Surge in Steet Prostitution Triggers Crackdown in Shinjuku

In the vicinity of Okubo Park in Shinjuku Ward, Kabukicho, Tokyo, there has been an issue with “streetwalkers” soliciting clients for prostitution. On the 3rd of this month, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Public Safety Division disclosed the enforcement situation in the vicinity of Okubo Park and revealed that from January to September of this year, they had arrested 80 women between the ages of 20 and 46 on suspicion of violating the Anti-Prostitution Law. The motivations for engaging in prostitution varied, with some driven by financial difficulties, but it was reported that 40% of them were doing it for the purpose of paying off debts from host clubs and other entertainment expenses.

According to the Public Safety Division, 35 out of the 80 individuals were apprehended in September when enforcement efforts were intensified. Among these 35 individuals, 70% were in their twenties, and 40% engaged in prostitution to earn money for outstanding debts related to host clubs or the expenses associated with male underground idols.

In April of this year, a male host from Kabukicho was arrested on suspicion of violating the Anti-Prostitution Law for enticing women who were unable to pay their debts into prostitution. In late September, the Public Safety Division also conducted visits to host clubs and other establishments and urged caution to prevent further incidents.

On the other hand, there were also women facing financial difficulties, and specialized counselors from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police conducted interviews and transferred four of them to municipal welfare offices.

Concerning the issue of streetwalkers around Okubo Park, there has been a rapid increase in men attempting to purchase sex, often live-streamed on social networking sites (SNS) by content creators. Complaints from nearby residents have also been on the rise. While there are no penalties for men attempting to purchase sex, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police have been strengthening measures, including issuing warnings to these men.

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