Okubo Park Prostitution Crisis Escalates: Japan Considers Criminalizing 'Client Solicitation'

To address the escalating illegal prostitution problem in Tokyo, Japan's Ministry of Justice expert committee on the 24th proposed including the solicitation of sex clients as a criminal offense. This move is widely seen as a direct response to the 'Okubo Park prostitution phenomenon' spreading around Kabukicho in Shinjuku Ward. In recent years, videos of sex work in the area have gone viral on social media, attracting large numbers of foreign tourists seeking sexual transactions, leading to growing frustration among local residents and authorities who are demanding effective countermeasures.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, citing Shinjuku Ward officials, an increasing number of women have been engaging in street solicitation ('standing and soliciting customers') around Okubo Park since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has worsened significantly over the past six months. Images of women waiting for clients on the streets have spread rapidly through social media videos, drawing international attention. As a result, large numbers of foreign nationals have flocked to the area, either to engage in prostitution or simply to gawk.

However, Tokyo police have pointed out that language barriers often prevent smooth communication between parties, leading to frequent disputes over money, further deteriorating local security conditions.

Statistics from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department show that in 2025 alone, a total of 112 women were arrested on the spot for violating the Prostitution Prevention Law due to street solicitation around Okubo Park. In August 2025, police conducted a large-scale crackdown, which temporarily reduced the number of women standing on the streets near the park. However, these women did not disappear entirely but instead dispersed to surrounding areas, even loitering around major chain hotels to wait for customers.

Local residents have repeatedly complained that public order and safety have been severely compromised. In response, Shinjuku Ward Office has joined forces with local neighborhood associations to conduct intensive street patrols. The patrol teams broadcast warnings in both Japanese and English, stating, 'Prostitution is explicitly prohibited by law,' sending a clear and strong message to potential clients and sightseeing tourists alike.