"Japan Impoverished by Yen Depreciation... Chinese Men Also Flock for Overseas Sex Work"

As the Yen Weakens, Poverty Increases in Japan
"Meeting 5-10 Men a Day... Half Are Foreigners"

In the past, Japanese men traveled abroad for sex work, but now, amid economic decline, Japan is emerging as Asia's new 'center of sex tourism.'

On the 17th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "During Japan's economic boom, men enjoyed illegal sex work abroad, but the situation has changed today," adding, "With the continued weakness of the yen and an increase in the impoverished population, foreign men are flocking to Tokyo to enjoy 'sex tourism.'" It continued, "In places like Tokyo's parks, young women are increasingly coming out to wait for clients even before sunset," and "especially, the number of Chinese men traveling to Tokyo for sex tourism is rising."

In the past, Japanese men traveled abroad for sex work, but with the decline of the Japanese economy, Japan has emerged as Asia's new center for "sex tourism," according to claims. On the 17th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "During Japan's economic boom, men enjoyed illegal sex work abroad, but today the situation has changed," adding, "With the continued weakness of the yen and the increase in the impoverished population, foreign men are flocking to Tokyo to enjoy 'sex tourism.'" SCMP

The Japan Youth Protection Association told SCMP, "Japan has become a poor country, and parks have become synonymous with sex work due to its widespread prevalence," adding, "Foreign men coming to Japan for sex tourism are diverse, including white, Asian, and black men, but most are Chinese." They also said, "Teenage and early twenties women, whose economic situations have worsened, are turning to the sex industry for survival. Related violent incidents are also rapidly increasing, worsening the situation."

SCMP then introduced the case of a 19-year-old woman named Rui (alias), who is engaged in illegal sex work on the streets of Tokyo. Rui wanders around Okubo Park in Shinjuku Kabukicho, directly offering sex work to men who visit the area. Okubo Park is very close to Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s Korean district, and is locally known as a hotspot for illegal sex work. Rui said, "I left home in February and came to Kabukicho. I started coming to the park (for illegal sex work) in April after going into debt with a 'host.' I want to pay off my debt and buy good things. I earn money through illegal sex work to go to host bars every few days." She added, "Usually, I see about five male clients a day, and on weekends, the number of clients doubles. There are various men who come to the park (for illegal sex work), and about half are foreigners. I have regular clients from Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong."

This woman claimed she is exposed to the risk of violence every time she meets foreign clients. Rui said, "A friend who does the same work was attacked by a Chinese client on the street a few weeks ago," adding, "While discussing the 'price,' the Chinese client suddenly kicked my friend and committed violence." She continued, "I have been lucky so far not to experience such incidents, but (violence from foreign clients) happens frequently."