Two of our reporters invite you to share a glass of absinthe with them at Host Club Roketto in Shinjuku.

We recently told you about an izakaya pub in Tokyo that has a 24-hour all-you-can-drink deal, and we wouldn’t blame you if its existence has you thinking you’ll never go anywhere else to drink again. But if you’re feeling thirsty on the night of November 23, there’s an alternative in Tokyo that’s we think is just as special.

Some of you may recall the time when our intrepid reporter Mr. Sato got a makeover, transforming him from mild-mannered Internet writer to suave host club dandy. Go Hattori, another member of our Japanese-language team, quickly followed suit, and the effect was dramatic that the two of them spend one night a year working at the pop-up Host Club Roketto, which this year will be welcoming guests on the evening of November 23 (so yes, if you’re going by the American calendar, this year you can spend Thanksgiving with Mr. Sato).

This is actually the dashing pair’s third time living as hosts for a night, and the newest iteration of Host Club Roketto will be located in the Kabukicho section of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, which for generations has been one of the most popular places to party in Japan’s capital. Serving as venue will be Alternative, a stylish subterranean bar that specializes in absinthe.

▼ Flyer for last year’s Host Club Roketto

Since Mr. Sato and Go are merely dabbling in the host life, Roketto doesn’t charge the exorbitant rates that orthodox host clubs do for the privilege of spending time with the talent. On the contrary, this is a laid-back affair with our two reporters, decked out in new host outfits, providing comradery and conversation as you sip your drinks. Speaking of conversation, we should also point out that while he may not be fluent, Mr. Sato speaks a bit of English, so don’t feel shy even if you’re not proficient in Japanese.

Host Club Roketto opens its doors at 5 p.m., so we’ll see you there!

Bar information
Host Club Roketto / ホストクラブ路決闘
Venue: Alternative / オルタナティブ
Address: Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Kabuki-cho 1-6-12, basement level 1
東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1丁目6-12 B1
Date: November 23
Time: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Alternative website (Facebook)

Images ©RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]