73-year-old prostitute picked up (again) by police in Yokohama

KANAGAWA (TR) – Kanagawa prefectural police earlier this month arrested a 73-year-old woman on prostitution charges, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Oct. 12).

At around 1 a.m. on October 12, Tamako Boku, 73, who is of Korean descent, was taken into custody by a plainclothes officer from the Isezakikei Police Station for offering sexual services in the streets of the love hotel area of Sueyoshicho in Yokohama’s Naka Ward — a violation of the Anti-Prostitution Law regarding solicitation.

“My living expenses are too high,” the suspect reportedly told police in admitting to the allegations.

According to investigators, Boku looks younger than her actual age, appearing to be around 50. “Up until now, she is the oldest person (brought up on these charges) that we are aware of,” said an investigative source.

The suspect was picked up on similar charges six years ago, when she was 67 years old.

“She does herself up to look young,” says an officer, adding that she sports golden hair, a coat, and high heels. “In the dark, her customers probably can’t determine her real age.”

Kanagawa prefectural police said that the suspect typically serves three to four customers each week, charging 15,000 yen (including hotel fees) per session. In an average month, she collects 150,000 yen in income.

“I used to work as a hostess,” the suspect is quoted by Nikkan Sports (Oct. 13). “But as my age increased there were no shops that would hire me so I started working in prostitution.”