The Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Commission recently imposed administrative measures on two host clubs in the Kabukicho area for engaging in 'love-related business,' which exploits customers' romantic feelings to manipulate their judgment. This action follows amendments made to the Adult Entertainment Business Law in June of the previous year, making such practices illegal. This is the first time these new regulations have been enforced against host clubs nationwide, reflecting a significant step in curbing exploitative practices in this sector.

The clubs in question, 'AXEL by ACQUA' and 'AXEL TOKYO by ACQUA', reportedly had an employee who lured women from matching applications while concealing his identity as a host. He allegedly misled these women by claiming that he was pursuing a career through a side job at the club, resulting in inflated charges that led some women to borrow money from consumer finance companies. One victim reportedly paid around 6 million yen. Investigators have received numerous complaints from women about the suspect, and a list detailing about 400 women's personal and financial information was reportedly discovered on his phone.

In response to increasing reports of exploitative practices including excessive debt and coercion into prostitution, the amended Adult Entertainment Business Law has reinforced regulations against predatory host clubs. The law prohibits practices that take advantage of customers’ emotions, such as indicating that their relationships would falter without dining at the establishment. Failure to comply with the regulations can lead to severe penalties, including suspension or revocation of business licenses for violators, aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring a fair business environment.