In modern Japanese society, the concept of papa-katsu (paid dating) often evokes images of glamour, materialism, or sensitive hidden corners. However, a recent “funny yet sad” story has shattered all stereotypes when a true Otaku decided to spend money to transform a hotel room into… a soccer stadium.
Typically, a papa-katsu date between a wealthy man and a young girl would end with a romantic dinner or private activities in a hotel. However, the male protagonist in this story had a completely different “script.” After paying 20,000 yen (about over 3.3 million VND) – a common fee for such dates, he brought the girl to the hotel to fulfill a single wish: to cosplay and reenact scenes from the game Inazuma Eleven.
For those who may not know, Inazuma Eleven is a popular media franchise by Level-5, where soccer is combined with supernatural skills and fiery team spirit. It seems that after watching the anime, the “intense urge” to kick a ball made this guy unable to wait until the next morning to hit the real field.
Many might wonder: “Why not go to the park instead of a hotel?” In reality, in Japan, “love hotels” often have extremely private spaces, soundproofing, and are ideal for carrying out quirky activities without fearing judgment from outsiders. Here, instead of intimate actions, this Otaku and his “partner” role-played as characters, shouting out the names of moves and executing imaginary kicks right in the room. For him, this was the quickest way to realize his anime dream without worrying about gathering enough players or complicated venue rentals.
What’s even more shocking is that this is not the first time this guy has undertaken a “mission” to bring anime into real life. Previously, he had hired another girl just to reenact volleyball scenes from Haikyuu!! – the famous volleyball anime.
With a volleyball brought into the room, he enthusiastically shouted, jumped, and requested the girl to cooperate in reenacting classic moments of the Karasuno team. Videos documenting this journey went viral on social media, not for being inappropriate, but for the pure enthusiasm of a sports fan.
This story has sparked an interesting debate on forums in Japan:
Fairness: The guy pays legally, the girl provides time and consent. Although the activity is “playing fake soccer” instead of “intimacy,” both parties reached an agreement without violating the law or personal ethics.
The loneliness of Otaku: It exposes a reality that many Otaku have finances but lack social connections. They are willing to pay just to have someone to “play with,” sharing a passionate space without the need for commitment.
A new wave: Many other Otaku “rich kids” have even contacted this guy to learn from his experience. It seems a new trend is forming: using dating services to find “co-stars” for fantastical anime scenarios.
Although it may sound strange, this guy’s actions are actually a way to relieve pressure and enjoy a life filled with personal color. He harms no one, adheres to the rules of the game, and most importantly, he has fully lived out his passion. In a world that can sometimes be too rigid, the emergence of a “hotel soccer player” like him brings a strange sense of humor and humanity.