Tachinbo In Okubo Park, Shinjuku, Will Be Japan's Next Tourist Attraction!

The vibrant streets of Japan are welcoming a surge of foreign tourists. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), May 2024 saw a staggering 60.1% increase in foreign visitors compared to the same month in 2023, with over 3 million people flocking to experience the country's rich culture and captivating landscapes. This influx, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, paints a hopeful picture for Japan's tourism industry.

However, amidst the bustling tourist hotspots, a hidden world exists, particularly within the shadows of Shinjuku's Okubo Park. Here, the literal translation of "tachinbo" – "standing person" – takes on a darker meaning, morphing into a euphemism for street prostitution. Okubo Park, once dubbed the "sacred place for standing feet," is now attracting a different kind of clientele.

While foreign tourists contribute significantly to the overall visitor count, their presence within the context of tachinbo services remains relatively limited. Traditionally, the park catered primarily to Asian men residing in Japan. The recent shift, however, reveals a concerning trend – an increase in foreign men seeking these services. On weekend nights, estimates suggest that over 10% of the male clientele at Okubo Park are foreigners.

The financial aspect of this exchange also paints a concerning picture. The average price offered by foreign men, around 15,000 yen (excluding hotel charges), aligns with the rates offered by Japanese patrons. However, an unsettling truth emerges - foreign men are allegedly viewed as easier targets, leading some tachinbo to actively seek them out.

This vulnerability is tragically exemplified by the case of a Chinese tourist. Enticed by the prospect of a hotel room during his sightseeing trip, he reportedly paid 20,000 yen. After showering, the woman demanded an additional 10,000 yen, supposedly for further services. Despite the payment, he was ultimately left feeling cheated as the woman departed without fulfilling the expected service. Disturbingly, this experience is not unique, with similar reports surfacing from other Chinese men.

While a woman working in the area denied personal involvement, she acknowledged the existence of such scams. She conceded the possibility of colleagues taking money and disappearing while unsuspecting foreign patrons shower. The language barrier further exacerbates the issue, leaving tourists disoriented and hesitant to seek help, making them prime targets for exploitation.

The story of tachinbo in Okubo Park exposes a stark duality. On one hand, it reflects the positive growth of Japan's tourism industry. On the other, it reveals the unscrupulous tactics employed by some within the tachinbo world, preying on unsuspecting foreign visitors.