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U.S. Embassy issues new warning over drink-spiking in Roppongi

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The U.S. Embassy has renewed its alert to American citizens in Tokyo to avoid frequenting bars and clubs in the Roppongi area of Tokyo due to drink-spiking incidents. The embassy said it continues to receive reliable reports of U.S. citizens being drugged in Roppongi bars.

Most reports indicate that the victim unknowingly drinks a beverage that has been secretly mixed with a drug that renders the victim unconscious or stuporous for several hours, during which time large charges are fraudulently billed to the victim, sums of money are charged to the victim’s credit card, or the card is stolen. Victims sometimes regain consciousness in the bar or club, while at other times the victim awakens on the street. Assaults on Americans have also been reported in connection with drink-spiking, the embassy said in its alert.

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Stop going to the those bars, they had a listing of establishments that were of concern. If it happens to you, then you are a dumb@$$ for going to that bar....sorry about your credit, but its your fault.

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Alternatively, people might just drink too much and end up blacking out; later claiming their drink was spiked.

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should the whole area be avoided or is it a few bars that are dangerous? Wanted to give it a try in sept. just for the experience, but if its that dangerous... no way

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I can't believe no one listened the first time they issued this statement. Am I the only American who pays attention in foreign countries? It's a good thing these idiots at least have the sense to travel to a safe country like Japan, I'd hate to see them in some of the other parts of Asia I've been to.

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My aussie friend was a victim of this last year... not only Americans I can say. And the guy who got him to the bar was another foreigner...

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Why have we got US army bases here? Get the marines off their asses and have them smash up these places.

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Why have we got US army bases here? Get the marines off their asses and have them smash up these places.

Another great mind from America! :-)

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It's not the military's responsibility to police Japan, only to defend it. Also, anyone in a foreign country whether expat or traveler should realize that you have to take responsibility for your own safety. I myself have been heeding this warning since it was first issued and confined my drinking to friendlier spots. It's an unfortunate fact of life that it is up to each individual to use their own common sense and heed warnings issued by their embassies. Why take a chance on being a victim or wait for the police to do something to clean this area up? Let your money do your talking for you and stay away.

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drink beer, from bottles...problem solved

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The embassy said it continues to receive reliable reports of U.S. citizens being drugged in Roppongi bars.

Then why are these bars still in operation? What are the police doing about it?

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@Altria- The last I heard the police in Japan were saying they had no evidence, no proof of drugs, no suspects, etc., etc., etc. There seem to be a lot of excuses coming from that quarter and no real police work appears to be accomplished every time another of these reports come in. Honestly I don't believe anything will be done about this problem so I honestly think we should all just boycott Roppongi until this problem is resolved.

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Japanese police don't act on most foreigner on foreigner crime, sad but true.

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...renders the victim unconscious or stuporous for several hours.... My God! Someone's been spiking my drinks every Saturday night for the last twenty years.

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Sounds like someone needs to do a hidden camera/mic sting to nail these guys.

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Why only U.S. Embassy? Should not every Embassy issue this warning? Or they attack only Americans? Why?

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Hey, I didn't know this and I always watch NHK's special news feature, warning unsuspecting travellers of impeding danger. Maybe they can expand on this and list these dangerous joints. I do have heard though about these places in Roppongo where they charge(d) you 150.000 yen for a bottle of ordinary booze. Guess they refined their MO, so they don't have to deal with their "angry" clientele anymore.

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"Honestly I don't believe anything will be done about this problem so I honestly think we should all just boycott Roppongi until this problem is resolved." There you go. A voice of reason from out of the din. Everyone else seems to think that life without a few overpriced milliliters of alcohol would be unbearable. Alternatively, going without credit cards and keeping a few notes in your shoe would be a stinky but practical solution.

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Why have we got US army bases here? Get the marines off their asses and have them smash up these places.

You have obviously never spent a night out in Roppo/ Sasebo/ Naha because the bars usually do get smashed up by those idiots anyway.

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Not one of the Roppongi set. I think I have been down there twice in the last 15 years. To those who frequent the bars in Roppongi, however, I would ask that you take this warning very seriously. Moreover, don't go down their alone, find some friends to go with you. The more the merrier (and safer). Also insist that any drinks ordered (bottles only) are opened in front of you.

With regard to Altria's comment about the USMC, although it would cause a public relations nightmare ("Jar Heads Run Amok in Japan"), I think it actually has some merit. Indeed, if any of these establishments could be identified, I would be willing to make a donation to any drinking fund for marines suffering the ravages of PTSD. What do you say folks, if the local police are unwilling to crack down on these crimes, perhaps it is time to send in the marines. Indeed, they wouldn't even have to destroy the bars in questions, any cases of mistaken identity could just be labeled "collateral damage."

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I believe the U.S embassy has received the largest number of reports, hence the warning. Most Americans, tourist and military alike tend to go to Roppongi more than any other nationality. Funny enough, I had actually never heard of Roppongi until I moved here, Shibuya and Shinjuku were the only real party spots I knew about. Based on what I've heard, though, I don't believe I'm missing out on a great deal.

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Has nobody considered that this is not really happening and that some servicemen have used it as an excuse when they return late to the base and with their cards maxed-up from a big night out ? I have been drinking in Roppo for 9 years, I know quite a few guys who own bars and girlie clubs and nobody has witnessed this happening. I have however, witnessed plenty of servicemen absolutely hammered or passed-out from excessive drinking in Roppongi. I have also seen them arguing in girlie clubs over their tab because they have been maxing it up whilst drunk. This may well have happened a few times but not to the extent that the Embassy are claiming.

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With regard to Altria's comment about the USMC, although it would cause a public relations nightmare ("Jar Heads Run Amok in Japan"), I think it actually has some merit. Indeed, if any of these establishments could be identified, I would be willing to make a donation to any drinking fund for marines suffering the ravages of PTSD. What do you say folks, if the local police are unwilling to crack down on these crimes, perhaps it is time to send in the marines. Indeed, they wouldn't even have to destroy the bars in questions, any cases of mistaken identity could just be labeled "collateral damage."

Irresponsible comment. You've been watching too many Oliver Stone movies. What, do you think this is your country ? Do you think you can take the law into your own hands just because some Marines were stupid enough to get ripped-off ?

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How do you explain the complaints from tourists then?

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I think if you head to those places alone as a foreigner for the first time this could happen anywhere in the world. In case it actually happens ;)

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I heard that most of these activities are happening in places where the local mafia has interests on and most of the crimes are performed by them because they profit from it.

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As Sebaschan says though this can happen to any tourist anywhere in the world as well. I have been all over and I have seen first hand what could happen to tourists that want to "blend in" around strangers way too fast. It is all about using common sense.

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an old classmate of mine came out from the states last month. after reading this warning a few months back, i had warned her not to go out drinking in roppongi. well, she ends up in roppongi 2 nights before she flies back to l.a. and guess what happens.. her and her travel mate don't remember how they ended back in their hotel room but my friend's purse is gone. she recalled talking to a foreign couple, possibly se asian or pinoy. things taken: credit cards, a bit of cash but most importantly her passport. not a smart move having that on her person. i also know of a scottish fellow who said he got hit up twice in roppongi like this. (though i think it was idiotic to even go back after the first time. makes me think of george dubya and his famous fool me once.... line)

they are definitely hitting foreigners in the pong.

i'm going to shinjuku tonight for 100 shots of beer in 100 min. and girls in skimpy clothes

cheers

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This may well have happened a few times but not to the extent that the Embassy are claiming.

What an irresponsible comment. When all else fails, blame the military (the US military in this case).

If the military were falling victim to this sort of thing as you state, the word would come down from on-high that Roppongi was off limits and the issue would soon die out.

Rather this is happening to foreign civvies (including Americans) on a scale that has forced the US embassy to issue a warning. Moreover, I am aware that this same topic has been on the agenda of luncheons hosted by people such as David Warren and Murray McLean during the last six months.

While I respect your opinion as a hardened Roppongi veteran, I think people should place more faith in the opinions of the US embassy rather than the bore at the end of the bar.

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Bars are spiking foreign customers drinks with drugs.

Police are demanding urine samples from foreigners on the street.

Not only you lose your money and bogus bills on your credit card, you get arrested and deported as well.

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Where's Roppongi?

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There definitely is an issue of this, but more now it is about threats and such. Places that you shouldn't be in forcing you to sign for 150,000 bottles of moet etc. Ironically the police have fuelled the fires as that standard like has changed. Now the bar owners just threaten to take you to the koban and report to the police that you are behaving erratically and maybe using drugs.

With the current anti-foreigner drug testing clampdown in the pong lots of people - guilty or not, aren't taking chances.

That said, as a regular in the pong, I worry very little about that. My face is pretty well known by most of the regular hawkers and such and they know well enough to leave me alone.

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having your face known in disreputable haunts is not something to be proud of.

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I'm out a fair bit in Roppongi and the general area, and I can say without a doubt I have never heard of this happening to anyone - obviously that doesn't mean this is an urban legend, but I'd disagree with anyone who says this is widespread.

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mainly strip clubs and late night bars that open till 10am is where its happening.. you can see these a mile away.

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flatearther, if you're ogign to take a night out go to Shibuya, and preferably with someone who some of the best places. At nighttime Roppongi's a cesspit. Avoid.

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yokomoc- Huh? Oh, umm..no, not ever. I was the one who suggested a Roppongi ban. Maybe you're replying to Sebaschan's post? Anyway, I hear it's more of a guy place anyway. Nothing wrong with strip clubs, but they're not really my cup of tea. Besides, there are nicer/quieter places to enjoy a drink near where I live.

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Sorry, not ban, boycott.

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collasapool - I hear you, but the kids at the places open till 10 a.m. are self-medicating - they'd pay extra for a spiked drink -

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hm maybe he was replying to me. okay I hink ill avoid the "expierence" then and head somewhere else. Seems to be not the place where you can have fun without second thoughts.

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Solution: go out to one of the hundreds of other drinking areas in Tokyo. Not so difficult, is it?

If the area won't clean itself up, then vote with your wallet and go somewhere else.

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Once Roppongi becomes safe, clean and respectable, who would want to go there? Sleaze is its sole attraction.

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Is Vodka in my Redbull considered spiked???

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Just use your common sense and you can party all night like it was December 31st. Come on now.

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Yeah, sorry, think I meant Sebas.

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I lived in Azabu for 10 years and drank in Roppongi countless times. If this is happening, it must be happening to people who go to Roppongi alone and don't know anybody. There a plenty of normal bars and izakaya in Roppongi. If I ever went to a Motown or 911 or worse it was with a pretty big group. I would never go alone. It would be depressing.

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but most importantly her passport. not a smart move having that on her person.

You should ALWAYS have your passport with you when traveling abroad. Not only in Japan but in all (?) countries.

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No prizes for the reasons as to why people don't notice this activity. Only those who have actually been drugged would know it goes on and how often. However, there must have been quite a few incidents for the US Embassy to issue a warning over it.

Here is a little clip about the darker side of 'The Pong' involving drink spiking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=JP&hl=ja&v=aAzLVOMuJMI
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Ahhhhhh, Roppongi..... interesting place. Had 2-3 incidents there that was like being in a action movie.

Wonder what type of person is being targeted, and if more than one kind of drug is being used?

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I have been drinking in Roppo for 9 years, I know quite a few guys who own bars and girlie clubs and nobody has witnessed this happening.

I'm out a fair bit in Roppongi and the general area, and I can say without a doubt I have never heard of this happening to anyone - obviously that doesn't mean this is an urban legend, but I'd disagree with anyone who says this is widespread

15 years for me and I have NEVER seen it let alone heard of it happening.

How do you explain the complaints from tourists then?

Who said anything about tourists? The article doesnt say.

Most Americans, tourist and military alike tend to go to Roppongi more than any other nationality.

This is your guess, and it makes no empirical sense.

What an irresponsible comment. When all else fails, blame the military (the US military in this case).

I think northlondon's comment is harsh to imagine, yet reasonable. So only Americans have fallen prey to this drugging of drinks? Only the American Embassy has declared the warning? Just what IS a "reliable report"?

Has nobody considered that this is not really happening and that some servicemen have used it as an excuse when they return late to the base and with their cards maxed-up from a big night out ?

I think this is a reasonable question to ask, certainly not irresponsible.

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Glad I'm not American! There seems to be a groundswell of Japanese people out to get them...

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ultradodgy at 03:33 PM JST - 10th July collasapool - I hear you, but the kids at the places open till 10 a.m. are self-medicating - they'd pay extra for a spiked drink -

Agreed. Very wind assisted people that time of day, but these are the places where you put a card beind the bar, if you`re dumb enough, and get pillaged for it.

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Here is a little clip about the darker side of 'The Pong' involving drink spiking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=JP&hl=ja&v=aAzLVOMuJMI

You are reaching way too far to make the point. These unfortunate girls werent given spiked drinks in bars in Roppongi. This video hilights the story of hostesses/strippers who were working and taking customers out for dohan. This is totally unrelated to the topic of customers having their drinks spiked in Roppongi bars and then having their credit cards maxed out.

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@jammer- To answer your post, I get my information from several sources, not simply JT, hence I am aware of several tourist complaints. As far as the breakdown of nationalities, you're correct, I have no empirical data, but it's a logical guess. If there were military personnel out there making false accusations against the Japanese, I can guarantee you there would be have hell to pay. I may not be military, but I am quite familiar with their procedures regarding incidents like this. If you don't trust the U.S embassy to do their homework and comfortably assume that they send out baseless warnings (twice) then I am certainly glad you're not American. If you are American, good luck out there on your own and I hope you never go to a truly dangerous country where the embassy's warnings are vital to your security. As much as you would like to deny it based on your 15 years of living here, it does happen. I never saw crack whores back in America, does that mean they don't exist? Same stupid logic.

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Disillusioned. That is one interesting clip. Nothing new really, but it highlights the dangers. Roppongi will be a magnet for all types, and the Yakuza pretty much run the place as they have ever since WWII. The Chinese mafia will be in there too in one form or another.

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Must only be happening in the dodgy bars that are actually on the strip, either run by the Nigerians or the Isreali's (who send out girls to various bars and who then invite to a "really nice place they know" where they charge you $500 for a glass of wine).

Places on the strip suck anyway, and are generally only packed with the lowest desperados.

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Drink spiking in Roppongi is not new. Two friends of mine had their drinks spiked in 1998. That is ELEVEN YEARS ago. The offending bar was run by foreigners. These two friends left the bar before the drug really took effect. They spent a rather confused night in a hotel somewhere. Lucky that's all that happened.

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Stay away from any Nigerian, Iranian or Israeli you meet...you may just be safer that way. I don't think any of the really dangerous bars in Tokyo would just let any foreigner stroll in without a "middle man". Heck, a lot of good places won't even let non-asians in!

That was a great clip, Disillusioned. It is troubling to say the least that there is a self-confessed Japanese cannibal roaming the streets of Roppongi in search of "fresh white meat", especially of the Aussie kind. And there are no doubt so many other "salarymen" on the streets of Japan just like him.

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I have lived here for more than 15years and know respectable men and women that this has happened to within the past 2 years. The places that my friends got drugged were between Roppongi Crossing and Fridays...run by Nigerians with the support of the Yakuza.

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...maybe be more adventurous and less boorish and don't go to Roppongi

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jammer - You are reaching way too far to make the point.

Until it happens to you or someone you know, hey?

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As much as you would like to deny it based on your 15 years of living here,

It's soo not about me. I'm a nobody in cyberspace.

If there were military personnel out there making false accusations against the Japanese, I can guarantee you there would be have hell to pay. I may not be military, but I am quite familiar with their procedures regarding incidents like this

I hear ya. And indeed there often is hell to pay when it is discovered. I'm not questioning the military. I merely pointed out that northlondons comment was not irresponsible, but rather a harsh to imagine yet reasonable conclusion. That's it.

I never saw crack whores back in America, does that mean they don't exist? Same stupid logic.

You are taking this way too far. Look, I grant you I'm not the most logical person at the best of times, and after a hot n sticky week like this past one I cant think I'm gonna be too sharp on a Friday at closing time either. But you can't possibly think that your "not seeing crack whores in America means they dont exist" is the same logic as me spending hours upon hours on end, weeknights and weekends in Roppongi for the last 15 years.

If you were hanging out where the crackwhores were, you'd see them.

If you are American, good luck out there on your own and I hope you never go to a truly dangerous country where the embassy's warnings are vital to your security.

I remember these same scare tactics used to try and squash the many Americans who were against GW going into Iraq. You sound just like Donald Rumsfeld.

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Since we don't have the stats I'm sure reports have been made to Canadian, British, etc embassies as well. I'm not sure if those Embassies have alerts or not. But drink spiking is not just roppongi, but seems to be the "standard" warning given in many other countries from the state department website.

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Sarcasm-

but most importantly her passport. not a smart move having that on her person.

You should ALWAYS have your passport with you when traveling abroad. Not only in Japan but in all (?) countries.

Don't you think a photo copy of the passport would be a much better option? Much less chance of losing it or getting it stolen if it is still at the hotel.

If you are stopped, copies of your details and entry visa show you are legit until you can prove it with the original that is kept in a safe place.

I feel bad for my friend who came. I took her to dinner the next night and she was completely stressed.

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@jammer-If you were hanging out where drinks were being spiked, I'm sure you'd see it, too. BTW, if you're a "nobody in cyberspace" please don't comment. This warning was sent out to protect travelers and naive people who don't live in Japan, so if you have nothing productive to say, don't contribute. As far as embassy warnings in foreign countries go, I and many of my colleagues and friends have had to travel to these places I referred to, at those times, the embassies there have issued many warnings and offered advice that may have saved my life. I always listen very carefully when they mention anything, these people work to protect people like myself (Americans).

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and Japanese police are hot on the case... oh wait...

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Listen to big brother...he is here to protect you. Kind of makes you wonder which embassy staffer got their drink spiked!!!

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Americans are a friendly bunch. Should take care of nice people. Roppongi beware, for whoever (underworld) is in charge may lose their authority by the powers to be. There are many Japanese overseas and I would think the J authorities would move to put an end to the Blackening of Japans image as a peaceful people. Toyota might even lose sales if this gets out to the main press in the USA that the J authorities are not protecting Americans or anyone for that matter. That video from 'disillusioned' really saddened me.

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I'm a 23 year old guy from New Zealand. I'm always sensible and careful with my drinks, although 3 months ago I'm sure I got my drink spiked in Shinjuku. I was a reck for hours outside the club, and then passed out for 2 hours at a station on my way home to find my wallet missing. Turned out I must have just dropped it somewhere because it was handed in and I got it back - with all my money and cards inside :-) If I wasn't with my friend at the club I might have got into a lot more trouble than I did.

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We don't have a statistical report of the accidents occurred and i don't really trust this statement. I know many people (Americans and non-Americans) who drink every weekend in those bars around Roppongi and nothing bad happened to them. Yes, some of them got drunk but none of them passed out or had their credit cards stolen. I consider Tokyo as an extremely safe city, comparing with other Asian cities in China or Thailand. Of course, you always have to take care and avoid visiting bars alone. However, in this case i agree with northlondon:

Has nobody considered that this is not really happening and that some servicemen have used it as an excuse when they return late to the base and with their cards maxed-up from a big night out ?

Totally agree.

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oh what a shame Roppongi used to be fun.But even way back when there were people going missing (connected to Gas Panic) and people found collapsed dead or otherwise from spiked drugs not drinks.

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BTW, if you're a "nobody in cyberspace" please don't comment.

Forgive me but I dont understand your persistence. All I have said is that a previous poster made a reasonable point in suggesting that this "warning" may have be issued based upon dubious stories and/or conditions. With the exception of the sensible 23 y.o. kiwi lad, the empirical evidence in this thread supports it too.

I and many of my colleagues and friends have had to travel to these places I referred to, at those times

I must be missing parts of these messages. The places you to referred to would be... ?

This warning was sent out to protect travelers and naive people who don't live in Japan, so if you have nothing productive to say, don't contribute

You are certainly persistent in your efforts to censor.

Protect the "naive people"? Do you work for the Justice League?

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Thanks Disillusioned for the video link.

I just remembered what one poster mentioned here recently. Some of us come here to have a little bit of fun and then go back to our real lives back home. Well, if they return home to their real lives safely, that will make us happy.

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@jammer- Have fun in Roppongi, then. Enjoy your drinks while the rest of us stick to the safer areas here in Japan (aka everywhere else). I travel to many countries within Asia, perhaps you should consider reading all of the posts on this thread before commenting. How could I possibly censor your posts? LOL that's the mod's job. Umm....the Justice League is fictional, you know? I hope you enjoy your drinks...............

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some of you may not know but some off those spikes are really lethal. A lady who came here for a short biz trip from our London office was said to have gotten so sick that when she returned to London and got herself check out that what ever was given to her screwed up her uterus. I am going to look for the news article, it was in a British paper and site. But this started in Roppongi.

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"Assaults on Americans"

This is unforgivable.

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Gladly not plan to live in Tokyo, but mediterean and friendly Miyazaki later...

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In regards to previous comments that these warnings may be based on dubious stories of questionable veracity: no. Embassies of any country do not issue warnings based on hearsay just because some "servicemen have used it as an excuse when they return late to the base and with their cards maxed-up from a big night out," or any other inconclusive reason. As the local representative of an outside government, ambassadors and their embassies must always take into consideration their unique position as stewards of their citizens' safety abroad AS WELL as their responsibility to respect the sovereignity and credibility of the country where they are based. Any travel warnings issued by a foreign government, especially the government of a large developed nation bulging with potential tourists like the United States, can greatly affect the economy and international reputation of the host nation in question. Please be assured that such warnings are not made lightly and should not be treated lightly either. Even if the problem is not at epidemic levels yet, it is clearly a chronic, ongoing issue, and these warnings are intended to try and stem the growth of this activity and prevent further victimization. There are always going to be people who ignore warnings when they're given, but if the call for extra caution helps save somebody from the potential hardships associated with drink spiking, then it's done its job.

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I consider Tokyo as an extremely safe city, comparing with other Asian cities in China or Thailand.

The above three mentioned places are 100% safer than Brazil, for e.g. I didn't believe my friend who said on his biz trip there, the co. provided security guards to escort him & his colleagues between hotel & the office.

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It happened to citizens of other countries too. Why they don't make a big deal out of it?..:)

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Roppongi is a great place, but do not forget all of those young Chinese chix waiting to give massages as long as your credit card is valid, so drink spiking etc..do not go out with your credit cards only take cash and a few condoms!

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drink-spiking

In other words, it's a rip-off.

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If you're looking for trouble you'll find it. On the other hand my gaijin boss, separated from the group in Roppongi, lost, drunk and with no cash (hows that for street smarts?) decided he was going to walk back to the Hilton in Shinjuku. Some time later a Japanese guy insisted on giving a cabbie money to take him back to the hotel. He was safe and sound if a little tired and hung over.

Try that in other cities of the world. Tokyo isn't that dangerous.

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I can imagine that finding silly drunk Americans is like shooting ducks in a barrel in Roppongi, hence the problem. Easier marks for a shifty foreigner than a Japanese person by a long shot. How many credit cards is a Japanese person likely to have after all? What American credit company is going to refuse a charge in Tokyo at 2 am? A Japanese credit company will call the bar and ask to talk to you... haha.

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As was pointed out before, if this was just an issue with U.S. military personnel, then the Pong would be placed off-limits. I saw this happen during our visit to Naples ("The Gut" was off-limits to all personnel due to previous incidents), and a section of Oahu (Samoan gangs were targeting "haolies"). So the military is perfectly fine with banning certain locations. The U.S. Embassy gets involved when American tourists or expats are victimized or could potentially be victimized.

Not sure if Sarge was mocking the "Assaults on Americans" comment, but you wouldn't realistically expect a warning from the U.S. Embassy about German/French/Korean/(insert other nationality of choice here) visitors being targeted.

Best thing to do is not go alone and don't frequent the cabarets where that $14 bottle of wine will run you 140,000 yen once the hostess is added in. Drink from bottles that you opened or that were opened in your presence. Mixed drinks are for "girly men" anyway. :-)

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Pay in cash, drink responsibly, and avoid shady establishments. Problem solved.

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Altria at 01:49 PM JST - 10th July The embassy said it continues to receive reliable reports of U.S. citizens being drugged in Roppongi bars. Then why are these bars still in operation? What are the police doing about it?

Who is to say that the Japanese police aren't aware of what's going on if not actually involved? Seems to me that this latest wave of spiked drinks dovetails nicely with the random "piss checks" that they've initiated.

What's to be expected from law enforcement in a country where everyone knows who the organized crime members are and they have club houses?

It's a shame as Roppongi used to be a fun place to eat and drink.

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errr, dont take your credit or cash card. duh

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been partying in roppongi for a good lotta years. never once was there a problem. too many people on this thread are making too much noise about the lurking danger on the streets of roppongi. as for the american embassy issuing a warning. that's fine. when americans are victims of crime in a foreign country then the corresponding embassy issues a warning. if and or when a canadian is a victim of this crime then the canadian embassy will issue a warning.

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Just remember that Roppongi is a multi-cultural international hub, meaning the Japanese percentage of people are less thus the asian person or establishment are not actually Japanese run but other groups of people. With the economic downturn, it is easier to rob and dash. Then to earn your money the old fashion way. Intergity, has lost value all over the world. And if you have it, you are chiled for it. But hey Its like Racism, easy picking on a group of people you just dont like, but need the money.

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Looks like a job for some STING operations and start deporting those who break the law. A country like this, would need to do this sooner than later, or risk a major down turn with individuals not spending money or improving economic conditions. I still find that Roppongi with all gliter and lights still have some great people there.

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Roppongi is full of criminals, morally gray people and psychos.

In the few times that I have been there I have: -been harassed by Nigerians and persuaded to some back alley pub -seen a guy wrap his van around a poll -witnessed the dirtiest meat market out there

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They should feel lucky they only getting money stolen, in the west most people getting their drinks spiked are females that are then raped

Think the Japanese Embassy should warn Japanese not to visit bar or clubs in the USA because of drink-spiking and the 99% chance you will be raped if you are a female who has had her drink-spiked!

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remember what method man did on that movie "belly" when he realized when they were drugging his drink. . .

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The US state of Tennessee seems on the verge of adopting a law making it legal to carry firearms into bars and restaurants for "self defence." Perhaps a similar statute should be mulled for Roppongi -- it would clean up the neighborhood in a few weeks I figure.

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Roppongi is just another den of iniquity, and I wouldnt dream of setting foot in or near the place. Its just a sleaze town.

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They should feel lucky they only getting money stolen, in the west most people getting their drinks spiked are females that are then raped

Think the Japanese Embassy should warn Japanese not to visit bar or clubs in the USA because of drink-spiking and the 99% chance you will be raped if you are a female who has had her drink-spiked!

That's ridiculous. The only way they would be lucky is if they could go the bar, have a drink, and then head back to their quarters in one piece. There's a little problem in Roppongi. No reason to try to point a finger and deflect it.

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