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Fire breaks out in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai

Fire damaged 4 buildings in Golden-gai on Tuesday
Fire damaged 4 buildings in Golden-gai on Tuesday

TOKYO (TR) – Fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in the historic eating and drinking district of Golden Gai in Shinjuku Ward, reports NHK (April 12).

At approximately 1:20 p.m., fire was reported being seen emerging from the collection of two- and three- floor wood structures in the area, located in the Kabukicho red-light district. Soon after, about 39 trucks from the Tokyo Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

As of 3:00 p.m., the fire had covered approximately 475 square meters of space over four buildings. According to the fire department, one woman was being treated for smoke inhalation, but there were no details available on the her condition, reports Nippon News Network (April 12).

The fire also caused approximately 500 residences and 60 businesses in the area to lose power, a representative of Tokyo Electric Power said.

Golden Gai is located about 400 meters from JR Shinjuku Station. The bohemian atmosphere of its approximately 300 small bars and “snack” clubs attracts numerous writers, photographers, including Nobuyoshi Araki and Daido Moriyama, and musicians.

In recent years, the district has become a popular destination for foreign tourists.