Concerns Rise Over Okinawa Beach Becoming a Male Cruising Spot—Arrests Reported

Some people even come with the intent of prostitution

About a 40-minute drive from Naha Airport, there’s a beach known for its blue seas and white sand. But this beach has reportedly become one of Japan’s most prominent meeting spots for men seeking same-sex encounters.

On July 9, a 24-year-old part-time worker was arrested by the Okinawa Prefectural Police Yonabaru Station on suspicion of public indecency after engaging in sexual acts in the nude on a beach in the city of Nanjo, Okinawa. On July 7, the man in his 50s from Osaka Prefecture who engaged in the act with him was also referred to prosecutors on the same charge.

“Around 4 p.m. on July 5, the two men were seen nude on the beach, touching each other’s genitals and engaging in sexual behavior. A passerby who witnessed the scene reported it to the police. By the time officers arrived, the older man had already left, but they questioned the 24-year-old man who remained at the scene. He admitted to the sexual activity and was arrested on the spot.

Later, while investigating the surrounding area, police found the man in his 50s, questioned him, and filed papers for prosecution. This particular beach has had repeated incidents over the past few years of men engaging in sexual activity, and complaints from local residents had already been filed,” said a reporter from a national newspaper’s social affairs section.

The beach where the incident took place can be reached on foot at low tide, but during high tide, visitors must wade through water up to their waist, making it relatively secluded and less visible—thus known as a hidden spot. A local resident shares:

“Many of the men who come to this beach wear swimwear with very minimal coverage, like racing-style swimsuits. There are several rocky areas shaped like caves along the beach, and when someone finds a partner they like, the two disappear into those rocks. It’s a perfect spot for having sex in secret. Some even come directly from Naha Airport by rental car. Recently, you also see more foreign tourists from Western countries and Asia,” the resident said.

Some people reportedly come to the beach for the purpose of prostitution.

“Among the men who come here, there are some who are willing to pay to have sex with younger men—and there are others who make money by providing those services. Occasionally, tourists who have no idea about the situation wander in by accident. Just the other day, a young man kayaking alone came ashore to rest on the beach, and a middle-aged man he didn’t know suddenly sat down next to him.

The man didn’t say a word, just stared intently at him. The younger man got uncomfortable and left. Locals rarely go near the beach, but when you think about the possibility of children accidentally witnessing something like that we really need something to be done,” said another local resident.

Even after the incident was reported, men seeking partners continue to flock to the beach without pause.