S&S - Is Roppongi’s diversity a dangerous mix?

From my archive of press clippings:

Stars and Stripes


Is Roppongi’s diversity a dangerous mix?

By Teri Weaver and Hana Kusumoto, Stars and Stripes

Pacific edition, Friday, March 27, 2009

Photos by Teri Weaver/Stars and Stripes
Flower markets stay open late in Roppongi, in part to supply late-night hostess clubs.

Roppongi is a neighborhood in central Tokyo filled with diverse entertainment offerings. During the day, visitors can see world-famous art and eat at top-rated restaurants. At night, workers from dance and strip clubs take over the sidewalks, barking at passers-by in an attempt to lure them inside.

See photo gallery

TOKYO — Visitors to Roppongi can eat in Michelin-rated restaurants, kick the tires of European sports cars and window-shop for couture clothing.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Or, a few doors down, they can buy sex toys, watch women strip around poles, or purchase drinks — and a variety of other services — from hostesses at gentlemen’s clubs into the early morning hours."

"In some instances, the club scene can include drugging and theft, according to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and some military officials in Japan.

On March 13, the embassy released a security notice to its staff and to military personnel in Japan, warning them to avoid certain clubs in the Roppongi neighborhood. Some Americans, the notice said, reported their drinks were spiked and their credit cards were overcharged."

&

"The embassy’s notice shocked some club owners, especially those named as the alleged scenes of the crimes."