I’m a female college student considering starting papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan).

I’m Joe, a column writer. Leaf’s answer covers almost everything, so there’s very little I can add, but I’ll respond from the men’s perspective. Leaf may have been being a little modest by saying “the majority,” but I think it’s safer to assume it’s “almost everyone.” Of course, there are also male members who are genuinely only interested in meals or shopping. One example I know is a respected business owner in his seventies who enjoys spending time with younger women in a support-only relationship. He says, “I have plenty of grandchildren.” When my vulgar self asked whether there was any physical relationship involved, he scolded me: “They’re my grandchildren—of course I’m not having sex with them!” That’s only one example, but I imagine there are a certain number of male members who are looking for something other than a physical relationship. However, their expectations and standards tend to be much stricter.