In 1946 after World War II, the Licensed Prostitution System was abolished under the policy of the General Headquarters (GHQ), but the red-light districts became areas commonly known as 'Akasen' where almost the same service was provided by changing their exterior trade signs to Cafe or fancy Japanese-style restaurant.
第二次世界大戦後の1946年（昭和21年）には連合国軍最高司令官総司令部の政策により公娼制度が廃止されるが、カフェーや料亭などと看板を変えて、ほぼそのまま「赤線」の通称で呼ばれる地域になった。