- Kyabakura(きゃばくら)
- A uniquely Japanese nightlife establishment where female hostesses sit beside guests to enjoy drinks and conversation. Short for 'Cabaret Club'.
- Hostess(ほすてす)
- Female staff who entertain guests at cabaret clubs. Also called 'cast' in Japanese.
- Shimei (Nomination)(しめい)
- System where you request a specific hostess to sit at your table. An additional nomination fee (1,000-3,000 yen) applies.
- Honshimei (Regular Nomination)(ほんしめい)
- When a returning customer nominates the same hostess every visit. This is a key performance metric for hostesses.
- Set (Setto)(せっと)
- The basic pricing unit at cabaret clubs. Typically 60 minutes per set, usually including a seat charge and first drink.
- Extension (Encho)(えんちょう)
- Extending your stay beyond the initial set time. Extension fees are typically charged in 30-minute increments.
- Dohan (Accompaniment)(どうはん)
- Going out for dinner or a date with a hostess before entering the club together. It counts towards the hostess's performance.
- After(あふたー)
- Going out with a hostess for food or drinks after the club closes. An opportunity for more personal connection.
- Champagne Tower(しゃんぱんたわー)
- A luxurious performance where champagne glasses are stacked in a pyramid and champagne is poured from the top. Done for special celebrations.
- Bottle Keep(ぼとるきーぷ)
- A system where you store a bottle at the club. Regular customers keep their bottle for their next visit.
- Number One(なんばーわん)
- The top-earning hostess at a club, determined by nomination count and sales figures.
- Cast(きゃすと)
- General term for female staff who entertain guests at cabaret clubs. Also called hostesses.
- Help (Rotation)(へるぷ)
- When non-nominated hostesses rotate to open tables for conversation. Also called 'free seat' system.
- Service Charge(さーびすりょう)
- An additional fee added to food and drink charges, typically 10-20%. Charged separately from tax.
- Table Charge(てーぶるちゃーじ)
- A base fee charged simply for taking a seat. Also called cover charge or seat charge.
- Lounge(らうんじ)
- An upscale social venue with a more relaxed atmosphere than cabaret clubs. Tends to attract an older clientele at higher prices.
- Club(くらぶ)
- The highest tier of the cabaret industry. Ginza clubs are famous, featuring a 'mama' (owner-hostess).
- Mama(まま)
- The female owner/manager of a club or snack bar. She serves as the face of the establishment, managing regulars and training hostesses.
- Kanpai (Cheers!)(かんぱい)
- Japanese toast made by raising glasses and saying 'Kanpai!' Always done with the first drink at cabaret clubs.
- Omotenashi (Hospitality)(おもてなし)
- Japan's unique spirit of heartfelt hospitality and service. The core concept behind cabaret club entertainment.