Authorities in Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district have begun imposing on-the-spot fines on littering offenders as Japan seeks to address growing concerns over waste management and overtourism.

Under new regulations that took effect on Monday, individuals caught littering in Shibuya Ward will face an immediate fine of 2,000 yen (approximately $13). The measure is part of a broader campaign aimed at maintaining cleanliness in one of Japan's most visited commercial and entertainment districts, home to the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.

Local authorities have also expanded enforcement measures to include businesses. In designated areas, food and beverage establishments that fail to install adequate waste bins may also be subject to penalties.

The initiative comes as Japan continues to experience an unprecedented tourism boom. The country welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, driven by a weak yen, strong global interest in Japanese culture, and increased international travel following the pandemic.

According to officials, the rise in visitor numbers has been accompanied by growing incidents of public drinking and littering, particularly in busy urban areas such as Shibuya. Authorities say both domestic and foreign visitors have contributed to the increase in waste-related issues.

As part of the anti-littering campaign, which carries the slogan "If You Throw Trash, You Lose Cash," violators will be required to pay fines immediately. Payments can be made in cash, by credit card, or through QR-code-based digital payment systems.

To ensure enforcement, Shibuya Ward plans to deploy up to 50 officials to patrol neighborhoods and issue penalties when necessary.

"We cannot tolerate littering simply because there are no rubbish bins," ward authorities said in a statement, calling on residents and visitors alike to help maintain a clean and comfortable urban environment.

The issue of public waste disposal has long been a challenge in Japan, where rubbish bins are relatively scarce. The limited availability of bins is partly linked to security measures introduced after past terrorist incidents in Japan and abroad.

A government survey conducted last year found that the shortage of public trash bins was the most frequently cited inconvenience among foreign tourists. More than 20 percent of approximately 4,000 respondents identified the issue as a significant challenge during their visits.

The tourism surge has placed increasing pressure on local infrastructure and communities across Japan. Popular destinations have reported overcrowding, traffic congestion, excessive waste, and disruptions to daily life.

In the city of Fujiyoshida near Mount Fuji, authorities were forced to cancel the annual cherry blossom festival after concerns that overwhelming visitor numbers had become difficult for local residents to manage. The area has also faced recurring problems related to traffic and litter.

To address the challenges associated with overtourism, the Japanese government has introduced a range of measures, including higher tourism-related taxes and the development of crowd-management applications that provide real-time information on visitor density in popular destinations.

Officials hope that stricter enforcement in areas such as Shibuya will help preserve public spaces while ensuring that both residents and tourists can continue to enjoy Japan's most iconic urban centers. (ILKHA)