TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have taken more than 30 boys and girls collectively referred to as “Toyoko Kids” in protective custody over the course of one week, reports Fuji News Network (Jan. 26).
Between January 17 and 24, officers rounded up 32 boys and girls, aged 14 to 19, in the center of the Kabukicho red-light district for being out late at night, smoking and carrying out other offenses.
Four of these youths were taken into custody for drug abuse. One 14-year-old middle school girl from Shizuoka Prefecture was rushed to a hospital after overdosing on over-the-counter medication.
In addition, 600 sleeping pills were found in the bag of a 15-year-old middle school girl.
Many young delinquents and runaways congregate around the Toho Cinemas complex in the heart of Kabukicho. On social media, the youths are referred to as toyoko, or “Toyoko Kids.”
Tokyo police are urging young people to be careful. “There are malicious adults out there, so please do not come here without thinking carefully,” a police spokesperson said.
