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 is really 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. We meet at the coffeeshop in front of The Woking Capitol mural, Keong Saik Street, at 9am, 15th December 2024 (SUNDAY).

We’ll dive deep into this history and find out why Singapore is so quiet about this dark secret, just as what happened to the once so secretive “Comfort Women”. This tour will end smack in the middle of Chinatown’s “Japanese Street”, otherwise also known as Terengganu Street.

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.
• Call or message Uncle Chris at +65 91814298 for corporate, private, or student bookings.

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!

Host or Publisher Uncle Chris Walking Tours