Recently a Saitama civil servant got himself arrested for entering a female-only changing room at a spa while in drag.
Perhaps he should have gone to Tokyo…
Because Josokko Koishitsu (literally meaning “cross-dresser changing room” but with the English name Locker Girls Club) has just opened in Nichome, Shinjuku’s gay district. Josokko Koishitsu (or “Kouishitsu” depending on your Romanicizing preferences) is a changing room facility especially for newhalf, otoko no ko cross-dressers and other types of transgender.
After all, if you are heading out to Nichome for some fun, depending on your “regular” life, you may not be able to change at home. You want somewhere local to transform yourself before heading to Propaganda.
The opening follows in the wake of other bars and clubs in Osaka and Tokyo that also include dressing room facilities.
Josokko Koishitsu is open 24 hours a day. It seems you have to become a member and pay by the month. They offer small or large lockers for ¥5,000 per month (about US$50) or ¥10,000 yen per month ($100) respectively.
Member are also able to use laundry machines, private showers and baths, as well as the mirrors to put the finishing touches to makeup and wigs.
Otoko no ko and other cross-dresser subculture is experiencing an all-time media high right now. Even this new changing room facility got some press. Events and clubs are springing up more and more.
Let’s hope it continues!
