TOKYO - A former host club worker in Tokyo's Kabukicho entertainment district and a recruiter have been arrested on suspicion of exploiting a woman's romantic feelings to persuade her to work at sex establishments, with police alleging that the former host promised they could travel together if she helped him earn enough money.
The former host, Takuto Takeoka, 27, was rearrested on November 5 alongside Takahiro Fukushige, 35, a scout accused of arranging employment for women at sex-related businesses.
According to police, Takeoka met a woman in her 20s through a dating app in July 2025 and told her he was experiencing financial difficulties. He allegedly encouraged her to take a job by saying, "There's work available. If I can make enough in sales, I can quit being a host and we can travel together."
Investigators believe Takeoka used the woman's romantic feelings toward him to persuade her to accept the arrangement before introducing her to Fukushige, who allegedly placed her at sex establishments in Tokyo and neighboring Chiba Prefecture, where she subsequently worked.
During questioning, Fukushige admitted his involvement, reportedly telling investigators, "It is true that I introduced the woman." Takeoka, however, has remained silent and has not responded to the allegations.
Both men were previously arrested in October on similar allegations, and police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recruitment and placement of women at sex-related businesses.
Source: FNN
