Shukan Post › Video-viewing establishments dodge fire prevention laws

Fifteen people died in a fire at a video-viewing establishment in a multi-tenant building in Osaka earlier this month. Even though the fire was caused by an arsonist, it has focused attention on the issue of how many establishments lack adequate fire prevention measures. The reality is that thousands of karaoke, video and comic book lounges across the country may be potential death traps because their owners ignore safety codes and violate building regulations. The video-viewing establishment business provides a relaxing reclining chair or sofa bed and shower room as well as light meals. While many of these places offer porn videos, not everyone uses the service for that purpose. Rather, many people tend to stay there because they are cheap temporary accommodation. “That building in Osaka had no windows. It wouldn’t take much... [read full story]