October 17, Updated On October 23, They are like blind date lounges where groups of men and women, usually around two to three people, get seated together to have a blind date. And get this, women eat and drink for free. The lounges, often in an izakaya or bar-like setup, encourage guests to meet people in a romantic context. Going to aiseki is a way for people to drink and chat with people of the other gender, without the hassle of organizing a hangout.
For women, aiseki registration and entrance is quite easy. The establishment will ask you to either download an app or add the bar on Line, and will usher you into the lounge when a seat is open. Usually from a tablet on the table, women can order drinks and food at no cost. On weekdays, many aiseki even have all-you-can-eat food items for women. At the end, unless they ordered an item that requires an additional cost, women can leave with their wallets untouched.
For men, the system is similar, except it comes with a cost. Men must also pay for their own food and drink, so the prices certainly stack up. Aiseki also comes with more rules than an izakaya or bar. For example, when seated with men, women can only use the bathroom one person at a time. This is to avoid men feeling like they are not getting enough time to speak with the women they are sitting with. With over 70 stores nationwide, this is the largest aiseki izakaya chain in Japan, but hardly the only one.
Other popular chains, such as Oriental Lounge and Ag , have comfortable couches and artsy decoration to really set up the mood for making romantic connections. Some of the hipper aiseki stores located in areas like Shibuya, only allow people in their 20s and 30s to step in.
Aiseki are quite heteronormative. Some aiseki are designed to be attended alone, but the most common situation is to go to one with groups of two to three friends. The desired outcome is to find a romantic connection with someone. In the end, customers, particularly male customers, go to aiseki instead of a normal izakaya specifically for the purpose of sitting with other singles.
