I’m a female member and would like advice on how to negotiate a higher allowance.

I’m Joe, a columnist. You’ve probably had your fill of advice from the top answers already, but let me share one little charm that works wonders. When you meet this man next time, wear your most daring lingerie—something even more provocative than usual. You might even go all out and wear something with a strategically placed opening. Unfortunately, there probably isn’t any way to say what you need to say without making him feel at least a little uncomfortable. But this charm is remarkably effective. It gives you the courage to clearly tell him things you normally can’t. Try it—you’ve got nothing to lose! That said, before you buy the open lingerie, put your hand over your heart and spend about ten minutes thinking honestly about whether you really want to continue seeing this man. I hope things work out well for you.

I’m Saito, a column writer ♪ I don’t know what class you’re in, but I’m surprised that a black-tier male member would date a woman for just ¥30,000. So you’re the kind of woman who agrees to see him for ¥30,000. I don’t think he feels sorry about the situation he’s put you in. If someone gives you a small gift, you normally give them something in return next time. Is he really such a wonderful person? Oh, you’re asking how to get your allowance increased. With a man that clueless, the only way is to tell him directly. —Speaking from a woman’s perspective.

I’m a male member who’s been with the club for two and a half years—a lost man in his 60s. Hmm… I don’t know… They don’t want to say it outright, so they’re trying, but it isn’t working… Well, of course it isn’t… Men probably won’t notice something like that, especially if everything seems to be going well. I get the feeling they want someone here to give them the push they need to end the relationship… To Mr. Maezawa: You’ve offered various excuses, but surely you shouldn’t reveal the negotiated amounts of other members… If I were the man dating the person who asked this question, I’d protest: “Things were going so well—why would you bring up something unnecessary like that?” And if another woman he was seeing under similar terms found out, he’d probably think, “What are you going to do about this?!” Even as an example, I feel this is the kind of answer the club should never have gotten involved in.

Maezawa here. Realistically, I think it would be better to end things and look for a new papa (a male supporter). If that’s what he’s been paying you until now, you should probably assume the amount isn’t going to change. That leaves you with two options: 1. End things and look for a new man. 2. Continue seeing him at the current amount. If you’re able to choose option 1, I think it’s worth trying a direct negotiation, even if it doesn’t work out. Apparently, Mr. Serious Papa-Katsu Gentleman pays ¥80,000—sorry for using him as a comparison. You could say something like: “I respect you and I like you, but I’m not satisfied with the amount of the allowance. Am I really not attractive enough? I feel bad bringing this up, but would it be possible for you to make it the same ¥80,000 that Mr. Serious Papa-Katsu Gentleman pays?” If he refuses, I think it would be fine to end things. (The amount mentioned here is simply the amount Mr. Serious Papa-Katsu Gentleman pays. The club neither set nor recommended that amount.) As a third option, you could continue seeing your current man while also starting to see someone new. Even if he wants you to see only him, if the allowance still doesn’t meet your expectations, I think it may be unavoidable to see multiple men.