Universe Club is reportedly registered and operates in accordance with dating club regulations, but couldn’t its “relationship type” system trigger a crackdown? My impression after reading staff answers in the past Q&A section is that they are very thorough about avoiding being considered organized prostitution, under the premise that they “only arrange opportunities to have a meal,” but isn’t hinting at whether sex is possible or not a gray area?

I’m Saito, a column writer ♪ I’m registered with five dating clubs, and Universe, which doesn’t list any specific amounts, falls into the “pretty wholesome” category. The other clubs give some kind of concrete hint about the money. (I think that crosses the line.) Try comparing it with other dating clubs.

Maezawa from the president’s office here as well. Regarding the relationship type, we explain it as: “There is a possibility that the relationship may develop further.” I feel that “relationship” here means becoming romantically involved. First, they have a meal together. After that, both the man and the woman decide whether they want to pursue a relationship. The relationship only begins if they reach the same conclusion. However, since this is about consensual dating, we don’t define what kind of relationship it has to be. Generally speaking, I feel that they often go to a hotel, but I believe a relationship can begin even without going to one. Unlike some other dating clubs, we don’t write things like, “It takes six to have H with this woman.” In that sense, I think Universe is very thorough. As for whether this is a gray area, it may seem that way. Even so, I believe Universe Club is by far the most careful about complying with the law.

I’m Dai, a male member. I never said that an adult relationship (intimate) is possible under types B, C, or D. Since this is consensual dating, the club clearly states that women have the right to decline an invitation under any type of arrangement. You could call it a gray area, but I believe this club operates in a much more above-board way than dating apps and the like.

The chance of it being shut down is 0%. If you want to crack down on Universe, the only way would be to change the dating-club regulations themselves. Besides, if Universe were to be targeted, other major dating clubs like AkaPura would be investigated first. It would be more than enough to take action at that point. And there’s no business in this world that’s completely free of gray areas. If you sell something that costs 30 yen to make for 50 yen, isn’t that gray too, depending on how you look at it? Things that are completely aboveboard are called “goodwill” or “volunteer work.” Anything involving money is gray. The whole world is made up of shades of gray. — A losing man