Nightlife Glossary

Words you will hear at Japanese hostess clubs and KTV, explained in plain language.

Venue

Kyabakura: A uniquely Japanese nightlife establishment where female hostesses sit beside guests to enjoy drinks and conversation. Short for 'Cabaret Club'.
Lounge: An upscale social venue with a more relaxed atmosphere than cabaret clubs. Tends to attract an older clientele at higher prices.
Club: The highest tier of the cabaret industry. Ginza clubs are famous, featuring a 'mama' (owner-hostess).

Hostess: Female staff who entertain guests at cabaret clubs. Also called 'cast' in Japanese.
Shimei (Nomination): 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): When a returning customer nominates the same hostess every visit. This is a key performance metric for hostesses.
Dohan (Accompaniment): Going out for dinner or a date with a hostess before entering the club together. It counts towards the hostess's performance.
After: Going out with a hostess for food or drinks after the club closes. An opportunity for more personal connection.
Champagne Tower: A luxurious performance where champagne glasses are stacked in a pyramid and champagne is poured from the top. Done for special celebrations.
Bottle Keep: A system where you store a bottle at the club. Regular customers keep their bottle for their next visit.
Number One: The top-earning hostess at a club, determined by nomination count and sales figures.
Cast: General term for female staff who entertain guests at cabaret clubs. Also called hostesses.
Help (Rotation): When non-nominated hostesses rotate to open tables for conversation. Also called 'free seat' system.
Mama: 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!): Japanese toast made by raising glasses and saying 'Kanpai!' Always done with the first drink at cabaret clubs.
Omotenashi (Hospitality): Japan's unique spirit of heartfelt hospitality and service. The core concept behind cabaret club entertainment.

Set (Setto): The basic pricing unit at cabaret clubs. Typically 60 minutes per set, usually including a seat charge and first drink.
Extension (Encho): Extending your stay beyond the initial set time. Extension fees are typically charged in 30-minute increments.
Service Charge: An additional fee added to food and drink charges, typically 10-20%. Charged separately from tax.
Table Charge: A base fee charged simply for taking a seat. Also called cover charge or seat charge.