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Tokyo Dims Red Light in Olympic Bid

Officials aim to keep 'local color' in crackdown

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 19, 2009 1:01 PM CST

(Newser) – Japan’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics has prompted a cleanup of Tokyo’s red light district, but local proprietors aren’t eager to change local culture, the Guardian reports. Police, backed by a governor hoping to snuff out sleaze, are getting tough about a new law forcing sex clubs to shut at midnight. The rule is taking a toll on district business, residents say.

“The police crackdown has halved the number of customers here, and the recession isn't helping,” says a doorman. “I've been in Kabukicho a long time and I'd hate to see it change. This is where people come to make something of themselves.” But “we don't necessarily want to get rid of all of the local color,” says the head of the cleanup project. “We want to preserve the character of the place and strike a balance.”

Tokyo's red light district is facing tough law enforcement. (Shutterstock)

Tokyo's Kabukicho red light district is struggling under a new law. (Shutterstock)

Kabukicho, Tokyo's red light district. (Shutterstock)

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Tokyo Dims Red Light in Olympic Bid

Officials aim to keep 'local color' in crackdown

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7.0 Quake Shakes Tokyo

But no injuries, damage reported

Japan Plans 'Backup' Tokyo

Tiny city would be a place for government to retreat in an emergency

Oops: Tokyo Blogger Posts Flight Plan of Air Force One

Air traffic controller apparently just wanted to impress friends

Japan Wakes to Scenes of Devastation

Massive rescue operation gets under way

Quake Brings Tokyo to a Standstill

Hordes look for emergency shelter with no way to get home

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Officials aim to keep 'local color' in crackdown

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Japan • Tokyo • 2016 Olympics • sex industry • red light district

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

7.0 Quake Shakes Tokyo

But no injuries, damage reported

Japan Plans 'Backup' Tokyo

Tiny city would be a place for government to retreat in an emergency

Oops: Tokyo Blogger Posts Flight Plan of Air Force One

Air traffic controller apparently just wanted to impress friends

Japan Wakes to Scenes of Devastation

Massive rescue operation gets under way

Quake Brings Tokyo to a Standstill

Hordes look for emergency shelter with no way to get home

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Newser By Users

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