Japan police tackle prostitution in Osaka nightlife area with Nobel-winning ‘nudge theory’

In Osaka, Japan, police and residents are combating prostitution on a notorious street using “nudge theory,” a Nobel Prize-winning concept. The street was painted yellow and adorned with artwork to deter solicitation, resulting in a significant decrease in lingering individuals. Additionally, police are distributing “yellow cards” to women involved in prostitution, offering warnings and support to encourage them to seek help and leave the industry.

by SkyInJapan

16 comments
  1. This is actually pretty fucking amazing. Lots of women in this situation just need a helping hand. Hats off to the police!

  2. Very interesting!

    My only concern is that the street from now on will be filled by overseas Instagram influencers wanting to take photos at this spot! 😉

  3. Unfortunately most of that theory has been debunked.

    I think offering resources to those who would rather not be in prostitution is good though.

  4. Would decriminalising prostitution be a solution? I live in a country where it has been decriminalised and it seems to have had an impact.

  5. Nudge theory has been largely debunked.

    I imagine the utility company nudge template from Dan Arielly’s writings.

    Osaka Police

    Your prostitute patronage score:
    ★★★☆☆

    Your average neighbors’ score:
    ★★☆☆☆

    Ganbatte ne.

  6. Title is misleading. Thaler won the Nobel, but for the broader “behavioral economics” of which nudge theory was just one part.

    Kinda like saying “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a Nobel winning song, just because Dylan won.

  7. If the budget for this stupid plan directly goes to the pocket of prostitutes, the problem would be radically resolved.

  8. ok sure, but maybe also raise people’s wages so they don’t have to do stuff like this

  9. Ugh. Yellow cards …for the prostitutes?? How about putting the fkn Johns in jail instead?! Ffs 🤦‍♂️

  10. Is this illegal as it’s outside of the red light district? I always thought prostitution was legal in Japan.

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