In Tokyo’s Kabukicho district, a vibrant nightlife area famed for its entertainment and an iconic Godzilla statue perched atop a cinema, an undercurrent of activity highlights a growing facet of street life—sex tourism. The scene around Okubo Park, a popular spot within this western Tokyo neighbourhood, reveals a notable presence of young women engaged in street prostitution, many of whom are catering increasingly to foreign clients.

Kabukicho, part of Shinjuku ward, has long been known for its lively entertainment options. Now, alongside the neon lights and bustling crowds drawn to nightlife venues, there is evidence that the area has become a “real tourist attraction” not only for its conventional entertainment but also for its sex trade, according to those involved.

Ria, one of the women working around Okubo Park, shared insights with AFP about this evolution. She explained that roughly half of her customers are foreign men, largely from neighbouring East Asian countries such as South Korea, China and Taiwan, but also from North America and Europe. Owing to language barriers, many clients communicate through their mobile phones, using translation apps to ask questions like “how much is it?” Ria described this interaction, highlighting how modern technology facilitates this facet of tourism.

An additional factor fuelling overseas interest is the circulation of videos on social media platforms such as TikTok and Bilibili. These clips, often filmed without consent and sometimes broadcast live, have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, increasing international awareness of Kabukicho’s red-light activities.

The sex workers, who identify as self-employed, typically escort clients to nearby “love hotels.” The prices for services reportedly range between 15,000 and 30,000 yen (£90 to £180), but economic pressures have led to a trend of lowering fees. Ria noted the decline in purchasing power among Japanese men, which has made foreign clients comparatively more lucrative since they generally do not negotiate prices and may pay more. Similarly, 19-year-old Azu, another woman working around the area and present at Rescue Hub—a shelter for sex workers run by a non-profit group—mentioned charging about 20,000 yen per hour when practising safe sex.

Arata Sakamoto, head of Rescue Hub, offered context on the rise of street-level sex work among young women in Tokyo. He indicated that this was not very common a decade ago but has escalated, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. “Young women have started selling sex at low prices,” he said, linking financial difficulties to the increase in both supply and demand, including from foreign clients.

While the shelter provides a safe space for these women, Sakamoto stressed the health and safety risks involved in street prostitution. These risks include physical and mental health challenges, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, and the possibility of unwanted pregnancies and abortions. He further highlighted issues such as abuse, non-consensual filming, and financial exploitation, including cases where sex workers were not paid or had money stolen.

Tokyo police have noted the situation and responded with increased patrols in the area since December, which has affected how and where sex workers operate. According to Ria, this has caused some dispersal within the district and influenced their client choices. Notably, she pointed out that foreign clients are perceived as less likely to be undercover police officers compared to Japanese clients, making them a safer option in the current environment.

Legal regulations in Japan prohibit only “penetrative” sexual services, with penalties aimed primarily at the sex workers rather than their clients. Sakamoto suggested that establishing legal consequences for customers could help reduce demand, particularly from foreign tourists. He also advocated for multilingual awareness campaigns at airports, hotels, and tourist sites to inform visitors about the legal framework and associated risks.

Japan experienced a record 36.8 million tourists last year, partly driven by a weak yen, a factor that may have contributed to the growth of sex tourism in Kabukicho. While official data remains unavailable, the combination of anecdotal reports, social media influence, and police activity paints a complex picture of this aspect of Tokyo’s tourism and nightlife sector.

Source: Noah Wire Services