Seventy-five women were arrested for street prostitution near Okubo Park in Kabukicho district in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward during the first half of this year, more than double from the same period in 2024, police announced on July 24.
Regarding motivation, more than 40 percent of the women cited debts related to host clubs and similar expenses.
According to police, the average age of the arrested women was 25, with nine of them being teenagers—a sharp increase from just one last year.
Nearly 80 percent were current or former workers in the sex industry, and six were university students.
Some women reported engaging in prostitution due to financial hardships, prompting authorities to coordinate support efforts with welfare organizations.
Authorities have also noted a troubling rise in women seeking out tourists visiting Japan.
Four women in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of soliciting sex from non-Japanese men near the park on July 22.
The women admitted to the charges, saying they felt safer focusing on foreigners because they were unlikely to be undercover police officers.
They also explained that they had turned to prostitution to repay debts from host clubs and claimed working independently was a quicker way to earn money than working in sex parlors.
The four suspects allegedly waited for potential clients—mostly Taiwanese men—between May 14 and June 19 in the neighborhood within the well-known nightlife district.
Police have received around 50 reports likely connected to the group since last October, possibly involving disputes with customers.
Investigations revealed the women used online group chats to share photos of undercover police officers and other information to avoid arrest.
Transaction rates ranged from 20,000 yen ($135) to 30,000 yen, with one woman reportedly serving an average of five clients per day and earning more than 110 million yen over two years.
Authorities have expressed alarm over the rise in tourists visiting the park for these services and are considering issuing warnings at immigration checkpoints.
AloJapan.com