A female friend in her early 50s told me that while she was standing at Ikebukuro Station, a man she didn’t know approached her and said, “How about ¥30,000?”

Men who are just barely over the line can be really creepy, and there could be all kinds of reasons—like not being wanted by anyone else. So I think the going rate is basically meaningless.

When it comes to whether men who will actually pay ¥30,000 exist, I do think there are some. Among men who approach women on impulse or out of desire, a certain number may genuinely intend to pay that amount. What concerns me even more, though, is how dangerous the situation itself is. Being approached out of the blue on the street and entering a private space alone with someone whose terms and identity are unclear is far too risky, regardless of the amount of money involved. Even if he initially intends to pay, once you’re at the hotel, he might lower the amount or pressure you into something different from what was agreed—and you may find yourself unable to push back. I’m especially worried because your friend has never had an experience like this before and apparently has no knowledge of the nightlife business or papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan). If something goes wrong, she may have no way to ask for help and could end up doing nothing but going through a frightening experience. As for the question of the going rate for women in their early 50s, I don’t think the idea of a “going rate” really applies to being picked up on the street. That world isn’t based on any market or standard of value; it exists solely because of the desires and convenience of the men doing the approaching. I feel it’s dangerous to judge things in terms of a fair price based on age or appearance. Even if she received ¥30,000, when you consider what she might have to lose in return, it doesn’t seem worth it to me at all. More than whether she gets paid or not, what frightens me is the idea of putting herself in a situation where she might be unable to protect herself no matter what happens. I sincerely hope your friend will put her own safety and dignity first and stay away from any situation that makes her feel even slightly uneasy.

Since I said I would, I’ll pay—but it looks like he’s trying to make it condomless and include the hotel fee in that amount.

I don’t think there’s really a standard rate. It depends on the man’s vibe, but generally, it’s reasonable to assume that if he offered a certain amount, he’ll pay it.