Security of Toyoko Kids
Presence of Security
by Norika
Introduction
In any setting, the presence of security guards changes the way individuals behave. In many highly populated locations, governments will rely on security and police to control the crime and violence that may occur. From a one-year long study conducted in Minneapolis, the presence of police during times of high crime rates lowered the number of crimes committed (Koper, 1995). Although on the other side of the globe, Kabukicho’s Toyoko hiroba is no exception from governments implementing security personnel into a highly populated area. The role of these security guards is to observe and keep an eye on Toyoko kids that are seen as a disruption to the community, and make sure they are not doing anything to cause harm or disrupt the broader community. “Public and private policing personnel, thier uniforms, vehicles, badges, signs, cameras and other paraphernalia are used, in part, as symbols to communicate particular messages and evoke particular emotions in onlookers” (Cook et al, 2011). Simply the uniform of a police officer is enough to display a specific message to individuals present in the area. Individuals are inclined to act in a more respectful, proper way in the presence of such uninformed individuals, serving as a symbol for behaving well.
Photo taken June 23rd, 2022
How does the presence of security impact the actions of Toyoko kids?
Toyoko kids are a highly monitored group of youth who are under constant watch of security guards who observe their every move. The neon vests of the security guard serves as a symbol which changes the way Toyoko kids act in the hiroba. Toyoko kids are more cautious, careful and sly, when in the presence of security, and prefer being out of sight of the security personnel. Although the security do not do anything physically, their presence is a factor that maintains social order in the hiroba, and keeps Toyoko kids behaving in ways that would break this order. It seems as though the security guards are almost a symbol to remind Toyoko kids they are still under authority, and are expected to act in certain ways. Depicted below are a number of ways Toyoko kids behave differently in the presence of security guards:
Picture taken July 2nd, 2022
Moving to areas where security guards are not present
As the main area that Toyoko kids collect, security guards gather in the hiroba, standing surrounding the collection of Toyoko kids. Constantly being watched by police or security is not enjoyable for anyone, especially youth, as it demonstrates the constant mistrust by adults (Fine, et al., 2003). In order to avoid this constant reminder of mistrust, Toyoko kids have turned to taking themselves out of the situation, moving to a location where security guards are not present.
One example of this was when Toyoko kids observed smoking in the designated smoking room in the Toho cinema building (located just across the street from the hiroba). The observed female Toyoko kid was significantly younger than other toyoko kids who were smoking outside with their backs turned towards the security. The presence of security makes these toyoko kids have to move locations to avoid being confronted by the security guards for not only smoking outside, but for underage smoking as well.
Turning their backs to security guards
Security guards in the hiroba are most concerned about the large cluster of Toyoko kids who sit along the wall (closest to the entrance of the nightclub). Because of this, Toyoko kids use this to their advantage and sit along the railing, with their backs turned to the inside of the hiroba. Originally, it seemed as though they were doing this as a way to isolate themselves from the louder, disruptive group of Toyoko kids. However, through observation it has become clear that they sit with their backs facing the hiroba when they do not want to be seen by the security guards, or want to be out of sight of authority.
Many of the toyoko kids turned their backs to the security guards (leaning on rails facing away from the security) in order to avoid being seen by them. In many of these instances, the Toyoko kids were smoking, which they do not want to be seen by the security guards. They would smoke one puff, and then turn back around (to face the hiroba where security was present) to act as if nothing was happening. In one specific instance, the security approached these Toyoko kids who were smoking, asking them to stop. The Toyoko kids agreed verbally, but turned around and continued to smoke. This process repeated a few times, of the security approaching Toyoko kids and warning them to stop smoking, and the Toyoko kids stopping for a few minutes before smoking again.
Video of police search
Sitting in circles to block the view of security guard
As their only place to spend time together, the Toyoko kids have no option but to cope with the presence of security guards. However, being constantly underwatch by authority is not enjoyable for any youth. (White, 1993) In order to avoid being watched by the security guards, Toyoko kids have made tactics to block the view of security guards, and avoid being warned for smoking, drinking or drugs. One tactic Toyoko kids use is sitting in tight circles, blocking the view of what is going on inside their circle from outside.
See this page for more details about proxemics.
On June 16th, 2022, a cluster of Toyoko kids sitting on the ground suddenly dispersed when the police came onto the scene. Through observation, it seemed as though the security called police officers as security guards themselves are unable to do anything unless there is proof that something illegal is going on. The police approached the group of Toyoko kids and searched their belongings. It was unclear what they were looking for, and the search ended in the police officers not finding anything, however, the actions and attitudes changed drastically with the presence of police.
Conclusion and Analysis
Shinjuku’s strategy of implementing security to lower the risk of crime of Toyoko kids is more of a symbolic reminder than a demonstration of authority. Security guards in neon vests are a symbol that reminds Toyoko kids they are still under authority, and are expected to obey rules and regulations put in place by society. Although the actions of Toyoko kids are often rebellious and going against given rules, they still are in a position where they need to comply. Their actions of avoiding the security guards is a clear depiction of this, and their change in action due to the presence of security. In other settings, individuals may stop from doing anything that may catch the attention of security, or may cause trouble. However, their constant presence in the hiroba has diminished such attitudes that are usually evoked. Even with the small change in attitude towards security guards, it is evident that Toyoko kids are forced to change their actions to fit the rules and regulations the security are there to enforce.
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Security of toyoko kids