Tokyo police have arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian national on suspicion of persistent touting in the Japanese capital’s Kabukicho entertainment district.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Nwadiukwu Ikenna was arrested after allegedly approaching a passer-by in the early hours of Thursday, July 9, and grabbing the individual by the left hand while attempting to persuade them to visit a nearby establishment.
Police said the suspect repeatedly urged the individual to follow him, allegedly saying, “Why don’t you?” and “Don’t be scared. I love you.”
Investigators said Ikenna admitted to the solicitation and told authorities he received a commission based on the amount customers spent at an eating establishment to which he directed them.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over touting activities in Kabukicho, one of Tokyo’s busiest nightlife and entertainment districts.
Police said they received 91 complaints during the first half of 2026 from people who alleged they had been approached by touts and taken to establishments where they were later charged excessive fees. Authorities noted that the number has already exceeded the 77 complaints recorded throughout all of 2025.
According to police, most of the complainants were foreign tourists, with total reported financial losses estimated at about 100 million yen.
One reported case involved an Australian tourist who claimed to have lost approximately four million yen after being taken to one of the establishments.
Police said investigations into suspected touting operations in the district are continuing.
