Tokyo And Osaka Now Have Bars That Force You To Speak English Exclusively

English is a required subject in Japanese schools, but after students graduate, it can be challenging for them to discover chances to put the language they’ve spent so much time learning into practice. Thus bar Sick! is here to help you improve your English!

The Shibuya-based Cloud N Co. is here to help with that. They have developed the idea to construct two English-speaking bars in Japan. One in Osaka and the other in Tokyo.

Known as “Sick!” or “Bar Sick!” The staff at the new bars, which are strictly English-only establishments, is largely female multilingual in their 20s with fluent conversational English. The bar’s name most likely came from the slang definition of “sick.” It indicates something wonderful or remarkable rather than the actual definition of the word.

Both bars have a strict no-Japanese policy, and anyone caught mistakenly using it will receive a yellow card as a warning. The club hasn’t said if it’s two or more yellow cards, but those who receive one will be forced to buy and consume a shot of tequila as punishment. Non-drinkers will also be subject to penalty; they will be required to purchase and consume a non-alcoholic shot.

According to reports, the strict enforcement of the restrictions helps to foster an environment where customers are required to speak English, exactly like they would if they were entering a pub in an English-speaking nation abroad.

The establishments will operate on an all-you-can-drink system based on time, with customers at the Osaka location paying 1,500 yen for 30 minutes and 3,000 yen (US$20.79) for the same period at the Tokyo location.

For those who wish to use real-world situations to practice their English, it could appear costly. But it’s a small price to pay for unlimited drinks and free English conversation, especially considering that language schools in Japan charge comparable amounts without a drink or friendly conversation for English tuition.

Customers don’t need to purchase textbooks or other study materials before a visit. Moreover, reservations are not necessary. Just walk in, get drinks, and allow your English to flow. On October 1st, both bars will be open.

Bar Information

Tokyo

Address: Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Nishi-Azabu 1-4-33

Open: 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. (On weekdays)

7:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before a public holiday)

Closed on Mondays

Charges for unlimited drinks: 1,000 yen for every 10 minutes

Payment method: Only cashless payments (PayPay and various credit cards accepted)

Osaka

Address: Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Kita-ku, Tenjinbashi 4-7-27

Open: 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. (On weekdays)

7:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before a public holiday)