In Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward, the amount of litter collected in entertainment districts exceeded 100 tons for the first time in fiscal 2025.

Food-related waste has become increasingly noticeable in the area in recent years.

To deal with the matter, the ward government has expanded its anti-littering ordinance that covers beverage containers and cigarette butts to also include bento containers, disposable chopsticks, instant noodle cups and other food-related trash starting October 1.

In designated priority areas around Shinjuku Station, littering carries a fine of up to 20,000 yen, although the penalty has never actually been imposed since the ordinance took effect.

Starting in November, Shinjuku Ward plans to conduct daily patrols from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following day as part of its anti-littering efforts.