Tokyo's Shibuya ward has approved new anti-littering ordinances to tackle rising trash issues amid surging tourism. Violators face a 2,000-yen fine enforceable across the entire ward around the clock. Convenience stores and cafes in designated areas must install public trash cans, with non-compliance penalized by a 50,000-yen fine; these rules take effect June 1.
Shibuya ward in Tokyo, a bustling hub known for its crowds around Shibuya Station, the iconic Scramble crossing, Center-gai shopping street, and nearby areas like Harajuku, has seen a sharp rise in litter since travel restrictions lifted post-COVID. This influx of foreign tourists has turned the neighborhood into a prime destination, but also a hotspot for discarded waste.
The ward assembly discussed the proposed changes last week and approved them on Thursday. The new littering ban applies ward-wide, covering neighborhoods such as Ebisu and Yoyogi, and even lesser-known spots like the Shinjuku Takashimaya complex. Offenders will face a 2,000-yen fine, enforced 24 hours a day by patrolling officials—though details on whether dedicated agents or general civil servants will handle it remain unspecified. Fines can be paid in cash or via e-money, potentially on the spot.
In parallel, businesses like convenience stores and to-go cafes in designated zones, such as around Shibuya Station, must now provide public trash cans. Failure to comply carries a 50,000-yen penalty for operators. According to Teleasa News via Yahoo! Japan News, these steps aim to restore cleanliness in this popular district. The ordinances take effect June 1, with hopes they encourage proper waste disposal over stern warnings alone.