Not myself tonight: subjunctive selves and the in-sincerity of service in Japanese queer nightlife

What is the relationship between truth, sense of self and being a professional in Japanese queer nightlife? For service industry professionals’ spontaneity not fruitful quality to cultivate establish oneself. Instead, commitment customers’ satisfaction adaptability their wants, needs grudges are considered by customers providers be paramount qualities professional. Drawing on my ethnography at Japanese-style gay bars Shinjuku Ni-chōme (Tokyo) other urban centers, from studies self, religious practice authenticity, I propose in-sincerity as an analytical tool describe how professionals orient practice. At bars, represents strict approach work involving withdrawing parts one’s concocting subjunctive selves (customized versions that occupied illusive 'as if’ dimension) for entertainment. The co-creation reproduction bar legends Zenith exemplifies surfacing these inextricably entangling factual information imaginary worlds both customers.