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Toyoko kids (Japanese: トー横キッズ) are a group of marginalized, homeless youth who gather in the back alleys around the Shinjuku Toho Building (新宿東宝ビル) in Kabukicho. "To-yoko" (東横) is an abbreviation of "next to Shinjuku Toho Building", and originally referred to the alleys on the east side of the Toho Building, but the meaning has expanded to refer to the area around the Toho Building, including Cinema City Plaza on the west side.

The youths are a mix of permanent runaways and those seeking community after experiencing bullying. They have formed a unique youth subculture based around shared neglect, internet-driven popularity and a distinct fashion sense. Some Toyoko kids work in the nightlife and sex industries to make a living.

Toyoko kids are unrelated to other things named "Toyoko", such as Toyoko Inn, the Tokyu Toyoko Line, and Toyoko Limited Express.

Toyoko kids are not only natives of Tokyo, but come from as far as Osaka and Nagoya. Similar disadvantaged youth communities exist in other Japanese cities, such as the "Bibu-yoko Neighborhood" around Yokohama Station, "Gurishita Kids" under the Glico sign in Dōtonbori, Osaka, Kego Park in Tenjin, Fukuoka and Susukino in Sapporo.

The Shinjuku Toho Building, featuring the distinctive Godzilla head, opened in 2015 and the neighborhood became popular for young people taking selfies within a few years. Following the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, there was an increase in the number of teenagers in the area. Since many young people, including minors, were hanging out there, the staff of nearby izakayas and adult entertainment establishments, sex workers, and club hostesses began calling them "Toyoko Kids."

The Tokyo government opened a youth consultation center in Kabukicho in May 2024 and is struggling to maintain a secure environment there.

See also

• NEET
• Hikikomori
• Net café refugee
• Enjo kōsai
• McRefugee
• Parasite single
• Freeter

References

1. "University of Tokyo students host study sessions for Kabukicho's 'Toyoko kids'". The Mainichi. July 18, 2024.
2. INOUE, YUKANA (February 5, 2024). "Toyoko Kids: The lonely street children of Tokyo". Japan Times.
3. ^ Sidki, Aicha. "The Dark Side of Kabukicho - Toyoko Kids". Yokogao.
4. Ryall, Julian (June 10, 2024). "Japan: 'Toyoko Kids' struggle to survive on city streets". DW.
5. ""Toyoko Kids" Aid Center Wrestling with Challenges". nippon.com. Jiji Press. January 6, 2025.

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