Papa-katsu is basically like a drug for men, so there’s no way anyone can quit, right? Once you do it, you’re done for. People who’ve been hanging around here for years shouldn’t be viewed like ordinary people anymore.

I’m Taro, a male member. First of all, this isn’t limited to papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan). Some people are into sex work, hostess clubs, or show pubs—there are all kinds. Some keep doing it, some have only recently started, and others get bored and move on. My sex drive is fairly strong, but I don’t think it’s as habit-forming as drugs. Shimada ○○ isn’t doing papa-katsu, is he? (Laughs.) Does he even know where that guy comes from? He may well be from a generation born around the manzai boom, so maybe he doesn’t know anything about it. Also, the entertainment industry has been full of stories like that for years. Some girls struggle financially but don’t want to submit to that kind of harassment, so they choose a dating club instead. That’s how it’s become its own category. The world isn’t that simple. In any case, these are threats faced by women like Mari○, who have both beauty and talent. They have absolutely nothing to do with you, so you don’t need to worry. If anything, shouldn’t you be figuring out how to avoid ending up in a situation where you can’t even get an offer from those shitty male members?

I’m Aya, a female member. I’ve written this a few times before, but I started papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan) when I felt my life was already beyond saving, so I was able to deal even with men who were completely unhinged. With a normal state of mind, I don’t think anyone could bring themselves to give their body to a man old enough to be their father in exchange for money. I still don’t want to believe that there are men who do things like that. I think I’ve only managed to keep going because I’d already lost any semblance of normal judgment. For a while, like Kanae Kijima, I found it incredibly enjoyable to extract money and valuables from lonely men. But perhaps, without realizing it, I ended up getting hooked on the drug myself.

I’m date◎yume, a male member. I understand the point of your question quite well. Perhaps the men you’ve dated so far just happened to be that type. I realize that relationships through dating clubs can be difficult for both men and women. That’s why I think it’s best to establish your own dating style first and then stick to it. Just because you receive an offer doesn’t mean you should accept anything and everything. Wouldn’t it be better to follow your own approach and engage on your own terms?

I’m Flag Maker, a columnist. On behalf of the members, I’d like to sincerely apologize. I’m truly sorry. Though it may be a small effort, I’ll continue working to improve the manners of our male members.