Post by : Rameen Ariff

In the vibrant streets of Tokyo, the Muscle Girls bar is captivating audiences and challenging traditional views on femininity. Adorned with neon lights against a striking hot-pink backdrop, this underground venue presents a captivating blend of strength and femininity.

Within its walls, a team of women clad in sports bras and fitted shorts wow the crowd, demonstrating their strength by crushing grapefruits as energetic music fills the air. Tourists, many from abroad, eagerly cheer and document the thrilling performances on their smartphones.

“In Japan, the prevailing idea is that attractive women typically have small breasts, slender backs, and slim legs,” noted Hitomi Harigae, the bar's manager. “Our customers are seeking a different experience.”

Since its opening in mid-2020, Muscle Girls attracts about 100 visitors each day, offering a distinctive atmosphere where muscular women perform stage acts, pole dancing, and fitness displays. An 80-minute visit costs 6,000 yen (around $40), which includes protein drinks and all-you-can-drink options. Guests can also opt to engage in extra interactive performances, such as being lifted or playfully prodded by the entertainers.

“Femininity can absolutely embrace muscularity,” stated Aubrey Lee, a visitor from Los Angeles. “It defies the notion that being delicate equates to being feminine.”

Japan has one of the highest percentages of underweight women among developed countries, with around 9% not reaching a healthy body mass index. Experts warn that conflating thinness with attractiveness contributes to malnutrition and various health challenges. Muscle Girls stands as a challenge to this mindset, demonstrating that strength and wellness can harmoniously coexist with femininity.

For Harigae, 38, the bar serves not only as entertainment but also as a community promoting confidence, self-worth, and friendship. “I will never forget the day I embraced myself as I am, and how that lifted my self-esteem,” she shared. On her days off, she enjoys bonding with coworkers over buffets and visits to nail salons, further strengthening their camaraderie.

While female bodybuilding is gaining traction across Japan, conventional beauty standards still prevail. A recent study by think tank Dentsu Soken revealed that 38.2% of those surveyed believed in the traditional roles of masculinity for men and femininity for women, down from 43.7% in 2021, indicating a gradual cultural shift.

Yuka Moriya, a bodybuilder and performer at Muscle Girls, voiced her thoughts: “Beauty doesn’t solely pertain to being slim. I wish more individuals would admire the elegance of muscle.”

Through its daring approach, Muscle Girls inspires both visitors and locals, demonstrating that femininity can also embrace strength, confidence, and muscle—challenging stereotypes and empowering women.

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