Dōtonbori
Ōsaka, JP

Like many small island nations, space is an influence in how people perceive ones environment. This seemingly ineffective parking lot is jammed in-between high-rises on the outskirts of Dōtonbori. In the background can be seen reminiscence of Dōtonbori’s past as a pleasure district. Today it is a major domestic tourist location in Osaka for kuidaore (to ruin oneself by extravagance in food). Tourists crowd the streets with rows of restaurants and neon signs to entice them. What are lesser-discussed attractions in Dōtonbori are the many 'host(ess) clubs' and 'love hotels.' These clubs cater to male or female patrons wanting a companion of the opposite gender for an evening. This is like paid dating where the patron and companion often socialize, drink and play karaoke together and does not involve romance or sex. Love hotels on the other hand are a type of short stay hotel primarily with the purpose of allowing couples privacy to have sexual intercourse. Entrances, staff interaction, room selection and payment are discreet. Themes and sometimes-bizarre landmarks often distinguish different hotels. Typically indicating room rates like a ‘rest’ or ‘stay’ differentiates these hotels for regular ones. Privacy is a major concern in Japan and the close proximity of people to one another influences the development of these kinds of establishments.

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