Kids Flock to Shinjuku Over Obon Holiday

On August 12th at around 11 p.m., the streets leading into the To-Yoko area were crowded, with groups sitting on sidewalks and even spilling into the roadway. Some jumped over barriers installed to prevent loitering in the plaza, joining others inside. These so-called “To-Yoko kids” included a woman who said she was 20 and visited almost daily, relying on the area for food and shelter and never returning home. Inside the barriers, a woman climbed onto a lion statue and was cautioned by security, while a man spoke shirtless nearby.

Police entered the enclosed area to warn the youth, while many onlookers stood outside the barriers just to see the scene. Visitors came from as far as Gunma, Ibaraki, and even Kyoto, with one high school student explaining that they had seen To-Yoko on TV and wanted to experience it firsthand. Some described it as unsafe but vibrant, while others admitted they came out of curiosity and stayed for weeks, gradually forming friendships.

Authorities warn that the area has seen repeated incidents involving sexual exploitation and drug overdoses. In response, Tokyo has produced awareness videos targeting youth about the risks and crimes linked to To-Yoko. A 17-year-old high school student spending the night there after missing the last train called it “smelly, dirty, and dangerous,” citing the presence of drug dealers.

To provide support, Tokyo operates a Kabukicho consultation center called “Kimi Mamo,” which can receive over 50 young visitors a day during summer. Officials say they take special care during the holiday period to handle cases before they escalate. Although the facility faced problems such as arrests for indecent acts after its opening in 2024, revised rules have since been implemented. In May 2024, the consultation space was expanded significantly, strengthening support measures and continuing to warn young visitors during the summer break.

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Source: FNN