Tokyo Metropolitan Police form Kabukicho Purification Unit

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has established the ‘Kabukicho Purification Unit’ to address deteriorating public safety in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku. The specialized unit aims to combat issues including underage street drinking, solicitation for prostitution in hotel districts, illegal touting, and ‘bottakuri’ (extortionate) scams.

During an initial large-scale patrol involving approximately 50 officers on October 20, police engaged with minors loitering on the streets and detained two minors for underage drinking. Additionally, officers distributed warning cards to foreign tourists to help prevent them from falling victim to scams.