Maezawa here.
One of the requirements for becoming a member is being a gentleman, but that phrase is very vague—even in Japanese.
Still, while it may be difficult to define exactly what a gentleman is, I think most people have a fairly clear idea of what a non-gentleman is.
For example, someone who verbally abuses others. I think almost everyone would agree that such a person is not a gentleman.
The same goes for people who secretly take photos or force someone into doing something. Most people would consider them ungentlemanly as well. (Some of these actions may constitute crimes in the first place.)
So, in the case of Universe, I believe the policy is that people who do such things cannot become members—and even if they do manage to join, they will be expelled.
It’s difficult when people ask for something more specific, but I suppose each case will be judged individually, along the lines of, “That behavior is not gentlemanly.”
Still, I wondered what “gentlemanly” really means, so I looked it up and found definitions such as:
“Being gentlemanly means being a man with the refined charm of a mature adult—someone whose conduct, appearance, and clothing all set him apart from the average man.”
Or:
“A gentleman is a man with dignity and good manners. Someone who maintains a dignified attitude not only toward women but also in everyday life can truly be called a gentleman.”
And:
“Gentlemanly men are also referred to as gentlemen. In English, the word is written as ‘gentleman,’ originally referring to notable members of the British landed aristocracy.
As members of the ruling class, they were well-groomed, refined, and sincere. The term ‘gentleman’ came to describe men who possessed these qualities and excelled inwardly as well.
It can also describe someone from a good family who is well-educated, moral, and understands proper gentlemanly etiquette.”
The bar certainly seems pretty high.
I’m Saito, the column writer♪
I don’t think you’re foolish.
That said, if you do contact them and send the image, it might at least get some reaction from the women—or become something to talk about.
A gentlemanly male member…
I’m not sure either. Haha.
A man wouldn’t exactly describe himself as gentlemanly, so I suppose the only way to know would be to check what’s written in the club’s records of men’s feedback??
Maybe there’s no need to worry about the exact wording so much, though…
