Tokyo has imposed on-the-spot fines for littering, signalling a zero-tolerance approach to the waste problem plaguing its tourist hotspots. The new enforcement, effective immediately, allows municipal officers to issue fines of up to ¥10,000 ($70) for discarding rubbish in public spaces. This move targets the 30 million annual visitors, whose litter has overwhelmed the city’s iconic areas like Shibuya Crossing and Asakusa.
The law also covers cigarette butts and chewing gum, with fines applied on the spot via mobile payment terminals carried by enforcement staff. Critics argue that the policy risks targeting tourists disproportionately, but Tokyo’s governor argues that cleanliness is a shared responsibility. The measure comes amid broader efforts to digitise public services, including a new app for reporting environmental misdemeanours.
For the tourist, the message is clear: enjoy the neon streets, but leave no trace.
