The U.S. Embassy informed Americans in Japan on Tuesday that it has recommended that its employees avoid frequenting bars and clubs in Tokyo's Roppongi entertainment district because of a significant increase in drink-spiking incidents.
It said U.S. nationals "may choose" to avoid drinking establishments in the area as well.
The rare warning was delivered via e-mail to citizens of the United States registered to receive notices from the American Citizen Services Department. These include alerts on issues ranging from terrorism and pandemics to information on income tax returns.