Tokyo police have arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian man on suspicion of persistent touting in the Japanese capital's Kabukicho nightlife district, as authorities report a sharp rise in complaints linked to similar activities.
Nwadiukwu Ikenna was arrested after allegedly approaching a passer-by and grabbing the individual by the left hand on a street in the district in the early hours of Thursday, 9 July 2026, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
He allegedly attempted repeatedly to lure the person to an establishment, saying "Why don't you?" and "Don't be scared. I love you."
Investigators said Ikenna admitted to the solicitation, telling police he received a share of money spent by customers he referred to an eating establishment.
READ ALSO: INEC Introduces Online Self-Service Option for First-Time Voters
The arrest comes as touting-related complaints in Kabukicho mount rapidly.
In the first half of 2026 alone, police received 91 complaints from people who said they were taken to establishments by touts described by authorities as "African-looking."
Once there, the people were forced to pay exorbitant charges, already surpassing the 77 complaints recorded throughout the whole of 2025.
Most complainants were foreign tourists, with total reported losses amounting to around 100 million yen.
It was said that among them was an Australian tourist who claimed losses of approximately four million yen.
0 Comments