"Went to Japan and Had a Crazy Experience"... Foreign Tourist Bleeds After Being Bitten by 'Tokyo Gangster' Rat in the City

Tourist Bitten by Rat in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Spike in Rat Sightings Reported Across Urban Japan

Recently, as reports of rat sightings have been increasing throughout urban areas in Japan, it has been revealed that a foreign tourist walking on the streets of Shinjuku, Tokyo, was bitten by a rat and sustained injuries, causing shock.

"A Tokyo gangster bit my foot"

A foreign tourist walking on the streets of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, was bitten by a rat and sustained injuries. Instagram

On October 9, a tourist from Dubai shared on his Instagram account about "an accident that happened during my trip to Tokyo," detailing the situation. He said, "I was peacefully walking back to my hotel when I suddenly felt a 'chop.' When I looked down, a rat had bitten my foot and blood was pooling on the street," adding, "A Tokyo gangster (rat) ruined my day."

The video he released clearly shows a rat appearing in the middle of a crowded Shinjuku street, a startled citizen kicking it away, and blood spreading around the victim's foot. He commented, "I can't say Tokyo is clean," and added, "I was bitten by a rat at 3 a.m. I was having a good time until this accident happened." He continued, "I immediately called an ambulance and was taken to the hospital, but most of the medical staff couldn't speak English, making communication difficult. The emergency room doctor looked shocked when he saw my wound. I was prescribed antibiotics and discharged in about an hour. It was truly a crazy experience."

Online users who saw the video responded with a variety of reactions, such as, "How did Tokyo, known for its cleanliness, end up like this?" "It's horrifying to be bitten by a rat in the heart of Tokyo," "I will never wear open-toed shoes," "Before overtourism, Japan was the cleanest country," and "As far as I know, rats don't bite people unless threatened."

Recent Surge in Urban Rat Sightings

A foreign tourist walking on the streets of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, was bitten by a rat and sustained injuries. Instagram

According to Japanese media, reports of rat sightings have noticeably increased in recent months in major urban areas, including Tokyo. In particular, the rise in food waste, the expansion of late-night business hours, and the increase in street garbage disposal have been identified as key factors due to changes in the urban environment.

Experts have emphasized, "Rats can transmit various infectious diseases such as salmonella and are highly likely to cause facility damage by gnawing on pipes and electrical wires. Since their population can surge rapidly when food and suitable habitats are available, thorough management-such as not leaving garbage unattended and maintaining cleanliness in the surrounding area-is more important than ever."