Thai Spa Owner Arrested in Tokyo for Aiding Illegal Student Workers

TOKYO, Japan — July 22, 2026, Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested the owner of a Thai massage parlor and a Japanese employee on suspicion of illegally employing Thai nationals holding student visas to work in the commercial sex industry without valid work permits, in violation of Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Police allege the operation generated more than 343 million yen (approximately 71 million baht) in revenue. According to Japan Daily, the two suspects allegedly colluded to employ three Thai workers holding student visas at four commercial sex establishments in Tokyo’s Ueno district and other locations between November 2022 and June 2026. Investigators found that the three Thai nationals held student visas and were not authorized to work in such employment. They have also been arrested on charges of violating Japan’s immigration law. The Thai suspect, Misaki Nitwanla, 50, the owner of the business, admitted to the allegations of facilitating illegal employment, police said. Meanwhile, Naoki Hakamada, 51, an employee of the business, has denied the allegations. Police believe the four establishments had been operating illegally for several years and generated total revenue of about 343 million yen (approximately 71 million baht) during that period. Authorities are continuing to investigate the network behind the alleged illegal employment of foreign workers, including financial transactions and the possible involvement of additional individuals.