Concerns regarding Roppongi, Tokyo
Roppongi Crossing, Roppongi district of Tokyo. Photo by T. Watanabe
While the general crime rate in Japan is well below the U.S. national average, the U.S. Department of State continues to warn Americans about Roppongi, an entertainment district in Tokyo that caters to foreign clientele. Americans have reported a substantial number of crimes in Roppongi.
Roppongi has been the scene of violence between criminal syndicates in the past. Organized crime is acknowledged to operate on a wide basis in Japan. These groups, called yakuza (See ヤクザ), are heavily involved in sex-related industries such as pornography and prostitution, and are also involved in gambling and protection rackets. Due to the large investment by yakuza in the night entertainment business, travelers may be exposed to their operations or wander into bars or night clubs run by yakuza.
Drink-spiking has routinely led to robbery and has also resulted in physical and sexual assaults. Most drink-spiking reports describe a situation in which the victim unknowingly drinks a beverage that has been secretly mixed with a drug that renders the victim unconscious or stuporous for several hours, during which time large charges are fraudulently billed to the victim’s credit card, or the card is stolen. Victims sometimes regain consciousness in the bar or club, while at other times awaken on the street. Several Americans have also reported being charged exorbitant bar tabs in some bars and clubs in Roppongi.
According to the Country Specific Information Sheet for Japan, other crimes against U.S. citizens in Japan usually involve personal disputes, theft or vandalism. Violent crime is rare, but does exist. Hate-related violent crimes rarely occur, though some Americans have reported being the target of comments or actions because of their foreign status or their race (See more at 外人).
Incidents of pickpocketing of foreigners in crowded shopping areas, on trains and at airports have been a sporadic concern. Sexual assaults are not prevalent, but do occur, and females may be randomly targeted. Every year, a number of Americans report their passports lost or stolen at Narita Airport, especially passports being carried in pockets. Incidents involving U.S. citizens since the spring of 2004 include murder, assault, overdoses on heroin allegedly purchased in Roppongi, theft of purses, wallets, cash and credit cards at bars or clubs, and drugs allegedly slipped into drinks. Americans are urged to keep these incidents in mind and avoid the Roppongi area in favor of less risky entertainment areas.
Related posts:
Nice article, very well written.
Thank you.