Japan’s First Inbound-Oriented Prostitution Bust: Guides Bringing Tourists
Japanese sex workers are popular overseas
On February 4, 2025, the operator of the “Men’s Esthe SPARAKU” in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Kazuki Sudo (54), along with six other men, were arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Security Division under suspicion of violating the Anti-Prostitution Law (for providing a place for prostitution). This is the first nationwide bust targeting a sex shop catering to inbound foreign tourists.
Sudo’s establishment created a website in both Japanese and English, advertising the ability to engage in sexual activities with Japanese women at a low cost. Foreign street promoters would approach inbound tourists and guide them to the shop. Once inside, the customers were given explanations in foreign languages regarding the shop’s system, fees, and services, and payments could be made in the customer’s native currency. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police began investigating after receiving a tip-off that prostitution was happening at the “Men’s Esthe” in Kabukicho.
The shop had a variety of foreign currencies available for transactions, including US dollars, euros, and currencies from India, Switzerland, Mexico, China, Turkey, Qatar, and 16 other countries.
It is reported that about 60% of the customers at “SPARAKU” were foreign tourists, with 40% of them coming from Asia, including China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Myanmar. The pricing was 10,000 yen for a 30-minute session, with an additional 5,000 yen for premium service, and 30,000 yen for a 60-minute VIP course. On average, the shop had about 30 customers a day, generating hundreds of thousands of yen in revenue.
The shop began operations in March 2021, with foreign tour guides sometimes bringing their clients.
Japanese sex workers were popular with foreign tourists for their politeness and good hospitality. Some tourists would come to Japan specifically for these establishments. The workers, who were all Japanese, would use smartphone translation apps to communicate with customers. Among the workers was an 18-year-old girl who had dropped out of high school.
Sudo and his associates had reportedly scouted women who were standing on the streets of Okubo Park in Shinjuku, known for offering earning potential. It became a popular spot, with women transferring from other shops.
With the rise in foreign tourists, establishments catering to inbound clients have been flourishing.
