First a confession... I can't remember if I bought this book or if I found it. It's quite possible, that I bought it because I thought the cover was hilarious, but it's really anyone's guess at this point.
The
Japanese Hostess System, not to be confused with
Japanese Comfort Women, is an interesting part of Japanese culture. When I was in college, a friend of mine told me that she was working as a hostess in a Japanese club in L.A. She told me this in hushed tones, most likely expecting me to be shocked and embarrassed or perhaps, she was embarrassed for me. She went out five days a week and got paid to drink and chat up Japanese business men. After she reassured me, that this was indeed a "thing," I asked if she was safe (she was) and if she enjoyed it (she didn't really). Apparently the money was really good. I think, if I had been able to, I probably would have worked as a hostess myself in college. What could be wrong with getting paid to drink? Yes, maybe the guy you're chatting with is boring as hell, but there are definitely worse jobs. I spent a summer working at DMV office next to a porn studio with a pregnant former stripper.
Published in 1962, "For men with Yen" was probably a huge insight for American businessmen. 1960s Japan, was probably what 1990s China was... Japan was home to cheap manufacturing and Westerners were still being incredibly
racist... For whatever reason, I thought this book would be racist and horrible. However, it's very straightforward. It's sexist, but I'm pretty sure that's just par for the course for that time period.
I kind of wonder who Keiko is too...
The following chapter makes so many references to prostitutes, I think he forgets the
point of the
first paragraph. Although, maybe his/their experiences began and ended with "Keiko, whoever she may be."
Most of this book is about how much money you are going to lose to a hostess.
Not sexist at all...
Finally, a handy guide...
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