Why are older men so confident? Younger papas seem to understand papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan) the best. They openly say, “You wouldn’t go on a date with someone like me if money weren’t involved, right?” And yet men in their 40s and 50s say things like, “In the end, it’s all about the money, right?” Like… obviously!

I’m Aya, a female member. Right? I totally understand how you feel. But the truth is, we’re also deceiving papas like that, taking their allowances, and making our lives more comfortable. So I guess we’re both in the wrong. One of my papas used to be very popular with women, so he’s quite self-confident. Sometimes I think, “Well, I suppose it can’t be helped.” But these days, even a papa like that can’t get women to date him unless he pays them. And since he’s joined a dating club, it’s clear he hasn’t been able to win over any ordinary women. Such is the impermanence of life. So I regularly said things like this to him: “Just thinking about you paying a girl to have sex with you is so disgusting, lol! It makes me want to throw up. There are tons of girls who are only after your money, so be careful, okay?” When I said that, my papa would give an awkward laugh and say, “Don’t make it sound like I can’t sleep with women unless I pay them…” He looks a little sad. That’s how you gradually chip away at your papa’s confidence and make him face reality: the only women who approach him are interested in his money. And this next part is important: after undermining his confidence, treat him incredibly kindly—be affectionate, cling to him, and flirt with him. “Do we look like a couple?” you might say while linking arms with him. Or look him in the eyes and tell him, “I don’t need any money. I’m happy just being with you, ○○.” Like hugging someone after hitting them, you’re the one who hurt your papa, then you heal his wounded heart. Repeat this, and your papa won’t be able to leave you. Once he says, “I’ll never cheat on you. I’ll never be the one to end things,” your training is complete. You should definitely give it a try, too.

I’m Date◎Yume, a male member. > Will the day ever come when older men realize that money is the only way they can compete with guys the same age as these girls? I’m not a handsome older guy—just an old man—but I’ve heard that “compared with men their own age, being with an older man feels more reassuring.” The main reasons given were that older men: - don’t prank or mistreat the women they’re seeing, - are generally kind and don’t make unreasonable demands, - reliably pay the allowance and aren’t stingy.

Aizawa from Universe Club here. You’re so refreshingly self-absorbed that I actually enjoyed reading this!! It’s great to be confident in your looks, but in that case, you should only date men you feel are a good match for you!! Just remember, they’re evaluating you too. “Isn’t it all about the money in the end?” I’m sure that man could tell all too clearly that money was the only thing on your mind, so he decided you were a total no-go. Even if that’s how you feel, you need to be better at hiding it... Maybe a dating club just isn’t for you.

Maezawa from the CEO’s office here as well. > Will the day ever come when older men realize that money is the only way they can compete with men their female partners’ age? Unfortunately, I don’t think it will. The reason is— ・ ・ ・ Around 30% of men already pay a proper allowance, so regardless of whether they realize it or not, they’re already satisfying the women they see—including financially. I’d say about 30% are the men who really need to realize this, but those men don’t listen to others in the first place. They’re no longer capable of thinking flexibly or seeing what’s going on around them, so there’s no point hoping they’ll change. If you come across a man like that, I think it’s best to cut him off cleanly. Also, women who do well with papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan) seem to be good at making men feel respected. Men enjoy being complimented too. And I don’t mean complimenting their looks—compliment their knowledge, their way of thinking, and so on. If you do that, you might be able to enjoy better papa-katsu yourself, so try making him feel good by complimenting him. Good luck.

I’m Flag Maker, a column writer. I get what you’re trying to say, but that’s taking it a bit too far! They’re lonely. They’re in the club because they’re lonely and willing to pay for companionship. They know the reality, but they’re still lonely somehow. That loneliness just spills out. They want you to tell them, “That’s not true.” They’re like children who want praise—so let’s say the words they’re hoping to hear. Forget their looks or age. At least while you’re together, let’s make the person in front of us happy.

I’m Kazu, a male member. I think people feel confident because they’ve had some kind of success in the past. I’m aware that my allowance makes up for certain disadvantages, but I don’t date with the idea that I’m using money to bridge the age gap. So I don’t think it’s a given that the age difference is being compensated for financially. Besides, I have no desire to compete with men the same age as the women I date. What would winning even accomplish? I think people who have nothing to be proud of except their age are boring. I don’t know whether you’re 25 or 30, but what do you plan to do with your life once you’re past that age?

I’m a male member, “Paper Airplane.” > Will older guys ever realize that the only way they can compete with men their age is with money? Unfortunately, no. Girls who think that way don’t have to do papa-katsu with older guys in the first place. Neither men nor women need to force themselves into anything. Some people become more popular as they get older, regardless of gender. > Why are middle-aged men so incredibly confident? Because in papa-katsu, girls compliment them so much: “You’re so cool,” “You’re handsome,” “You must be really popular,” “You’re kind,” “You’re so comforting,” “I feel relaxed around you,” “What a gentleman,” “You’re amazing,” “You’re such a wonderful person,” “I’ve never met anyone like you before.” You’re all way too good at flattering us…