Nightlife Glossary

Know the Terms

Home/Japanese Nightlife Terms: KTV, Hostess Bar & Kyabakura

Kyabakura(きゃばくら): A uniquely Japanese nightlife establishment where female hostesses sit beside guests to enjoy drinks and conversation. Short for 'Cabaret Club'.
Hostess(ほすてす): Female staff who entertain guests at cabaret clubs. Also called 'cast' in Japanese.
Shimei (Nomination)(しめい): System where you request a specific hostess to sit at your table. An additional nomination fee (1,000-3,000 yen) applies.
Honshimei (Regular Nomination)(ほんしめい): When a returning customer nominates the same hostess every visit. This is a key performance metric for hostesses.
Set (Setto)(せっと): The basic pricing unit at cabaret clubs. Typically 60 minutes per set, usually including a seat charge and first drink.
Extension (Encho)(えんちょう): Extending your stay beyond the initial set time. Extension fees are typically charged in 30-minute increments.
Dohan (Accompaniment)(どうはん): Going out for dinner or a date with a hostess before entering the club together. It counts towards the hostess's performance.
After(あふたー): Going out with a hostess for food or drinks after the club closes. An opportunity for more personal connection.
Champagne Tower(しゃんぱんたわー): A luxurious performance where champagne glasses are stacked in a pyramid and champagne is poured from the top. Done for special celebrations.
Bottle Keep(ぼとるきーぷ): A system where you store a bottle at the club. Regular customers keep their bottle for their next visit.
Number One(なんばーわん): The top-earning hostess at a club, determined by nomination count and sales figures.
Cast(きゃすと): General term for female staff who entertain guests at cabaret clubs. Also called hostesses.
Help (Rotation)(へるぷ): When non-nominated hostesses rotate to open tables for conversation. Also called 'free seat' system.
Service Charge(さーびすりょう): An additional fee added to food and drink charges, typically 10-20%. Charged separately from tax.
Table Charge(てーぶるちゃーじ): A base fee charged simply for taking a seat. Also called cover charge or seat charge.
Lounge(らうんじ): An upscale social venue with a more relaxed atmosphere than cabaret clubs. Tends to attract an older clientele at higher prices.
Club(くらぶ): The highest tier of the cabaret industry. Ginza clubs are famous, featuring a 'mama' (owner-hostess).
Mama(まま): The female owner/manager of a club or snack bar. She serves as the face of the establishment, managing regulars and training hostesses.
Kanpai (Cheers!)(かんぱい): Japanese toast made by raising glasses and saying 'Kanpai!' Always done with the first drink at cabaret clubs.
Omotenashi (Hospitality)(おもてなし): Japan's unique spirit of heartfelt hospitality and service. The core concept behind cabaret club entertainment.