Tokyo - TRTA & TBTMG

Crime and insecurity
Although such a situation could be a good breedingplace for highdensity related crimes such as pickpocketing and aggression, this is not the case in Japan. Crime rates are low throughout the country and the same applies for the metro system. Vandalism and graffiti is virtually non-existent and the rate of pickpocketings is low. The combination of crowded trains and the reserved attitude of Japanese women does, however, offer ample opportunity for indecent assaults ("chikan"). Although there is no valid data about the extent of this problem (the motivation among Japanese women to report this type of crime is very low) it is generally agreed upon by the public that it does occur on a rather regular basis.

Source: López, M.J.J., Crime Prevention Guidelines for the Construction & Management of Metro Systems, Den Haag: RCM-advies 1996, pg. 23-25.

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