Japanese officials are grappling with the rising issue of "sex tourism," a phenomenon increasingly influenced by social media. The bustling red-light district of Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has seen a notable influx of foreign men, primarily from South Korea, China, Taiwan, North America, and Europe, who are drawn to the area after viewing related videos online.
One sex worker, who goes by the name Ria, stated that Kabukicho has transformed into a "real tourist attraction," with nearly half of her clientele being foreigners. The allure of the area is augmented by the spread of videos on platforms like TikTok and Bilibili, showcasing the nightlife and experiences available, often without consent from those featured. Some clips have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, further boosting the area’s popularity.
Ria, a 26-year-old sex worker, explained that she and her peers operate independently, without the involvement of brokers. After negotiating prices, they escort clients to nearby "love hotels." The average cost for services ranges between 15,000 to 30,000 yen (approximately 105 to 210 USD); however, many customers are bargaining for lower prices due to rising living costs and decreased purchasing power. "Foreigners tend not to negotiate prices and will often pay us more," Ria remarked.
Economic pressures, including unemployment and financial anxiety, have driven many women to seek work in the sex industry, a profession that was less common among Japanese women a decade ago. Arata Sakamoto, director of the Rescue Hub—a non-profit organization providing shelter and support for these women—highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the landscape of sex work in Japan. He noted, "I think this is one of the reasons why the number of foreign customers has increased."
The situation in Kabukicho reflects a darker side of tourism, with women lining the streets of Okubo Park as a stark indication of the growing sex industry. Despite the lack of official statistics, the visible increase in foreign clientele has raised concerns among local authorities. The Tokyo police have not responded to inquiries regarding the surge in foreign customers, but since December 2024, they have ramped up patrols to deter concentrated prostitution activity in the area.
The Japanese government has faced criticism for its handling of sex work regulations. Currently, only "invasive sexual acts" are illegal in Japan, leaving sex workers vulnerable to fines and imprisonment, while clients face no legal repercussions. Sakamoto advocates for establishing legal consequences for those purchasing sex, arguing that it would help curb demand, including from non-Japanese citizens. He also suggests that the government initiate awareness campaigns in multiple languages at airports, hotels, and tourist areas to address the issue more effectively.
As Japan welcomed a record 36.8 million tourists last year, partly due to a weak yen, the country’s conservative moral views clash with the realities of its burgeoning sex tourism industry. The influx of tourists has made areas like Kabukicho increasingly attractive for foreign visitors seeking unique experiences, albeit with ethical implications.
Ria shared her perspective on the changing dynamics of her work, stating, "Choosing foreign customers instead of Japanese customers has become safer because at least we can be sure that they are not plainclothes police." This sentiment reflects a growing trend among sex workers who feel more secure engaging with foreign clients.
However, the risks associated with this line of work remain significant. Women in the industry face threats to their physical and mental health, including exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and potential abuse. Many have experienced being secretly filmed without consent or even robbed.
The situation is precarious, as women like Ria and Azu, a 19-year-old who also works in the area, navigate the complexities of the sex trade. Azu mentioned, "In the best-case scenario, I can charge customers 20,000 yen an hour, with condoms, sometimes a little higher." Their stories underscore the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by sex workers in Japan.
As the debate over sex tourism continues, the experiences of women like Ria and Azu highlight the intersection of economic necessity and the darker aspects of Japan's tourism boom. The government, local authorities, and society must confront these realities and work towards creating a safer environment for all individuals involved.
