[Phoenix]

I think its more complicated than people are making out. As mentioned in the above video, the hosts are mostly pandering to a certain type of woman. I suspect very few Japanese women are going to host clubs, and that prostitutes and wealthy lonely housewives are the bulk of their clientele. Japan just tends to accommodate 'edge cases' better than other countries, because their social mores are different and they're a highly developed country. As I understand it, European women in similar situations tend to travel (to places such as Turkey) for their gigolos. Sure, the 'school & office' culture plays a big role in some social problems in Japan, but it's not the chief reason for the existence of host clubs.

The host guy in the above video does drive home a few points though: the value of charm, good style, and preselection.