In Japan, there are various types of adult entertainment establishments, each offering different services. Whether these places operate legally is strictly regulated by Japanese law, mainly the Anti-Prostitution Law and the Adult Entertainment Business Law (known as Fūei-hō). To help foreign visitors understand this culture safely, we'll explain the key differences between major adult entertainment types and clarify what's considered legal versus illegal.
Types of Adult Entertainment Establishments and Their Characteristics
Japanese adult entertainment establishments can be broadly categorized into three main types, based on how their services are provided:
Soapland
- Characteristics: Soaplands are classified as store-based adult entertainment establishments. Their main feature is that they have bathrooms inside the premises where services are provided. They often operate under the disguise of a public bathhouse, with the basic service involving staff "washing" the customer, which leads into simulated sexual services.
- Operational Model: These establishments operate after receiving official notification or permission under the “store-based adult entertainment business” category of the Fūei-hō. They are generally prohibited from operating within 200 meters of schools or hospitals, and nighttime operations are typically not allowed.
Hotegeru (Hotel Health)
- Characteristics: A variation of Deruheru (Delivery Health), Hotegeru establishments operate by partnering with specific hotels or securing rooms within hotels. Customers visit a designated room to receive services.
- Operational Model: Falls under the “non-store-based adult entertainment business” category of the Fūei-hō. They usually operate without a storefront and rely on phone or web bookings.
Deruheru (Delivery Health)
- Characteristics: Staff are dispatched to the customer’s location, such as a hotel or private residence. Bookings are handled online or by phone.
- Operational Model: Operate under the "non-store-based adult entertainment business" category of the Fūei-hō. They must register with authorities, maintain staff rosters, and follow various operational regulations.
Legal Operations vs. Illegal Cases
Legal Definition of Prostitution
Under Japanese law, prostitution is strictly prohibited. According to the Anti-Prostitution Law:
- Article 2: Defines prostitution as “engaging in sexual intercourse with an unspecified person for compensation or a promise of compensation.”
- Article 3: States that “no person shall engage in prostitution or be a party to it.”
However, adult entertainment businesses like Soapland, Hotegeru, and Deruheru are considered legal as long as they are properly registered or permitted under the Fūei-hō, and their services remain “simulated.”
Cases of Legal Operation
- The business has properly completed all required notifications or permits with the Public Safety Commission.
- Only “simulated” sexual services are provided (e.g., manual stimulation, oral sex, massage), with no sexual intercourse.
- Compliance with related laws such as the Labor Standards Act and Child Welfare Act (e.g., no minors employed or served, no forced services).
Cases That Are Illegal
Violations of the Anti-Prostitution Law
- If sexual intercourse (penetration) occurs between staff and a customer, this constitutes prostitution and is illegal.
- Both the staff member and the establishment (e.g., management or provider) can be prosecuted if they participate in or facilitate such acts.
- The customer is generally not punished under the Anti-Prostitution Law, but if the act is non-consensual, other criminal laws (e.g., rape) may apply.
Violations of the Fūei-hō
- Operating without proper registration or permits ("unlicensed operation").
- Operating outside allowed hours or within restricted areas (e.g., near schools or hospitals).
- Engaging in aggressive street solicitation or stalking.
- Failing to meet operational requirements (e.g., not maintaining a staff roster, illegal name-lending).
Conclusion
In essence, while these adult entertainment establishments may operate legally under the Fūei-hō, the actual act of prostitution—defined as sexual intercourse for compensation—is strictly prohibited under the Anti-Prostitution Law. Services must remain "simulated" to stay within legal boundaries.
By understanding Japanese law and the differences between various types of establishments, foreign visitors can explore adult entertainment in Japan with awareness, respect, and legal safety.