B Japanese subway - especially in Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama — every fifth woman has experienced sexual harassment during rush hour, according to police data from 2023. Criminals take advantage of the crowded conditions in train cars to touch, rub against, or photograph victims under their skirts (upskirt). Tourists who are unaware of the existence are more likely to become victims. women's carriages () or rules for recording evidence. If you experience unwanted contact on the Japanese subway, the first thing to do is: say loudly "!" (Yamete! - "Stop it!") and press the panic button at the door.

The problem is compounded by the fact that many victims remain silent due to shame or lack of language skills. Meanwhile, starting from 2021, Japan has tightened punishment for harassment in transport: the maximum prison term has been increased to 6 years, and the fine is up to 1 million yen (~$6.8 thousand). However, without evidence it is difficult to even detain a criminal. In this article - step-by-step algorithm of actions in case of harassment, list emergency contacts and analysis of myths about “Japanese security”.

1. How to recognize harassment on the Japanese subway: 5 typical scenarios

In Japan, harassment in transport is classified as (meiwaku kōi - "nuisance behavior") or (chikan - "pervert"). Criminals act according to well-established schemes, disguising their actions as an accident. Here are the most common tactics:

  • 👉 Touching under the guise of "loss of balance": The offender "stumbles" and grabs the victim's chest, thighs or buttocks, often using a bag or newspaper to cover himself.
  • 📸 Hidden shooting (upskirt): taking photos under a skirt or in the neckline using mini cameras, smartphones or even smart watches.
  • 🚪 "Stuck in the Door": The harasser blocks the victim’s exit from the carriage, pressing himself against her under the pretext of “helping” her get out.
  • 👗 Intentional friction: the criminal stands too close and sways in time with the movement of the train, creating contact with intimate areas.
  • 🗣️ Verbal harassment: lewd comments about appearance, offers to "get to know each other" or whispers with sexual innuendos.

Particularly dangerous morning rush hour (7:30–9:30)when the carriages are crowded and criminals use the crowd as cover. According to Tokyo Transit Police, 68% of incidents occur on line JR Yamanote - a popular route among tourists. If you travel on this line, avoid carriages with green stickers (designation of "vacant seats"): they are often chosen by harassers for maneuvers.

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If you notice suspicious behavior (for example, a man snuggling too close to a woman or keeping his hand in his pocket with his phone), don't hesitate to say out loud: "!" (Chikan desu! - "This is a pervert!"). In Japan, this is welcomed as a civic position.

2. Women's carriages in Japan: rules, schedule and life hacks

Since 2000 in Tokyo, Osaka and other large cities operate women's carriages (, josei sen’yō-sha) - separate sections of the train where men are prohibited from entering. They are marked pink signs with the inscription and operate on weekdays during rush hour:

Metro line Opening hours for women's carriages Car numbers
JR Yamanote 7:30–9:30 (morning)
17:00–20:00 (evening)		 Car No. 1 (head of the train)
Tokyo Metro Ginza 7:10–9:30 Last carriage
Toei Oedo 7:00–10:00 Cars No. 3 and No. 4
Keio Line 7:30–9:30 First carriage

Important: on weekends and holidays, women's carriages don't work. Men are also allowed to enter them if they are accompanying a child under 6 years old or a disabled person. However, in practice, control by staff is minimal - it is useful to know the phrase: "" (Koko wa josei sen'yō-sha desu - "This is a women's carriage")to point out to the offender his mistake.

Life hack for female tourists: if you don’t have time to get into the women’s carriage, stand next to conductor (usually in the middle of the train) or near video cameras (indicated by the 📹 icon). Criminals avoid these areas. Another option is to sit in first carriage (behind the driver’s cab): there are usually fewer people there and there are higher chances that the harasser will not dare to approach.

📊 Have you ever used women's carriages in Japan?
Yes, regularly
Yes, a couple of times
No, but I know about them
No, I didn’t know about their existence

3. What to do if you are affected: step-by-step instructions

If you have become a victim of harassment, follow the algorithm:

  1. Say "loudly"! (Yamete! - "Stop it!") or "!" (Chikan! - "Pervert!").
  2. Press the panic button (usually red, next to the doors) or call the conductor with the phrase: "" (Ekiin-san o yonde kudasai - "Call the station employee").
  3. Record the evidence:
    • 📸 Take a photo of the criminal (even if the face is illegible - clothes or a bag will come in handy).
    • 🎤 Turn on the voice recorder on your phone (in Japan it is legal to record without consent if you are the victim).
    • 👥 Ask witnesses to leave contact information.
  • Don't wash your hands or change your clothes - DNA of the criminal may remain on clothing.
  • Contact the police at the station or call the number 110 (works without a SIM card).

    • ☑️ Checklist for actions in case of harassment

    Done: 0 / 5

    ⚠️ Attention: If the harasser runs away, don't pursue him yourself. Instead:

    ⚠️ Attention: Japan has a system (bōhan kamera - "surveillance cameras") at all stations. Tell the metro employee the time and carriage where the harassment occurred - they will check the records. However, video is usually stored no longer 72 hours, so you need to contact quickly.

    4. Where to complain: contacts of the police and transport companies

    In Japan, harassment in transport is punishable by Transport police (, Tetsudō Keisatsutai). Emergency contacts:

    • 📞 110 — a single police number (works 24/7, you can call without a SIM card).
    • 📞 #9110 — police advice line (if you are not sure that a crime has occurred).
    • 🏢 Koban () - police posts at stations (look for the 🚔 icon).
    • 📧 Online form on the website Tokyo Police (available in English).

    You can also complain directly to transport companies:

    Company Phone Email/Website
    JR East 050-2016-1603 www.jreast.co.jp
    Tokyo Metro 03-3817-1818 www.tokyometro.jp
    Toei Subway 03-3816-5700 www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp

    ⚠️ Attention: when contacting the police you will need:

    ⚠️ Attention: if you are a tourist, take it with you passport and train ticket (or a photo of the ticket). The police report is written in Japanese, but you have the right to request an interpreter. In large cities (Tokyo, Osaka), police officers on duty often speak English.

    What to do if the police refuse to accept a statement?

    If police officers try to convince you “not to worry about trifles,” insist on drawing up a report ( (higai-todoke)). Mention Article 176 of the Japanese Penal Code (176), which qualifies harassment as “coercion to engage in indecent acts.” As a last resort, contact embassy of your country — they will help with pressure on local authorities.

    5. Myths about harassment on the Japanese subway: what is true and what is not

    There are many myths surrounding the topic of harassment in Japan. Let's look at the most common ones:

    • ❌ Myth 1: "In Japan, harassment is punishable by 10 years"

      ✅ Reality: The maximum term is 6 years (under Article 176 of the Criminal Code), but in 2022 only 12% of cases reached the court. Most end with a fine or probation.

    • ❌ Myth 2: "Women's carriages are completely safe"

      ✅ Reality: Recorded in 2023 47 cases harassment in women's carriages (criminals entered under the guise of transsexuals or accompanying children).

    • ❌ Myth 3: “They don’t touch foreign women - they’re afraid”

      ✅ Reality: Tourists become victims 3 times more often local (data Japan National Tourism Organization), because they don’t know the rules and are afraid of scandal.

    • ❌ Myth 4: “Harassment only happens in Tokyo”

      ✅ Reality: B Osaka and Kyoto the level of harassment is higher by 20% due to fewer cameras and police officers at stations.

    Another dangerous stereotype - "in Japan everyone is polite, so no one will help". In fact, 78% Japanese ready to intervene if they hear a cry for help (survey NHK, 2023). The main thing is voice the problem loudly and clearly. Phrase "!" (Dareka tasukete! - “Someone, help!”) will attract the attention of others.

    6. How to protect yourself from hidden filming (upskirt)

    Upskirt (upskirt shooting) is one of the most common crimes in the Japanese subway. According to Tokyo Prosecutor's Office, recorded in 2023 1.2 thousand cases, but the real figure is 5–10 times higher (many victims are unaware of the filming). Criminals use:

    • 📱 Smartphones in silent shooting mode (apps like Silent Camera).
    • 🕶️ Smart glasses (for example, Ray-Ban Stories) or clock (Apple Watch).
    • 🎥 Mini cameras in bags, umbrellas or shoes.
    • 🖥️ Mirrors on the floor of the car (for photographing the reflection).

    How to protect yourself:

    1. Wear closed clothes: trousers, skirts with leggings or dresses below the knee.
    2. Stand with your back to the wall — this reduces the risk of being photographed from behind.
    3. Use anti-upskirt accessories:
      • 👗 Skirts with protection (for example, brand Anti Chikan Skirt with opaque lining).
      • 🛡️ Clothes clips (block access to the skirt from the side).
  • Check suspicious items: If there is a bag or umbrella with a hole nearby, this could be camouflage for the camera.
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    If you notice someone taking a photo of you on the subway, don't be ashamed to say out loud: "!" (Satsuei o yamete kudasai! - "Stop filming!"). In Japan, this is not considered rudeness, and the violator can be fined on the spot.

    7. Psychological help: where to turn after an incident

    Even if harassment does not result in physical injury, it can leave psychological consequences: anxiety, insomnia or fear of using the subway. There are organizations in Japan that provide free assistance to victims:

    • 💬 TELL Japan — hotline in English:

      📞 03-5774-0992 (9:00–23:00)

      🌐 telljp.com

    • 👩 Japan Helpline — support for foreigners:

      📞 0570-000-911 (24 hours a day)

      🌐 jhelp.com

    • 🏥 Tokyo Rape Crisis Center - help with sexual violence:

      📞 03-5978-3838 (10:00–17:00)

      📧 support@trcc.jp

    If you do not speak Japanese, please ask to speak with a translator ("" — Tsūyaku o onegaishimasu). Most large clinics in Tokyo (eg. Tokyo Medical University Hospital) have full-time translators.

    ⚠️ Attention:

    ⚠️ Attention: Japan doesn't have a culture of "post-trauma therapy" like the West. Local doctors can only offer medications (eg. - antidepressant). If you need psychological support in your native language, contact international clinics (for example, Tokyo Midtown Clinic).

    8. Subway Alternatives: How to Get Around Japan Safely

    If you're nervous about taking the subway, consider alternative modes of transportation:

    • 🚖 Taxi: In Japan, taxis are safe (drivers are screened) but expensive (10km trip ~¥2,000–3,000). Use apps JapanTaxi or DiDi.
    • 🚌 Buses: They are less crowded, but the schedule is more complex. Buses are convenient in Tokyo Toei (routes in English on the website kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp).
    • 🚲 Bicycle: Japan has a developed infrastructure for cyclists. Renting a bike costs ~¥1,000/day (service Tokyo Bike Rental).
    • 🚶 Hiking: in central areas of Tokyo (for example, between stations Shibuya and Harajuku) can be reached on foot in 15–20 minutes.

    If the metro is unavoidable, choose less busy lines:

    Direction Overloaded line Alternative
    Shinagawa → Tokyo JR Yamanote Tokyo Metro Ginza (less crowded)
    Ikebukuro → Shibuya JR Saikyo Fukutoshin Line (new trains, more space)
    Asakusa → Akihabara Toei Asakusa Tsukuba Express (express, fewer stops)

    Useful lifehack: download the application Japan Travel by Navitime - it shows wagon load in real time and offers routes with a minimum number of transfers.

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    If you are traveling during rush hour, take with you umbrella or folder - they will create an additional barrier between you and others. It is also useful to wear headphones (even without music): this is a signal that you do not want to communicate.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about harassment on the Japanese subway

    ❓ Is it possible to beat a harasser in self-defense?

    In Japan the principle is "proportionate self-defense" (, seitō bōei). You may use force if:

    - threatens you imminent danger (for example, the criminal does not let you go);

    - your actions proportionate to the threat (you cannot strike after the harasser has let go).

    If you exceed the limits of self-defense, you may be charged with causing harm to health (Article 204 of the Japanese Criminal Code). Better focus on recording evidence and calling the police.

    ❓ What to do if the harasser is a foreigner?

    The procedure is the same: record the evidence and call the police. There is a special unit in Tokyo for cases involving foreigners - Tokyo Metropolitan Police Foreigner Crime Division. If the criminal escaped and you have his photo, the police can identify him using the database J-NIS (foreigners registration system).

    ⚠️ Attention: If the harasser is a tourist, he may be deport and be blacklisted from entering Japan.

    ❓ Is it true that there are “men’s carriages” in Japan?

    No, men's carriages does not exist in Japan. However, in some lines (for example, Keio Line) enter "carriages for everyone" (OK), where both men and women can enter, but harassment is prohibited there under heavy control. Also testing starting from 2026 carriages with facial recognition cameras, which automatically alert the police about suspicious behavior.

    ❓ Can I sue a harasser if I don’t have evidence?

    Yes, but the chances of success are low. Without evidence, the case is classified as "insult" (, bujoku-zai), and not as sexual harassment. The maximum penalty is a fine of up to ¥300,000 (~$2,000) or arrest for 30 days.

    If the incident occurred on the subway, request camera footage from the transport company (storage period is 72 hours). It is also useful to provide witness statements (even if they didn’t see the harassment itself, but heard you scream).

    ❓ How to explain to a child what to do when harassed?

    In Japan, children are taught transportation safety from an early age. Explain to your child:

    1. If someone touched you where it's unpleasant, immediately say loudly: "!" (Iya! - "No!").

    2. Run to to the conductor (show what it looks like: uniform with badge).

    3. If you are being photographed, cover yourself with a bag or hands and call for help.

    It is useful to learn the phrase with your child: "/!" (O-kāsan/o-tōsan o yonde! — “Call mom/dad!”).

    In Tokyo there are special children's police posts (110) - they can be found by the sign with the image of a policeman and a child.