OSAKA -- Five people suspected of mediating the prostitution of women working at traditional Japanese restaurants, or "ryotei," have been served fresh arrest warrants on suspicion of violating the prostitution prevention law by providing a location for illegal acts, Osaka Prefectural Police announced on Nov. 5.

The five suspects, including 31-year-old Tateki Okuda, were all connected to ryotei in the Matsushima-Shinchi nightlife district in Osaka's Nishi Ward. Between April and October this year, the five allegedly allowed customers and female staff to use rooms at four establishments, including two ryotei restaurants, while knowing that sex was being sold there. Their new arrest warrants were dated Nov. 4. Police have not publicized whether the suspects have admitted to or denied the allegations.

According to the prefectural police force's public safety division, Okuda and others operated five establishments in the Matsushima-Shinchi area. Over 150 women were confirmed to have worked at these establishments. Okuda is also involved in a host club business in Osaka's Minami Ward, and at least one of the women was confirmed to have been working to pay off debt at the club.

Osaka Prefectural Police searched the premises of more than 20 places including the ryotei and the host club in October, and made arrests including Okuda for suspected violations of the anti-prostitution law's measures on procurement, accusing the suspects of mediating between the women and customers.

According to the police, there are said to be around 85 ryotei operating in the Matsushima-Shinchi district.

(Japanese original by Haruno Kosaka, Osaka City News Department)