Pest Problem in Kabukicho Causes Tourists to Scream Over Mice and Cockroaches

Shinjuku Kabukicho, one of Japan’s largest entertainment districts—once known as the sleepless neon town—is now increasingly becoming a popular tourist spot frequented by many foreigners.

Currently, there have been reports of damage caused by rats and cockroaches in Kabukicho. When a reporter visited the area, they indeed found places where rats scurried around at foot level and cockroaches flew overhead. Many tourists were seen screaming at the sight.

Of course, the authorities are not simply standing by. Around May of last year, the sight of rats swarming over garbage bags in a Kabukicho building’s waste disposal area went viral on social media. As a result, a supplementary budget passed in October included about 12 million yen for countermeasures, including approximately 8.65 million yen for new projects.

However, despite such an expenditure, people working in Kabukicho say they have not felt any improvement. A woman working in a Kabukicho restaurant laments.

“There are many rats that don’t run away even when you make a loud noise with your feet or hands. My friend said that a rat climbed up her long skirt. It’s frightening because getting bitten or scratched might lead to a serious illness.”

Shinjuku Ward is implementing traps and poison bait as measures against rats, but it seems that these have not had a significant effect.

The large outbreak of cockroaches is also a problem. A man working as a “catcher” in Kabukicho says, “A tremendous amount of cockroaches were emerging from the manholes.”

“They’re bigger than the ones you find at home, and their flying around is extremely unpleasant. Our group of catchers sealed the manhole holes in the area with duct tape. It seems dangerous to block the holes, but it’s better than having cockroaches continue to appear, so we don’t mind!”

Manhole covers for rainwater and sewage have small holes to release air pressure, but cockroaches come out from these holes, which is why they are being sealed.

Given the increase in rats and cockroaches, one would expect that restaurants are taking meticulous measures. However, a journalist familiar with Kabukicho had surprising comments.

“Foreign-owned restaurants are opening one after another in Kabukicho, and with them, the number of foreign employees is also increasing. Some of these establishments do not adhere to Japan’s waste disposal rules, even when asked to do so. There are quite a few places that leave garbage bags on the street. They end up being ravaged by rats, but they ignore the issue. It’s unfortunate for the restaurants that are following the rules.”

In June of last year, Kenichi Yoshizumi, the Mayor of Shinjuku Ward, posted the following on X (formerly Twitter):

“Considering the breeding power of rats, it seems we should focus on reducing their food sources rather than just extermination. Opinions from experts and cooperation from building owners and businesses are essential. Since it’s a private facility, the ward will likely play a coordinating role.”

It seems that the coordination by the ward is still not working effectively. For the health and safety of residents and tourists, there may be a need for more serious and proactive measures led by the administration.