On Thu, 29 Aug 1996, Ewan Chrystal wrote:

[...] The news item was on the phenomenon of "compensated dating" and
"telephone clubs".  [...] A person male or female can hire/use a booth
and telephone at such a club.  Those interested in a date can phone in. 
[...] There were also comments on the fact that in a certain suburb near
Tokyo while there were no cafes etc.  open after 21:00, there were 3
telephone clubs open all night. 

I smell a fanfic coming on...  it's sorta...  lemony.