Who Is ROLAND? Japan's Most Famous Host and the Modern Face of Kabukicho

Introduction

If you've ever heard about Japanese host clubs through international media, there's a good chance you've heard one name: ROLAND.

ROLAND (full stage name written in capital letters) is widely considered Japan's most famous host, dubbed the "Modern Host King" (現代ホスト界の帝王, gendai hosuto-kai no teio). He's appeared on countless Japanese TV shows, written best-selling books, built business ventures, and become an international face of host club culture.

This English profile covers who ROLAND is, what made him famous, and why he matters to anyone interested in Japan's host club scene.

Quick Profile

| | |

|---|---|

| Stage name | ROLAND |

| Real name | Privately disclosed; rarely used publicly |

| Born | 1992 |

| Hometown | Tokyo |

| Career start | Around 2011 |

| Active hosting | ~2011–2020 |

| Current role | Business owner, TV personality, author |

| Famous title | "現代ホスト界の帝王" (Modern Host King) |

Career Highlights (Publicly Documented)

From University to Hosting

ROLAND was admitted to Teikyo University through a soccer scholarship but dropped out after one semester to become a host in Kabukicho. This decision—choosing the host world over a traditional path—became part of his legend.

Rise to Number One

He worked his way up at multiple host clubs in Kabukicho, eventually becoming a "number one host" (the top earner at his club). His reputation for massive monthly sales, distinctive style, and confident persona made him stand out even in Kabukicho's competitive scene.

TV Appearances

In the late 2010s, ROLAND began appearing on Japanese variety shows. His combination of photogenic looks, sharp wit, and unforgettable quotes made him a viral hit. He became a regular guest on programs like Matsuko no Shiranai Sekai, Konya Kurabete Mimashita, and many others.

Retirement from Hosting (2020)

In 2020, ROLAND announced his retirement from active hosting to focus on his business ventures. He framed it as a graduation rather than a departure, transitioning into the role of business owner and media personality while remaining the public face of Japanese host culture.

Famous Quotes

ROLAND is known for dramatic, confident one-liners that became iconic in Japanese pop culture. Some of the most famous:

"世界には2種類の男しかいない。俺か、俺以外か。"

"There are only two types of men in the world: me, and everyone else."

"努力した人が必ず成功するとは限らない。だが、成功した者は必ず努力している。"

"Not everyone who works hard succeeds. But everyone who succeeds has worked hard."

These quotes are quoted endlessly on Japanese Twitter, in memes, and even by other celebrities. They became a brand in themselves, embodying his confident, self-mythologizing persona.

Business Ventures

After retiring from hosting, ROLAND built a multi-business portfolio. According to his own public statements and Japanese media coverage, his ventures have included:

• Beauty/cosmetics brand
• Hair removal salon (脱毛サロン)
• Gym
• Restaurants
• Apparel brand
• Various endorsement deals

He's positioned himself as a lifestyle entrepreneur, not just a former host. Japanese media often profiles him alongside other young Japanese business owners.

Why ROLAND Matters Internationally

A Bridge Between Subculture and Mainstream

Before ROLAND, host clubs were mostly a niche subculture in Japan—known but not part of mainstream entertainment. ROLAND's TV appearances and books introduced the host club world to mainstream Japanese audiences, and through his international fans, to the world.

A New Image for Hosts

ROLAND helped reframe hosts from "shady nightlife workers" to "professional entertainers and businesspeople." His confidence, eloquence, and business success made hosting look like a legitimate career path, especially for young Japanese men.

International Curiosity

International media outlets like BBC, Vice, The Guardian, and YouTube documentary makers have covered ROLAND or referenced him when explaining host clubs to foreign audiences. He's become the de facto "face" of Japanese hosting for non-Japanese viewers.

ROLAND's Books

ROLAND has written several best-selling Japanese books, including:

• "俺か、俺以外か。" ("Me, or Not Me") — His autobiography and philosophy
• "君か、君以外か。" ("You, or Not You") — Self-help/philosophy directed at readers

His books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies in Japan and have been translated into other languages.

Other Famous Hosts to Know

ROLAND is the most internationally famous, but he's part of a longer lineage of celebrated Kabukicho hosts:

• Aizen (愛染) — Founder of AIR GROUP, one of Japan's largest host club groups
• Shirosaki Jin — A 1990s/2000s "charisma host" who helped pioneer the genre's media presence
• Touma Reito — A modern top host known for high sales and TV presence

These figures collectively built the modern host club industry. ROLAND is the most famous, but each contributed to making host clubs the institution they are today.

Host Club Celebrity Culture

ROLAND's fame is part of a broader pattern: top hosts in Japan have become genuine celebrities, complete with:

• TV variety show appearances
• YouTube channels with millions of views
• Social media followings in the hundreds of thousands
• Endorsement deals
• Books and merchandise

Some Japanese viewers follow hosts the way American viewers follow musicians or actors. The "host as celebrity" model is uniquely Japanese—and ROLAND is its biggest star.

How to Experience the World ROLAND Came From

ROLAND no longer works as an active host, so you can't visit him at a club. But you can experience the same Kabukicho culture that produced him:

• Visit a major-group host club — groupdandy, AIR GROUP, L's collection, Smappa! Group, etc.
• See a shampagne call — The theatrical performances ROLAND helped popularize
• Read his books — Available in Japanese and partial English translations
• Watch his Japanese TV appearances — Many are on YouTube with subtitles

For practical visit info, see our complete English guide to Tokyo host clubs.

FAQ

Q: Is ROLAND still working as a host?

A: No. He officially retired from active hosting in 2020 to focus on his business ventures and media career.

Q: What is "現代ホスト界の帝王" exactly?

A: Literally "Emperor of the Modern Host World" or "Modern Host King." It's a self-given title that became his calling card and a meme in Japanese pop culture.

Q: How much money did ROLAND make as a host?

A: Specific numbers are private, but he was widely reported to be one of the top earners at his clubs.

Q: Can I meet ROLAND?

A: Not easily. He's a public figure with media appearances, business events, and TV shows. Direct fan meetings are rare.

Q: Where can I learn more about him in English?

A: YouTube has many videos of his appearances with English subtitles. BBC, Vice, and other international media have profiles. His books have partial English translations.

Q: Is ROLAND on social media?

A: Yes, his Instagram and Twitter accounts have large followings with content about his businesses and lifestyle.

Q: Did ROLAND start the host club industry?

A: No—host clubs date back to 1965. ROLAND is part of a long tradition. He's the most internationally famous host, but he came after decades of industry development.

Q: Are there other ROLAND-style hosts working today?

A: Yes, many active hosts model their personas on ROLAND's confident, theatrical style. Visit a major-group club in Kabukicho and you'll see hosts who clearly drew inspiration from him.

Conclusion

ROLAND is to host clubs what celebrity musicians are to music—the most visible face of an entire industry, embodying its style, confidence, and theatrical glamour. His legacy is reshaping public perception of host clubs from a niche subculture to a legitimate part of Japanese entertainment.

For more on the host club world ROLAND helped popularize, see our complete English guide or our history of host clubs.