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Photographer Motohiko Hasui and stylist Moka Asada pay a visit to Japan’s hostess bars, and find out more about the women who work in them – from thoughts on the meaning of fantasy, to a secret passion for fishing.

Fashion Motohikohasui+Mokaasada 1

Luna wears a dress by Ferragamo. Tusing wears a white jumper by Dior and a striped jumper and trousers by Valentino.

Luna

 

Q What does “fantasy” mean to you?

A Something that doesn’t really exist, yet isn’t completely detached from reality either…

 

Q Tell us something surprising about yourself.

A I like fishing! (lol)

Hina

 

Q What does “fantasy” mean to you?

A Something Disney-like? (lol) It means dreams, right? That’s what “fantasy” is, right?

 

Q What does money mean to you?

A Something absolutely essential for enjoying life to the fullest.

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Hina wears a dress by Gucci and jewellery by TASAKI.

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Nao wears a dress by Miu Miu.

Nao

 

Q What is a “champagne call”?

A It’s something that happens at clubs similar to host clubs, where if an expensive drink is ordered, the staff celebrate with songs or dances to show gratitude. Champagne is usually the symbol of expensive drinks, but most Japanese people don’t actually like it – they just want the brand and drink it reluctantly.

 

Q Tell us something surprising about yourself.

A I eat sushi without wasabi.

 

Q What does money mean to you?

A Convenient, but better if you don’t have it.

Yua

 

Q What does “risk” mean to you?

A Continuing to engage with this world without lowering my sensitivity to life.

 

Q Do you have any dreams?

A To become a billionaire!!!

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Yua wears a top and skirt by Fendi and a ring by TASAKI.

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Renren wears a dress by Valentino and jewellery by TASAKI.

Renren

 

Q What does “fantasy” mean to you?

A Me.

 

Q Do you have any dreams?

A Expanding globally – becoming a cabaret hostess who can compete
on a world level.

Mikoto

 

Q Tell us something surprising about yourself.

A I cry easily.

 

Q Do you have any dreams?

A I want to run a hot spring inn in my hometown.

 

Q What does money mean to you?

A Currency.

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All of Mikoto’s clothes are by Ann Demeulemeester.

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All of Reina’s clothes and accessories are by Toga.

Reina

 

Q What does “fantasy” mean to you?

A Reality.

 

Q What does “risk” mean to you?

A Not being able to do what I enjoy.

 

Q Do you have any dreams?

A To be free.

Ayu

 

Q What do you most like to talk to customers about?

A Love stories, marital troubles and their life experiences.

 

Q What does “risk” mean to you?

A Doing nothing, staying still.

 

Q Do you have any dreams?

A To expand “Snack Matching” (SnacMachi) – creating spaces that give people a little push in life, and helping women live freely, joyfully and beautifully as they get older.

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Ayu wears a dress by Hermès and a necklace by TASAKI.

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All of Sara’s clothes and accessories are by Courrèges. Her rings are her own.

Sara

 

Q What do you most like to talk to customers about?

A Love and relationships talk, and MBTI.

 

Q Do you have any dreams?

A Opening an izakaya snack bar.

Megu

 

Q What do you most like to talk to customers about?

A About the kind of man that men consider cool.

 

Q What does “risk” mean to you?

A When your values slowly fade or wither away without you noticing.

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All of Megu’s clothes and accessories are by Lemaire.

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All of Shiho’s clothes and accessories are by Valentino.

Shiho

 

Q What does “fantasy” mean to you?

A A place I rely on from time to time.

 

Q Tell us something surprising about yourself.

A I can hardly drink alcohol. Sometimes, I work as a dental hygienist.

Noriko

 

Q What does “fantasy” mean to you?

A Dreams and illusions.

 

Q What does money mean to you?

A Something necessary for peace of mind.

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Noriko wears a top by Rabanne and her own ring. Katsumi wears a jacket and trousers by Givenchy and his own top.

Hair: Yu Nagatomo / Make-up: Kie Kiyohara / Casting and co-ordinating: Yuuka Komuro and Genki Tokud / Models: Luna, Tusing, Hina, Nao, Yua, Renren, Mikoto, Reina, Ayu, Sara, Megu, Shiho, Noriko and Katsumi