Tokyo police bust Kabukicho brothel catering to foreign tourists

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department made a significant arrest on Tuesday 4th February, taking down the operator of a brothel that specifically targeted foreign tourists.

This operation marks the first nationwide crackdown on an establishment catering primarily to overseas visitors.

Kazuki Sudo, 54, was apprehended along with six other men on suspicion of violating Japan’s anti-prostitution law.

Sudo, the alleged operator, ran the brothel under the guise of a men’s aesthetic salon called “Sparaku” located in Tokyo’s notorious Kabukicho entertainment district.

Police investigations revealed that Sudo provided a venue for prostitution to three women in their 20s between October and November of the previous year.

Foreigner in Japan — Foreign visitors to Japan were the main clients of the so called “aesthetic salon”

The brothel, strategically targeting foreign clientele, advertised its services in English and accepted foreign currencies.

As of the time of writing, one of the definitely not suitable for work websites advertising the establishments services is still live.

Approximately 60% of its clientele was comprised of foreign nationals, lured in by enticing promotions on multiple English websites ran by the establishment, as well as promotional videos and street solicitations.

The brothel reportedly generated substantial revenue, averaging around ¥450,000 (approximately $3,000) in daily earnings.

Authorities confiscated banknotes from 16 different countries, including China, India, and Argentina, at the establishment.

Foreign currency — Currency from multiple different countries was confiscated by authorities

All 25 women employed at the brothel were Japanese nationals. Many were recruited near Okubo Park in Shinjuku, an area known for street prostitution, while waiting for clients or through referrals from other employees.

Women on streets around Okubo Park — Streets around Shinjuku’s Okubo Park are well known for solicitation

The motivations of the women involved varied, with some reportedly entering the sex industry to fund personal expenses, such as supporting underground male idols or frequenting expensive host clubs.

Visitors to Japan are often blinkered to many of the countries issues, with exploitation an issue that rears its head frequently in certain well known areas such as Kabukicho.

Whilst closures of venues such as this can be seen as a positive outcome, Japanese law enforcement face a constant battle to combat the exploitation of vulnerable individuals alongside regulating the sex industry in major urban centers.