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Osaka: Yakuza accused of pimping in Tobita Shinchi brothel quarter

Toshio Asano
Toshio Asano (Twitter)

OSAKA (TR) – Osaka Prefectural Police have arrested an organized crime member for allegedly referring customers to a business in the Tobita Shinchi pleasure quarter that provided prostitution, reports Nikkan Sports (May 17).

In December of last year and this past March, Toshio Asano, a 64-year-old upper-level member of the Kyokushin Rengo-kai, an affiliate gang of the Yamaguchi-gumi, worked with his common-law wife, 54, who manages Ginga (Milky Way), to supply male customers for full sex (honban), which is a violation of the Anti-Prostitution Law.

According to police, the establishment accumulates about 4 million yen in sales each month. It is believed that a portion of the revenue was used to fund the Kyokushin Rengo-kai.

Police did not reveal whether Asano, who has been accused of brokering prostitution, admits to the allegations.

Located in Nishinari Ward, Tobita Shinchi consists of alleys of brightly lit two-floor ryotei structures. In the first-floor doorway of each establishment sits a woman attired in revealing clothing. Next to her is an elderly female proprietor who verbally solicits clients.

Police are now investigating the nature of Ginga’s operations to learn if it is in actuality an illegal sex business.

Police also announced a bust in the Matsushima Shinchi red-light district of Nishi Ward. Five persons, including the 52-year-old manager of establishment Donyo (Fresh Leaves), have also been accused of brokering prostitution.