Toyoko kids

Tōyoko kids (Japanese: トー横キッズ) is a Japanese term describing marginalized youth, including some homeless, who gather in the back alleys around the Shinjuku Toho Building (新宿東宝ビル) in Kabukicho.[1] Tōyoko kids are a mix of permanent runaways and those seeking community after experiencing bullying.

They have formed a unique youth subculture based around shared neglect, internet-driven popularity and a distinct fashion sense.[2] Some Toyoko kids work in the nightlife and sex industries to make a living.[3]

"Tō-yoko" (東横) is an abbreviation meaning "next to Shinjuku Toho Building". "Tō-yoko" originally referred to the alleys on the east side of the Toho Building, but the meaning has expanded to refer to the entire surrounding area, including Cinema City Plaza on the west side. The Shinjuku Toho Building, featuring the distinctive Godzilla head, opened in 2015.

The area became popular for young people taking selfies within a few years. Following the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, there was an increase in the number of teenagers in the area. Since many young people, including minors, were hanging out there, the staff of nearby izakayas and adult entertainment establishments, sex workers, and club hostesses began calling them "Toyoko Kids."

Toyoko kids include not only natives of Tokyo, but also disadvantaged youth from as far as Osaka and Nagoya.[3] Similar disadvantaged youth communities exist in other Japanese cities, such as the "Bibu-yoko Neighborhood" around Yokohama Station, "Gurishita Kids" under the Glico sign in Dōtonbori, Osaka, Kego Park in Tenjin, Fukuoka and Susukino in Sapporo.[4]

The Tokyo government opened a youth consultation center in Kabukicho in May 2024 and is struggling to maintain a secure environment there.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ "University of Tokyo students host study sessions for Kabukicho's 'Toyoko kids'". The Mainichi. July 18, 2024.
  2. ^ INOUE, YUKANA (February 5, 2024). "Toyoko Kids: The lonely street children of Tokyo". Japan Times.
  3. ^ a b Sidki, Aicha. "The Dark Side of Kabukicho - Toyoko Kids". Yokogao.
  4. ^ Ryall, Julian (June 10, 2024). "Japan: 'Toyoko Kids' struggle to survive on city streets". DW.
  5. ^ ""Toyoko Kids" Aid Center Wrestling with Challenges". nippon.com. Jiji Press. January 6, 2025.
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