In a disturbing revelation that sheds light on the pervasive issue of public sexual harassment in Japan, a government survey has found that a staggering 10.5% of young people, the vast majority of them women, have been victims of groping or other indecent acts in crowded public spaces.
The nationwide poll, conducted by the Cabinet Office and involving more than 36,000 respondents aged 16 to 29, paints a grim picture of the chikan phenomenon, the unwanted touching or groping of individuals, typically on packed trains and in other public areas. Nearly 90% of those who reported being assaulted were women, with around two-thirds of the incidents occurring during the morning or evening rush hour on trains.
The survey results underscore the persistent and widespread nature of this often-unreported crime, despite the efforts of authorities to combat the issue. In recent years, major cities like Tokyo have implemented measures such as women-only train carriages, increased surveillance camera coverage, and enhanced police patrols, both uniformed and plain-clothed - in an attempt to deter and apprehend perpetrators.
However, the survey findings suggest that these measures have not been enough to curb the problem, with many respondents expressing a desire for the government to do more. One respondent called for the creation of a society that prevents crime, offers mental health care for victims by professionals, and carries out public relations activities to raise public awareness so that victims are not taken lightly.
The reluctance of victims to report these incidents is also a significant challenge, with 80% of survey respondents who said they were groped not reporting the crimes to the police or other authorities. Many cited a lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation or a belief that it was not worth the effort to alert the authorities.
We need to continue to educate people that molestation is a serious crime, a Japanese government spokesperson told CNN, urging victims to come forward and seek help.
The problem of chikan has long plagued Japan, where extensive rail networks transport millions of passengers each day, often in packed carriages during rush hours. The issue has been the subject of widespread public discourse and has been the focus of various awareness campaigns and legal crackdowns.
Jeffrey Hall, a Japanese studies lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies in Chiba, believes the survey results may actually underestimate the scale of the problem, noting that many women in Japan have become resigned to the issue and are discouraged from reporting incidents due to the perception of a lengthy police process and light punishment for perpetrators.
As Japan grapples with this epidemic of unwanted advances, the government and society as a whole must continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. The findings of this survey serve as a stark reminder that more must be done to combat the scourge of public groping and to empower victims to come forward and seek justice.
