Soapland, Lovey-Dovey, Kawagoe

Today I'm writing on the topic of "soapland, lovey-dovey, Kawagoe."

I'll explain it by mixing in my own firsthand experience — over 20 years in fuzoku — with what I've picked up from research.

The basics

Let me lay out the fundamentals you should know about this area.

ElonHaving surveyed nightlife scenes all over the world, my conclusion is that "the richest night culture is the one rooted in the local culture." In that sense I think Japanese fuzoku is the best in the world. Not blind love — a verdict reached by comparison.

When you watch the industry long enough, you realize the same topic can get a completely different verdict from "the customer's point of view" versus "the girl's point of view."

What I can say from experience

I'm speaking from what I've actually been through.

ElonThe first time I went to a soapland in Yoshiwara I was 25. Back then I hadn't gotten the pearl yet. These days, the reaction when I walk in with the pearl is one of the little pleasures. The conversation with a girl who asks "what is that?" turns out to be surprisingly fun.

I believe firsthand experience beats theory. In this industry especially, it's "reps" that talk, not "knowledge."

Wrap-up and my verdict

ElonI don't have any ambition to conquer every soapland in the country, but I've been through the "signature soaplands" in each region. My conclusion: "service quality and cleanliness aren't proportional." Even a budget spot can have god-tier hospitality.

The place I end up going back to is First Class Ruby. The reason it keeps coming up on this site is simply that it's the shop I repeat at. Take it as a reference.