We went to a small niche bar in Tokyo yesterday and had an interesting (but fun) experience and I'd love to hear more, as the experience would read very differently in America where I'm from. Changing some details to ensure it's anonymous for the folks involved.
The bar was for a specific group in the LGBTQ community. One person spoke English and at once point chatted about how much they love the bartender and are a big fan of the bartender and wants to protect the bartender and compared the bartender to a cute animal. They then pulled out a little bag that was of that animal and held it up comparing the animal to the bartender. From there they pulled out a small figuring of the animal. And then there were some photos of the animal pulled out as well (these were maybe permanently at the bar, as I believe the bartenders nickname is the animal). The patron then pulled out a photo book that showed several selfies of them walking into the bar and having a drink and being happy. I asked if they were dating and they said no, that they are in love with the bartender but the bartender wasn't in love with them.
In America, I'm pretty sure this would be read as creepy, maybe even stalking! But the bartender was laughing and so was everyone else at the bar! I tried to Google information about it and found a little about being a Jōren but would LOVE to hear more!
Is being a bartender sort of like having a fan club? I see on some bar websites they list who is working.
by GayArc