OSAKA - Hosts in Osaka's Minami entertainment district have launched an unusual petition campaign calling for an end to deferred payments at host clubs, as disputes continue over large customer debts known as accounts receivable.
The hosts took to the streets in Minami to gather signatures supporting a ban on the practice, in which customers are allowed to run up bills and pay later.
Problems involving unscrupulous host clubs have drawn growing attention after some establishments allegedly arranged for female customers to work at adult entertainment businesses in order to repay large outstanding debts.
In Tokyo's Kabukicho district, the use of such deferred-payment arrangements has in principle been abolished, but Osaka's Minami district currently has no ordinance specifically regulating the practice.
Maki Amane, chief operating officer of the Osaka branch of YGGDRASILL, said the campaign was intended to reduce the number of both customers and hosts who have unpleasant experiences connected with the system.
Organizers also plan to collect signatures online and intend to submit the petition to the Osaka City Council.
Source: KTV NEWS
