The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on Friday began increased patrols in the bustling entertainment area of Shinjuku to deter crime during the year-end and New Year period.
Police will be focusing their efforts on the Kabukicho district, which is lined with bars and restaurants. Police said at this time of year, there is usually a spike in street crimes such as purse-snatching, assaults and other alcohol-fueled trouble.
The increased security measures will be in effect until Jan 3. Approximately 166,000 police officers will be mobilized during this period.
© Japan Today
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Ex_Res
Untill fairly recently, many bars and clubs in Kabukicho would have signs on the door saying "Japanese Only".
I would think to myself, "that's OK, the Japanese keep it, if the Japanese want to get scammed, then that's up to them".
Then I would walk through to Shin Okubo and get lovely food at a great price in a safe area, and of course, always welcome.
Chip Star
Kabukicho is where you can buy almost any drug you want (at an inflated price) or women in safety Japan.
Ex_Res
I read an article warning me about the dirty tricks that they do in this part of Shinjuku In regards to prostitution. You know, tricking people into believing that they’re only paying a small amount, and then charging much more for BS reasons.
You are never far from a scam in Kabukicho.
JCosplay
You know, I just came back from Japan like a week ago. I was in Tokyo and Kyoto, though not all in Shinjuku. I read an article warning me about the dirty tricks that they do in this part of Shinjuku In regards to prostitution. You know, tricking people into believing that they’re only paying a small amount, and then charging much more for BS reasons.
It looks like from this article, but this is just a really bad area in general. So I’ll know to stay away from there the next time I go as well. In case you’re wondering, my trip was very very good overall. I stayed for a week and a half, and I definitely can’t wait to go back again.
Ex_Res
Kabukicho is a dirty and troublesome place at any time of year. Increasing the police presence over the silly season is merely a token gesture to make it seem as the cops are doing something about this sleazy nest.
I quite agree. Kabukicho was never nice a place. Too many lost souls in the area, like certain areas of many cities. But I do like Shin Okubo, very close by.
Nippori Nick
Yet the touts act with impunity.
SwissToni
Not sure I believe the TMPD has 166,000 officers to mobilise.
gogogo
What do they normally do?
MSR Japan
166,000 cops swarming Kabukicho, yeah right ! Dont believe the hype !
NCIS Reruns
When I think of Kabukicho, I think of the Japanese saying that goes, Shojin wa kankyo shite, fuzen o nasu = The devil finds work for idle hands.
miss_oikawa
Mobilised = dragged from their warm cozy kobans and made to do some actual work
Do the hustle
Kabukicho is a dirty and troublesome place at any time of year. Increasing the police presence over the silly season is merely a token gesture to make it seem as the cops are doing something about this sleazy nest.
oldman_13
Good news.
shogun36
So where are these patroling cops on regular days?