hostess

Japanese Name

ほすてす

hosutesu

Description

A hostess is a woman who works in a restaurant, bar, or club welcoming and attending to guests. In some cultures, especially in Japan, a hostess may also entertain customers by engaging in conversation, serving drinks, and creating a friendly atmosphere. Hostesses play an important role in customer service by making guests feel comfortable and valued.

Origins in Japan: The concept of the hostess club began in Japan during the post-WWII economic boom in the 1950s and 1960s, as a place where businessmen could unwind and socialize with women.
Growth in the 1980s: The industry flourished in the 1980s, coinciding with Japan's economic bubble, and became associated with luxury, wealth, and status.
Cultural Role: Hostesses engage in conversation, pour drinks, and maintain a pleasant atmosphere, though the job generally does not involve sexual services.
Expansion: While most closely tied to Japan, the concept of hostess bars has spread to other parts of Asia, like South Korea and China, though with some cultural differences.