KARAYUKI-SAN: The Last Japanese Prostitute

This is an in-depth study into the history of Karayuki-san and the Japanese prostitutes in Singapore. We’ll dig deep into history and try to reason how and why, and if so, when did they leave. Karayuki-san does not exist in Singapore anymore.

While we may imagine this to be a saucy story, it really is the opposite. It is hard to imagine that anyone in Singapore could book into a Japanese brothel. In a “Truth is stranger than Fiction” analogy, Singapore indeed had numerous Japanese brothels in the early days.

By the middle of the 20th century, almost all were gone. So, what happened? We’ll start this story with the first waves of arrivals from Amakusa, Japan. Today, there is hardly any trace of Japanese prostitution in Singapore. But the truth remains they were once here.

Our tour will start at one of the first living quarters at Bencoolen Street and parts of the Middle Road area. It is seldom mentioned that The Bugis once worked almost side by side with the Karayuki-san – (although they did not merge). The Bugis were into other trades – though not always piracy.

We meet at Bras Basah MRT (Exit D/E, in the direction of Waterloo Street – street level) at 9am, 13th September (SUNDAY). This tour will end smack in the middle of the former Japanese Red-Light District.

Note:

• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour. Tipping guide as follows: $20 for a satisfactory guide, $20+ for a guide who exceeds expectations, and $30 for an outstanding guide.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and no-shows.

Do not sign up for this tour if you are not sure of your schedule. Please understand this method of booking platform can only perform its best with your full sincerity. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule. We look forward to your graciousness and generosity!