The Osaka District Court has dismissed a $2 billion damage lawsuit filed by former investment company representative Sho Kikuchi who claimed that a hostess in Kitashinchi, Japan, promised him a marriage under false promises. The court highlighted the legal complexities of interpreting "romantic sales" (irokoi-eigyo) in the nightlife industry. The plaintiff had met Himeka Nakamoto in 2021 at an upscale hostess club in Osaka City's high-end, and began a romantic relationship with the hostess. However, the honeymoon phase of the relationship ended in 2023 and after feeling deceived, Kikuchi filed a civil lawsuit seeking 38.5 million yen in damages.