Japan’s first masturbation bar for women opens in Shibuya

In an issue that includes special coverage of women and masturbation, Spa! (Sep. 11) takes a seat at a Tokyo bar where women are encouraged to weigh in on wanking.

Love Joule, located in the Shibuya entertainment district, opened in July and provides Japan, according to its Web site, with its first “love and sex bar dedicated to women.”

The wall behind the counter is adorned with dozens of colorful sex toys. Megumi Nakagawa, the bar’s proprietor, explains that typically a bar will have bottles of alcohol lining the wall. The appearance of vibrators, however, provides women with more confidence in speaking about spanking.

“Once they take a seat, customers are able to experience a pleasant place in which they can openly discuss masturbation,” says Nakagawa. “Since most people view female masturbation as something of a mystery or taboo, it is not a usual topic at typical bars.”

Nakagawa describes the atmosphere at Bar Joule as “fashionable and sexy in a different kind of space — perfect for girls-only discussions or a date.”

Customers include women from the commercial sex (fuzoku) industry and adult video (AV) actresses. On the bar’s Facebook page, former AV star Nayuka Mine visited in September, as did Sayo Hayakawa, the fashion model known for appearing in Koakuma Ageha.

But gents should take note that only women are allowed, with exceptions being made for men accompanied by ladies.

Source: “Usasa no onanii baa e itte mita,” Spa! (Sep. 11, page 30)