Japan drops its 'No Dancing After Midnight' law
A breakthrough for Asia's nightlife culture
In 1948, Japan enacted the Fueiho law, which strictly prohibited dancing after midnight. Venues and establishments that allowed dancing were considered adult entertainment businesses and had to close between midnight and sunrise.
New legislation has been put in place that will effectively cease the harsh suppression of Japan's nightlife culture. The Feuiho law has been modified to allow certain club owners to obtain permits to operate all night long.
In order to engage in these new club hours, venues must be classified as 'Yukyo Ishokuten Eigyo', or 'Nighttime Entertainment Restaurant Operations'. The new type of business calls for specific lighting requirements and must be located outside of residential areas.
The law modification will affect 638 Japanese districts, with prohibited areas in Roppongi, Daikanyama, Aoyama and Nakameguro.
Sydney is Mixmag's US Digital Content Editor. Follow her on Twitter here