There has been a recent increase in reports of drink spiking and associated credit card/bank fraud in Japan. Most incidents occur in nightlife districts in major cities, especially Shinjuku (Kabukicho), Shibuya and Roppongi in Tokyo, and Shinsaibashi, Namba and Dotonbori in Osaka. Victims often report being enticed into bars by ‘street touts’, then experience memory loss and later discover unauthorised charges on their cards. During this time, family and friends may be unable to contact them.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been affected, consider taking the following steps:
1. Ensure Your Immediate Safety
For Japanese police call 110 For an ambulance call 119
- Say ‘English’ to be connected to an English-speaking interpreter.
- Ensure you connect to roaming or use a Japanese number. Data-only SIM cards do not allow calls to Japanese emergency services.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical care if you feel unwell or have been injured
- Search for an English-speaking Hospital on the JNTO website.
- In Tokyo: Himawari (The Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Centre) on 03 5285 8181
- Japan wide: AMDA (AMDA International Medical Information Centre) on 03 6233 9266 or 0120-339-266
Usually, victims are given sedatives or strong alcoholic drinks. However, illegal substances may be used. Medical institutions do not typically test for such substances, however if you request a test, the hospital may be obligated to report to police if illegal substances are detected.
If you have experienced sexual assault do not hesitate to contact us at any time for additional information.
3. Contact Travel Insurance Company and Bank
- Report any unauthorised transactions immediately and consider blocking the account.
- Contact your travel insurance provider. Ask what documentation is required for claims.
- See Smartraveller for information about theft and money problems.
4. Report to Local Police
IMPORTANT
- Must be made in person at the police station with jurisdiction over the area of the crime.
- Local police boxes (koban) are not police stations. Koban may be able to provide a lost property report for any items that were stolen. However, if you require proof you have reported the drink spiking/fraud incident to police, you should go to a police station.
What to expect:
- Police are often reluctant to commence a formal investigation if the victim cannot recall details and/or plans to depart Japan soon
- Police may verbally issue a consultation number (sodan bango) confirming you spoke to them about the incident. They will not issue a written incident report.
If you have already left Japan:
- Consider legal representation in Japan to liaise with police.
5. Inform the Australian Embassy Tokyo or Consulate-General Osaka
We may be able to provide victims with consular assistance. See Consular Services Charter | Smartraveller.
We cannot investigate drink spiking incidents on your behalf, but sharing information helps us:
- Identify patterns and warn other travellers
- Provide accurate advice
- Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]
- Phone: +81 3 5232 4111 (Tokyo) OR +81 6 6941 9271 (Osaka)
See Smartraveller for more information about drink spiking and staying safe while overseas.