Safety & Security in Japan
Japan is quite a safe country to travel and live in despite what talking
to many Japanese people would leave you to believe these days. Incidences
of crime including violent crime are very low in Japan. Yet there are
still a few things you should know before you travel.
Emergency phone numbers
The national emergency phone numbers are:
Police: 110
Ambulance/Fire: 119
Japan Helpline
is a 24 Hours / 7 Days a Week FREE service to help with any questions
including emergency assistance.
0120-46-1997 Toll-free
0570 000 911 A
Natural Disasters / Natural hazards
Natural disasters in Japan including earthquakes, typhoons and mud slides are a much bigger concern than crime when traveling in Japan. Familiarize yourself with safety procedures in the local area you are in. Many areas have evacuation center maps written in English and Japanese detailing where to go in the event of a disaster.
In the event of an emergency it may also be a good idea if you are registered with your embassy while staying in Japan.
Earthquakes
Japan is one of the most seismically active places in the world, earthquakes occur frequently. Many newer buildings in larger cities have been built to withstand earthquakes but not all and there have been recent scandals in the news involving contractors cutting corners on the required earthquake proofing. However in general standards are excellent
What to do during and after an earthquake
Objects falling such as furniture and panic represent the largest danger during an earthquake. Try to get under a table or doorway. Don’t run outside! Try to stay as calm as possible. If you are in the street, find protection from falling glass and other objects.
After a large earthquake, shut off stoves and gas valves. Then, listen to the radio or television for news. If your in a coastal area there could be tidal waves (tsunami). If your in a mountainous area beware of the possibility of land slides.
Tsunamis
Japan's coastal regions can be subject to tsunamis following offshore or costal earthquakes. After all the word tsunami was invented by the Japanese
Typhoons
Japan experiences typhoons during “typhoon season” June-September. Besides being dangerous Typhoons can also ruin your travel plans by delaying air planes and trains. If you hear there is a typhoon approaching Japan its always a good idea to call the airport or train station to make sure everything is still on schedule.
Flooding
Landslides and mudslides can occur after heavy rains or during earthquakes. Be careful if driving or staying in mountainous areas especially more rural areas.
Roads / Driving
Roads can become icy in winter especially in Hokkaido which has the highest motor vehicle accident rate in Japan.
Besides weather conditions when walking across a road it is also a good idea to look both ways a few times before crossing. In this authors opinion crossing the street in Japan is probably the most dangerous activity a person can do here. I have personally witnessed 14 people get hit by cars while crossing in the last 5 years and had one friend die after being hit on his bicycle.
Avalanches
Avalanches can occur on snow-covered mountains in Japan. When doing winter activities such as skiing it’s a good idea to stay in the designated area and avoid going off the beaten path into the back country with out a guide.
Animals
There are a few dangerous animals that make Japan their home.
- Some rocky coastal areas are home to sea urchins, spiny creatures that
can be painful if stepped on. Watch for spines protruding from rocky holes
and crevices.
- Bears have been know to attack hikers in areas such as Tohoku and Hokkaido.
It is always advisable to wear a bear bell if hiking in the forest.
- Snakes of the poisonous type also can be found in areas of Japan such
as Okinawa. Some bites can be fatal.
Crime
Japan's crime rate is low compared to most Western nations. Most crime involves personal disputes, theft or vandalism. For example according to the latest data available
Murders = USA 16,204 and Japan 637
Assaults = USA 2,238,480 and Japan 55,766
Despite this lower crime rate and relative safety it is still advisable to not show off cash in public, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, lock you valuables in a safe at your hotel, and secure all passports and important documents while traveling just to be on the safte side.
Violent crime
Gang violence is blamed for a nearly 25% increase in shooting incidents during 2007. Japan recorded 66 shooting incidents during the year, 22 more than the previous year.
Random acts of violence such as the recent case that happened in Akihabara Tokyo when a man went on a rampage with a truck and then a knife are happening more often in Japan but still not as often as in many other countries and usually don’t involve guns.
Drug-related crime
The problems that go along with drugs are not nearly as prevalent in Japan as in most Western countries. Japanese cutoms tend to keep a tight watch on goods coming into the island nation. Also possession or sale of illegal narcotics in Japan can bring severe penalties.
Petty crime
Pick pocketing in crowded shopping areas of Tokyo, on trains and at airports do happen sometimes. Yet it is not uncommon to see Japanese people walking the street with hang bags wide open and wallets hanging out of their back pocket.
Organized crime
Japan is said to have an estimated 85,000 Yakuza (Japanese mafia). Despite their reputation, this group's activities rarely effect visitors and travelers to Japan
Dealing with the Police
Many Western visitors feel that Japanese police procedures may be less sensitive and responsive to a victim's concerns than would be the case in their home country. This feeling can be particularly felt in cases involving domestic violence and sexual assault.
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