Monkey spotted at various locations in central Tokyo

The Yomiuri Shimbun

November 3, 2021

Multiple witnesses in central Tokyo reported seeing a monkey on Tuesday in areas including Shibuya and Shinjuku wards.

The animal is believed to be a wild monkey that strayed from wooded areas in the western part of the capital.

The metropolitan government said it is rare to receive reports of monkey sightings in central Tokyo. But since late last month, a steady flow of reports of such sightings have come in from Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Authorities believe the reports are likely about the same animal.

According to officials, after witnesses spotted a monkey in Hino, Tokyo, on Oct. 23, a series of reports came in from areas including Hachioji, Machida, Kawasaki and Yokohama.

A monkey was seen Monday in Setagaya Ward and Tuesday near Yoyogi Park in Shibuya Ward. It even appeared on a busy street near Shinjuku Station.

The animal is believed to have made its way to various locations by moving along power lines, while surviving on persimmon from private residences.

A metropolitan government official is asking the public not to aggravate the monkey because it is dangerous.