If a champagne tower is the grand opera of host clubs, a champagne call (シャンパンコール / shanpan kōru) is the intimate concert. It is one of the most recognizable traditions in host club culture — and for many first-time visitors, the most memorable moment of the night.

What Is a Champagne Call?

A champagne call is a celebration ceremony that happens when a customer orders a bottle of champagne (or sometimes any expensive drink). The host calls out to the room, other hosts gather around, and everyone performs a coordinated chant and cheer.

Unlike a champagne tower (which is a large, elaborate spectacle), a champagne call is a simpler, quicker celebration — typically lasting 30–60 seconds. It is the most common way to celebrate with your host without committing to a full tower.

What Happens During a Champagne Call

The Setup

• You order a bottle of champagne (or the host suggests it)
• The bottle is brought to your table with a dramatic presentation
• The host stands up and announces to the room that a champagne call is happening
• Other hosts in the vicinity gather around your table

The Ceremony

• The lights may dim slightly or a spotlight may hit your table
• The host leads a call-and-response chant with the other hosts
• Everyone claps in a synchronized rhythm
• The bottle is opened with a pop — often accompanied by a loud cheer
• Your host pours you a glass first, then pours for themselves
• You and your host clink glasses and drink together

The Atmosphere

The energy in the room shifts during a champagne call. Even customers at other tables will look over, smile, and sometimes clap along. It is a communal celebration — your joy becomes part of the club's atmosphere for that moment.

Famous Champagne Call Phrases

Each club has its own unique chants, but here are some of the most common phrases you will hear during a champagne call:

• "パンパンパン！シャンパンコール！" (Pan pan pan! Shanpan kōru!) — "Pom pom pom! Champagne call!" The most basic and universal chant
• "姫に感謝！乾杯！" (Hime ni kansha! Kanpai!) — "Thanks to the princess! Cheers!"
• "〇〇くん、愛されてるね！" ([Host name], aisareteru ne!) — "[Host name], you are loved!" — shouted to the host
• "今夜も最高！" (Kon'ya mo saikō!) — "Tonight is the best!"
• "姫、大好き！" (Hime, daisuki!) — "Princess, we love you!" — shouted by the group of hosts

The chants are rhythmic and call-and-response style. You do not need to join in — but if you want to, just clap along and smile. That is more than enough participation.

Cost of a Champagne Call

The cost of a champagne call is simply the cost of the champagne bottle you order. There is no additional "call fee."

Note: Dom Pérignon may seem surprisingly cheap here — this is because host clubs often source it through wholesale channels. The ¥30,000–¥80,000 range is real for many mid-sized clubs.

How to Order a Champagne Call

1. Tell your host you want to celebrate. You can say: "今日はシャンパンコールをお願いしたいです" (Today I'd like to request a champagne call).
2. Ask for the champagne menu. Review prices before choosing. Your host may suggest a specific bottle — feel free to choose something in your budget instead.
3. Confirm the total cost. "お会計はいくらになりますか？" (How much will the total be?) Make sure you understand tax and service charge.
4. Enjoy the ceremony. When the call happens, smile, clap, and enjoy being the center of positive attention. If offered the "hime mic," a simple "thank you" in any language is perfect.

How to Enjoy the Experience Without Feeling Embarrassed

Feeling self-conscious during a champagne call is completely normal, especially for first-time visitors. Here is how to handle it:

• Remember: everyone has been through it. Every host and every regular customer has experienced their first champagne call. Nobody is judging you.
• You don't need to do anything special. Smile, clap if you want, say "thank you" when prompted. That is genuinely all that is expected.
• Japanese hosts appreciate effort, not perfection. A simple "ありがとう" (arigatō) with a smile is perfect. You do not need to speak Japanese well.
• The embarrassment lasts 30 seconds. Then the music continues, the conversation resumes, and you have a fun story to tell.
• You can request "no call." If you truly do not want the ceremony, tell your host beforehand: "コールなしでお願いします" (without the call, please). This is respected.

Ready for something bigger? Read our champagne tower guide for the full spectacle experience, or check the pricing guide to plan your budget.