Latest news with #Anti-ProstitutionAct
The Mainichi
25-07-2025
- The Mainichi
4 women suspected of soliciting prostitution in Tokyo's Kabukicho district
TOKYO -- Four women have been arrested for allegedly soliciting customers for prostitution in the Kabukicho entertainment district in the capital's Shinjuku Ward, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)'s public safety division announced July 24. 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.
Tokyo Reported
14-06-2025
- Business
- Tokyo Reported
Ishikawa prosecutors seek prison term for pair over operation of soapland
ISHIKAWA (TR) – Prosecutors here are seeking prison terms for the operators of a soapland bathhouse in Katayamazu Onsen on the grounds that they were providing a place for prostitution, reports Ishikawa TV (June 6). The former administrator and shop manager of soapland Cutie Doll former manager and the company in Yokokama City, Kanagawa Prefecture that runs the business stand accused of violating the Anti-Prostitution Act. They are alleged to have provided six women with a place to carry out prostitution after receiving introductions by the large-scale scouting group Access. At the trial held at the Kanazawa District Court on June 6, the prosecution pointed out that the former administer worked for over 10 years at the business, earning more than 500,000 yen a month. Meanwhile, the shop manager worked there for over three years, earning a monthly salary of 300,000 yen. Cutie Doll is located in Katayamazu Onsen 1 million yen a day The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of 1 year and 10 months and a fine of 200,000 yen for the former administrator. Meanwhile, they are seeking an 18-month term and a fine of 150,000 yen for the former shop manager. In addition, they are requesting a fine of 300,000 yen be levied against the Yokohama company that runs the soapland. Meanwhile, the defense argued that that sales at the soapland amounted to around 1 million yen a day, which made the salaries of the former administrator and shop manager very small by comparison. The defense also pointed out that the two did not directly profit from prostitution. It is seeking a suspended sentence. The lawyer for the soapland company also sought a lenient sentence, stating that the company is currently in the process of closing down. The verdict will be handed down on June 25.
