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The Mainichi
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Osaka police, shop union battle 'concept cafes' illicitly peddling entertainment services
OSAKA -- "Concept cafes," establishments that showcase specific themes or aesthetics, have been steadily gaining popularity -- especially among Japan's young people. However, under Japanese law, the legal classification of these cafes as either restaurants or adult entertainment businesses depends on their services and operations. Some disregard these rules, conducting illicit activities far beyond the cafe concept. Behind the facade of the seemingly harmless "concept cafe," authorities are watching closely for any sign of illegality. "Care to try our cafe?" "We'll pamper you and sweep you off your feet!" Calls like these fill the air in the Nipponbashi district of Osaka's Naniwa Ward, known as western Japan's largest electronics shopping area. The surrounding neighborhoods along Ota Road -- a roughly 400-meter-long thoroughfare -- are home to about 100 concept cafes. On an early May evening, women dressed in maid outfits, sailor-style school uniforms or men's clothing fill both sides of the streets, distributing flyers and inviting passersby to visit their establishments. Cosplay, animal themes and 'men-con' cafes gaining popularity Developing out of the "maid cafe" boom of the early 2000s, concept cafes have diversified significantly, leading to variations such as cosplay cafes featuring various characters and cafes themed around animals. Around Nipponbashi, the trend started gaining momentum about a decade ago, and it has now also spread to other entertainment districts in nearby Minami. Customers typically enjoy food and drinks along with conversation with staff. Recently, "men's concept cafes" ("men-con") establishments have also started to gain popularity, where handsome men with idol-like appearances, sometimes former host club workers, interact with customers under pseudonyms. Most concept cafes operate under permits as food establishments. However, businesses conducting "entertainment services," such as designated staff having extended personal conversations with customers, are required to obtain another license stipulated under Japan's Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business. According to the National Police Agency, entertainment services can include performances, dancing or even games -- not merely providing food and drinks. Investigative sources indicate many establishments likely operate without the appropriate permits, deliberately ignoring these obligations to avoid limitations on operating hours or age restrictions for visitors. The amusement business law prohibits establishments from operating after midnight or allowing entrance to minors under 18. However, cafes claiming to be ordinary restaurants can evade these restrictions. Osaka cafe operators arrested on suspicion of illegal entertainment services On May 21, Osaka Prefectural Police announced the arrest of people including a concept cafe owner and manager on suspicion of violating the amusement business law by having male staff members entertain customers without obtaining the necessary permits. The owner operated multiple establishments in the downtown area of Osaka's Chuo Ward close to Ota Road. A senior Osaka police official explained, "Although registered as a cafe, it appears they illegally provided entertainment services such as male staff drinking and chatting intimately with patrons in private booths." This crackdown comes immediately after an amendment to the amusement business law passed the House of Representatives on May 20. Prompted by recent problems involving female customers at host clubs accruing massive debts, the revised legislation toughens penalties against businesses operating without permits, including host clubs and cafes. Except for some specific measures, this amendment will generally be implemented one month following its official promulgation. The aforementioned senior police official expressed concerns that tighter regulations on host clubs might lead more operators to adopt the cafe model as a cover. The official stated, "We will strengthen the crackdown on unlicensed concept cafe operations." This latest arrest signals the authorities' intention to increase vigilance in preventing widespread illegal operations in the cafe industry. In September 2024, Osaka police arrested an operator of another concept cafe and others in Chuo Ward for similar violations. At that cafe, female staff slapped customers' cheeks -- a service billed as "face slaps" -- for 500 yen (roughly $3.50) per slap. After the arrest, the operator admitted, "We didn't obtain relevant permits because the restriction would prevent us from operating late-night hours, hurting our sales." Street solicitation has also become problematic. Naniwa Police Station, overseeing Ota Road, received approximately 200 complaints in 2024 alone criticizing cafe employees' aggressive sales tactics. In January 2025, police issued official instructions to about 50 cafes to comply strictly with regulations. Cafe industry group introduces self-regulation Local cafe industry operators have also started mobilizing against unscrupulous practices. About two years ago, roughly 30 establishments around Nipponbashi formed the "Osaka Nipponbashi Concept Shop Union" in the city's Naniwa Ward to combat unruly businesses damaging the area's reputation. The association set clear self-enforced rules that prohibit intrusive street solicitation, demand transparent pricing displays and require members to showcase union-authorized insignia or "approval marks." Union chairperson Tomoaki Yamashita, who also runs a concept cafe, emphasized, "Negative media coverage focusing on bad apples tends to overshadow businesses operating honestly. However, many cafes follow the rules diligently. To protect the uniqueness of our cafe culture, we encourage compliance throughout the industry and intend to create a safe neighborhood where people can visit with peace of mind."
Japan Forward
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Kosei Inoue: The Thrill of All Japan Judo at the Nippon Budokan
All Japan Judo Championships are where athletes can chase their dreams and win unexpected victories like the drama of the 2025 Emperor's and Empress's Cups. All Japan Women's Judo Championship winner, Sergeant Reina Tanaka of the Osaka Prefectural Police, returns home to Osaka in triumph. (©Sankei) このページを 日本語 で読む In April, the Emperor's Cup All Japan Judo Championship (men) and the Empress's Cup All Japan Women's Judo Championship were held. Both are open-weight tournaments that continue to honor the spirit and tradition of Japanese judo. These annual events are more than just competitions. They serve as living testaments to the legacy of the sport, while also delivering fresh moments of drama and inspiration each year. The 2025 edition was no exception. One example was the use of original rules that allowed for attacks and defenses targeting the lower body, which gave the matches greater breadth and variety. Hifumi Abe defeats Yujiro Sato at Nippon Budokan. (©Sankei by Norikazu Fukushima) The events also drew attention for their lineup of elite athletes competing by special invitation. Among them was Hifumi Abe, the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist in the men's 66-kg class. He was joined by Ryuju Nagayama (bronze, 60 kg), Soichi Hashimoto (bronze, 73 kg), and Natsumi Tsunoda (gold, women's 48 kg). Their participation brought a heightened level of intensity and highlighted the unique excitement of judo in an open-weight format. Unexpected victories also added to the tournament's drama. Two champions emerged who had not been seen as frontrunners: Daigo Kagawa in the men's division and Reina Tanaka in the women's. Both delivered performances that were not only surprising but deeply memorable — each a product of discipline, determination, and precise execution. Daigo Kagawa pumps his fist in the air after defeating Hisayoshi Harasawa (left) in the All Japan Judo Championship final match at Nippon Budokan. (©Sankei by Norikazu Fukushima) For Kagawa, the win marked a significant personal milestone. Now 28, he made headlines over a decade ago as the youngest participant in tournament history, entering at just 17 years and eight months. Yet since then, major victories had eluded him. This year, however, he returned with a mature command of technique and strategy. In the final, he nullified the offense of heavyweight Hisayoshi Harasawa, remaining laser-focused on victory. His performance was a study in resolve shaped over years of perseverance. Tanaka, who competes in the 78-kg class, built her matches around crisp, calculated uchi-mata throws. Her final opponent, Mio Shirakane — a lighter competitor from the 57-kg division — presented an unusual challenge. Nevertheless, Tanaka maintained composure throughout. With calm precision, she asserted her own brand of judo from start to finish. Both tournaments featured a series of outstanding matches and, I believe, truly showcased the appeal of open-weight judo — its original and essential form. This year's tournaments drew large crowds to both venues, including many spectators who had traveled from overseas. The All Japan Judo Federation's official YouTube livestream also saw high engagement. The women's matches drew nearly 10,000 views, while the men's approached 20,000. One of the tournament's standout achievements was this broad viewership, not only from Japan but from passionate judo fans around the world. I hope the All Japan Judo Championship and All Japan Women's Judo Championship will continue to be places where athletes can chase their dreams. Moreover, I also hope they remain tournaments that excite and inspire fans across the globe. Judoka Kosei Inoue demonstrates a technique in practice at Tokai University on April 21. Every year, I'm struck by the unique atmosphere of the All Japan Championship. Just stepping into the Nippon Budokan makes me tremble with anticipation. Before I know it, I catch myself on the edge of my seat, completely drawn in. That's thanks to the incredible performances of the athletes — and perhaps also because I was once a young judoka myself, dreaming of victory on this very stage. Eventually, I had the honor of competing here, and the memory still lives with me. The All Japan Championships continue to radiate a one-of-a-kind charm that never fails to captivate those who practice judo. Kosei Inoue President, Certified NPO JUDOs 井上康生 理事長, 認定NPO法人 JUDOs Author: Kosei Inoue President, Certified NPO JUDOs このページを 日本語 で読む
Tokyo Reported
16-05-2025
- Tokyo Reported
Ex-Tokushima kindergarten employee suspected of making and selling child pornography
OSAKA (TR) – Osaka Prefectural Police have arrested a 38-year-old former employee at a kindergarten in Tokushima Prefecture for taking videos of naked boys in the changing room of a lodging facility in Kagawa Prefecture for the purpose of selling them, reports Kyodo News (May 13). Between February to November last year, Hiroki Kamata allegedly took nude videos of three boys, ages 9 to 14 and living in Kyoto, Osaka and Okayama prefectures at the time, in the changing room of a lodging facility in Kagawa Prefecture from for the purpose of selling them. Upon his arrest on suspicion of violating the Child Prostitution and Pornography Prohibition Law, Kamata admitted to the allegations. 'I made 3 million yen over five years,' he said. During the investigation, police seized 25 SD cards containing videos of boys from the suspect's home. The investigation is ongoing as police believe that several thousand boys were victimized. The videos mainly show boys believed to be elementary school students. The suspect sold the videos on social media for between 5,000 and 30,000 yen. At least 600 people purchased them. In July of last year, police arrested a second man for taking tosatsu (secretly recorded) videos at a hot spring facility in Osaka City. It was discovered that the suspect had purchased the videos from the second man. In January of this year, police searched Kamata's home in Mima City, Tokushima and seized a total of 102 items, including a tablet computer. On February 6, Mima City dismissed Kamata from his post.
The Mainichi
11-05-2025
- The Mainichi
Japan police tackle prostitution in Osaka nightlife area with Nobel-winning 'nudge theory'
OSAKA -- In the bustling nightlife district near Osaka's Umeda area is a narrow street known for attracting women engaged in prostitution and men seeking their services. Locals whisper warnings such as, "Never go there," cautioning their children against setting foot in the notorious lane. Recently, residents and police have teamed up to transform the environment of this troubled street. Drawing inspiration from a Nobel Prize-winning economist's concept, their efforts are yielding promising results, complemented by measures encouraging women to reconsider getting into prostitution. Just off the vibrant main streets bustling with young locals and foreign tourists, near the Toganocho district of Osaka's Kita Ward, lies a municipal road roughly 100 meters long, surrounded by hotels and commercial buildings. Its secluded nature made it ideal for illicit rendezvous, and there were visitors constantly. Some neighborhood families strictly instructed their children to avoid the area entirely. Street gains notoriety through social media as prostitution hotspot According to Osaka Prefectural Police, women believed to be engaging in prostitution started appearing on this street around 2022, and social media posts led to its widespread recognition as a "prostitution hotspot." Police arrested or referred to prosecutors 30 people for prostitution-related offenses (soliciting customers) during a little over a year through late November 2024. Sonezaki Police Station, which oversees the street, enhanced patrol frequency and collaborated with locals to put up posters with messages such as, "Waiting to solicit customers is illegal," but their actions yielded few tangible results. Starting last summer, the prefectural police began talks with Osaka Municipal Government officials and locals, incorporating expert advice to come up with more effective strategies. Decision to apply Nobel laureate's 'nudge theory' Their chosen approach was based upon "nudge theory," a concept from behavioral economics proposed by Nobel Prize-winning American economist Richard Thaler. "Nudge" refers to lightly prompting or gently influencing someone's behavior toward making better choices. Nudge theory aims to shape people's decisions subtly -- without forced compliance -- through analyzing and influencing behavioral motivations. Takahito Shimada, a professor at Shiga University and former head of the crime prevention research division of the National Police Agency (NPA)-affiliated National Research Institute of Police Science, collaborated on the initiative. According to Shimada, narrow spaces surrounded by tall structures often do not cause stress even when people stay there for extended periods. He explained, "This problematic street acts like a hidden spot. The secluded layout enables women to solicit clients without fear of being observed." Painting the street yellow to deter solicitation Considering Shimada's analysis, authorities painted the street surface yellow, a color typically associated with caution or warnings. The goal was to subconsciously alert visitors and discourage them from lingering. Additionally, authorities commissioned art students from a nearby vocational school to create a series of 10 illustrations depicting fish swimming toward the street's exits. Installed along the pavement, these aquarium-themed images were intended to further motivate pedestrians to move through quickly. Locals warmly welcomed this creative touch. Road painting and artwork placement concluded in December 2024. To evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions, plainclothes officers from Sonezaki Police Station conducted patrols four times daily for a week. The average number of people lingering per patrol dropped substantially, from 7.43 in November 2024 to just 0.86 in February 2025. According to Shimada, using nudge theory to counter prostitution is unprecedented globally, making this initiative particularly groundbreaking. Masafumi Fujino, 79, who leads neighborhood crime prevention efforts, praised the interventions, saying, "The street has become brighter, and people in our community are talking about how much easier it feels to pass through now." Police plan to continue patrols and monitor whether the positive changes endure. However, some question if simply expelling women from one street may just push prostitution elsewhere. During public consultations, locals and police also voiced concern that officials should address factors forcing women into prostitution. 'Yellow cards' carry compassionate warnings to deter prostitution To deepen their efforts, from March 2025, police prepared postcard-sized yellow cards for officers to distribute directly to women frequenting the problem street. While these cards feature explicitly written warnings that prostitution and solicitation are illegal -- hence "yellow card," symbolizing a caution -- they also include messages expressing care and support: "Your body and heart matter. There are people who genuinely want to protect you." Officers from Sonezaki Police Station had personally witnessed women becoming victims of assault and robbery when accompanying clients into nearby hotels. Prompted by a desire to prevent similar abuse, officers created these cards with the heartfelt message: "We don't want you to feel afraid on these streets. Value yourself and stay safe." Alongside the cards, police are handing out flyers produced by the city of Osaka that list contact details for accessible counseling services available through channels such as email and social media, hoping these resources provide support whenever women decide to seek alternative assistance and leave prostitution behind. Ryo Kitagawa, who was head of Sonezaki Police Station's community safety division until the end of March, reflected, "Previously, there were cases where women we'd questioned simply returned to the street. While we remain vigilant in eliminating street prostitution, we also want the area to become a supportive environment for women facing difficult circumstances."
Tokyo Reported
11-05-2025
- Tokyo Reported
Osaka City cordons off popular gathering spot for youths, delinquents amid opening of Expo
OSAKA (TR) – The area known as 'Gurishita' in the Minami entertainment district of Osaka City had been a popular gathering spot for young people, runaways and delinquents. That was until just before April 13, the day of the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which is now taking place Yumeshima, about 10 kilometers away. Just before the opening, Osaka City erected a 16.5-meter-long fence at a cost of approximately 16 million yen. It now cordons off the area under ( shita ) the Glico advertisement, from which Gurishita gets its name. Hundreds of foreign tourists often fill the Ebisubashi Bridge over the Dotonbori canal nearby, which was one reason for the erection of the fence. 'During the Osaka-Kansai Expo, many people from both inside and outside the country are expected to visit Minami,' the city said. 'As part of strengthening and raising awareness of environmental improvement efforts, we will prevent littering caused by people sitting under the bridge.' According to TBS News (May 10), the move highlights the fact that the troubled lives of some young people in the Kansai area are going unnoticed. Osaka City cordoned off Gurishita with a wall before the opening of Osaka-Kansai Expo on April 13 (X) Incidents When the network visited the area for an interview in August 2022, when there were few tourists in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, many young people had gathered, complaining that they had no place to stay at home or school. 'I get beaten when I go back to my parents' house,' one person said. 'That's why I ran away from home and stayed at my friend's house. But I've never been reported missing.' Many incidents involving these young people take place. Last month, Osaka Prefectural Police announced the arrest of three men for allegedly recruiting an underage girl from Gurishita and forcing her into prostitution. Two months before that, police arrested a 59-year-old man for allegedly kidnapping a runaway high school boy and taking him to his home. 'I wish adults wouldn't get involved with Gurishita anymore,' one young persons says. 'We all know it's wrong to gather here. But this is the only place we can gather. It's really a place to belong.' 'Floating on the water' Three years later, things are different. Since the installation of the wall, the scenery of Gurishita has changed completely. There are hardly any young people to be seen. One young person tells the network that they have moved about 400 meters away, to a place called 'Floating Garden.' 'Probably because it seems to be floating on the water,' one young person says regarding origin of its name. There are no foreign tourists in the area. It is quiet and still. For the young people here, each of them has their own complicated circumstances for what brought them to wander the streets. 'They've been abused, they have no place to go, they can't go to school, they're socially awkward and can't get along with the other kids, they can't study so they get bullied,' one young person says. 'I wish [the city] would made a place for them to go instead of building a wall.' After the reporter asks if the young people here will look for another place if a wall is also erected here, the young person says, 'That's probably it. Because they don't have a place to go and they're here looking for help, aren't they? They're not here just to make noise and cause trouble, they're here looking for help.' 'If my drugs are confiscated, I'll jump off a building' The reporter notes that young people, both male and female, come to the Floating Garden one after another. The scene is the same as what the network saw three years ago at Gurishita. The reporter notes that the police are already aware of the existence of the Floating Garden. However, no matter how many times the young people are taken into protective custody, they keep coming back. It's a game of cat and mouse. The reporter finds that several people are taking sleeping pills prescribed for insomniacs, which poses the risk of addiction. 'Aren't your parents worried?' the reporter asks one person. 'No. They've given up,' the person says. 'I say things like, 'If my drugs are confiscated, I'll jump off a building.'' The questioning continues: Reporter: 'Why did you come here?' Young person: 'Escaping reality. Overdosing is also escaping reality.' Reporter: 'Is there a reality you want to escape from?' Young person: 'Yes.' Reporter: 'What do you want to escape from?' Young person: 'I can't live with normal people. I can't live with the kids who go to middle school or activity clubs like normal.'
