed in the lines that separate work from play and public from private in the two cultures. In Japan, there is a less strict divide. Workers are often expected to put in long hours of unpaid overtime and frequently meet with clients or co-workers for drinks after work. In both cases, it is crucial to maintain “ningen kankei” (human relations) with both groups, and this is often achieved through drinking, which often takes place at hostess clubs.

Allison also points out that the role of the hostess is often associated with creating a pleasant atmosphere by keeping the conversation flowing about trivial matters, flattering, and joking with the men in the group, relieving them of the burden of playing host to their clients and/or colleagues. I view this as another example of “ameru,” where they expect to be indulged by the hostess who takes care of their drinks, lights their cigarettes, and tolerates their lewd behavior, stupid jokes, bad singing, and other boorish actions.

The roles of husband and wife are also much more clearly defined in Japanese society. The male is only responsible for working and being the breadwinner, while the woman is solely responsible for the household and raising the children. They rarely spend leisure time together, and Allison quotes many men who say they cannot relax at home, so they need a place outside the office and home to do so. The family does not play as prominent a role in Japan as it does in America. For some reason, playing with the children at home is not a relaxing activity for the average Japanese male. Allison also examines the extremely strong bond between mother and children, especially men. She quotes Ian Buruma, who sees the coddling of men and the indulgence of their behaviors with a maternal-like acceptance as insulting or invasive by the hostess/mama.

I found this to be a well-researched and captivating exploration of male and female roles in society, as well as an understanding of the role the mizu shobai (Water trade) plays in society. It is written in an academic style, but it is not completely unreadable and is quite provocative in several sections.

I finished this a long time ago. I just handed in the thesis for which I used this book, haha!

This was indeed an interesting read. There is an abundance of information and various perspectives within its pages, which really made me think a great deal.

However, some of the chapters couldn't truly hold my interest. But perhaps that was because of my personal interests.

In any event, if you have an interest in the inner workings of hostess clubs and how it relates to Japanese businesses, this book is truly amazing!

It provides a detailed and in-depth look at a fascinating aspect of Japanese society and business culture.

You'll gain valuable insights and a better understanding of this unique world.

So, if you're curious about such things, don't hesitate to pick up this book and embark on an enlightening journey.

Pros:

Firstly, the fieldwork is interesting, which can attract the readers' attention. Secondly, the analysis of why sarariiman goes to hostess clubs at their corporation's expense is convincing and extensive. It also elaborates on related phenomena in Japanese society, such as the distancing of man and his family, the close relation between the son and the mother when the sarariiman retires, etc. These details provide a comprehensive understanding of the social context. Thirdly, the article is easy to read with a clear structure, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Cons:

However, the article has some drawbacks. It is outdated, which means that the information and analysis may not be relevant in the current context. Additionally, the theory basis is relatively weak. It mainly relies on Lacan's idea of seeing oneself in a mirror, Hegel's salve/master, and miscellaneous works by American scholars who study Japanese and Japanese scholars. These theories may not be sufficient to explain the complex phenomenon of sarariiman going to hostess clubs. Moreover, the works of these scholars have been criticized by Allison for "naturalizing" the nightwork practice, which further weakens the theoretical foundation of the article.

As an individual deeply interested in Japanese culture, anthropology, and sociology, I initially believed that this book would be an engaging and fascinating read.

However, I soon realized that I should have perused the other reviews beforehand. Given the potentially captivating subject matter - namely, hostess bars and the nightlife in Japan, along with the salarymen's drinking culture - the actual content of the book was disappointingly dull. It had the feel of reading a meticulously researched graduate thesis, lacking the vividness and excitement that one might expect from such a topic.

The conclusion of each chapter even employed the "in part 3, I will show that..." style of wording, further emphasizing its academic and dry nature. I had anticipated a greater number of anecdotal stories that would provide valuable insights into the culture. If you are in search of an interesting non-fiction narrative that delves into the vibrant world of Japan's nightlife and culture, I would recommend passing on this particular book.

The author of this work is an anthropologist who once took on the role of a hostess in a Tokyo club, which piqued my interest and led me to read the book. However, it turned out to be less enjoyable than I had expected. In fact, it would have been much better if it were half its current length. It seems more like a forcibly elongated academic essay, with the same questions and answers repeated numerous times, rephrased in various ways, overshadowing the truly valuable content.

The most engaging parts are the anecdotal accounts when Allison describes real scenarios from the hostess club. She details how hostesses interact with clients, including the clients' rather vulgar jokes about breasts and penises. Some of these anecdotes are genuinely humorous, while others offer profound insights.

Allison also has moments of truly interesting analysis, often drawing on the works of others. For instance, she shows how factors such as the absence of fathers, the overprotective nature of mothers, and the intense pressure to study for university or job exams contribute to the social and sexual dysfunction of young Japanese. Their single-minded dedication to work makes it difficult for them to form meaningful relationships with women. They are accustomed to being pampered and cared for by their mothers, even in their twenties, like babies. As a result, it becomes easier for them to fulfill their sexual and ego needs by paying hostesses and prostitutes, who provide services without the need for mutual personal commitment. The same pattern holds true in their relationships with their wives. The salarymen bring home the paychecks, and the wives take care of the children and the household, as if fulfilling a contractual obligation.

Allison's conclusions are surprisingly satisfying. She argues that Japanese companies foot the bill for their employees' entertainment in hostess clubs because it blurs the line between work and pleasure. Professional life merges with personal life to such an extent that workers remain in a work mindset even outside the office. Practically speaking, if the boss announces a post-work visit to a hostess club, the worker will willingly put in several extra hours. This keeps him away from home and distances him from his family. Over time, the worker becomes accustomed to this routine, and company-paid entertainment in hostess clubs becomes his sole and genuine source of relaxation. The extension of his workday transforms into a realm of pleasure, where almost anything goes, while home and family become alien and unappealing. Such a worker will always be more inclined to work extra hours rather than return home, as work effectively becomes his true home.

The topic of the book is indeed fascinating, and it would have been even cooler if it were a 100-page shorter essay. As it stands, the reader has to wade through a significant amount of filler, to the point where one may question its worth. I'm still undecided.

This is a really nice companion piece to Allison's "Prohibited and Permitted Desires."

It offers a detailed examination of the male gender expectations and privileges that exist within contemporary Japanese society.

However, it has to be said that it is a little on the dry side.

The language and the way the ideas are presented might not be the most engaging for all readers.

But here's the thing, the last part is just so, so, so dog-earmarkable.

It contains some really interesting and thought-provoking insights that make it well worth persevering through the drier sections.

Overall, while it may not be the most exciting read, it does offer valuable perspectives on an important topic.

It can help us to better understand the complex dynamics of gender in Japanese society and how they impact the lives of individuals.

So, if you're interested in this area of study, it's definitely a piece that you should check out.

One of Julie's textbooks from college is a fascinating relic of her academic journey.

It holds a wealth of knowledge and memories within its pages. The book is filled with detailed explanations, diagrams, and examples that Julie spent countless hours poring over.

As she flips through the pages, she can vividly recall the lectures, discussions, and study sessions associated with it.

This textbook was not just a source of information but also a companion that accompanied her through the challenges and triumphs of college life.

It见证了她的成长和进步，成为了她大学生活中不可或缺的一部分。

Even though she has long graduated, Julie still treasures this textbook and时不时会拿出来翻阅，reminiscing about her college days.

It serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication she put into her studies and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.

Julie's textbook is not just a book; it is a symbol of her college experience and a testament to her pursuit of knowledge.