Tokyo's Shibuya to fine litterbugs from June next year

Tokyo's Shibuya ward will impose fines for littering from June next year, with offenders facing penalties of 2,000 yen (approximately HK$100).

The ward assembly recently revised its ordinance to address growing waste problems. The new rules will take effect in April, with the fine system starting in June.

Convenience stores, cafes and other takeaway food and beverage outlets in busy areas around Shibuya, Ebisu and Harajuku stations will be required to provide trash bins for customers. Businesses failing to comply could face fines up to 50,000 yen (around HK$2,500).

The ward mayor stated that previous anti-littering campaigns had limited effect, prompting the decision to fundamentally revise waste reduction measures.