4 women suspected of soliciting prostitution in Tokyo's Kabukicho district
To avoid detection, the four aged 20 to 26 reportedly ignored men they suspected of being plainclothes officers, such as those wearing certain sneakers, having "cauliflower ears," or dressing in an "awkwardly unfashionable" way.
Four women living in Shinjuku Ward, the Saitama Prefecture city of Toda and other municipalities have been arrested on suspicion of violating the Anti-Prostitution Act. They are specifically accused of waiting for customers for the purpose of prostitution on the streets of Kabukicho between May and June. All of them have reportedly admitted to the allegations.
According to the MPD, the suspects and others created a group chat they dubbed a "communication network" on a social media platform, which included a total of 26 women who solicited clients around Okubo Park in the district. They shared police patrol information and photos of investigators to evade police crackdowns. One suspect reportedly made about 110 million yen (roughly $748,000) over around two years since July 2023.
Between October 2024 and June 2025, there were 159 calls to police regarding soliciting in the area, with 49 linked to the four arrested women. Reports included complaints such as, "My wallet was missing after entering a hotel with a woman," "Money was stolen," and "I paid but did not receive sexual services." Eleven calls involved foreigners.
The police noted an increase in foreign tourists visiting Kabukicho after learning about prostitution via social media. There was a woman who said that 80% of the clients were foreign visitors, as she tried to avoid police officers.
Since October 2024, the MPD has strengthened patrols and crackdowns around the park. In the first half of this year, 75 women were apprehended for soliciting, more than double the 35 in the same period last year.
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The Mainichi
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The Mainichi
5 days ago
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Editorial: Review of false charges against Japan machinery maker lacks root cause
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