Combating Chikan: Japan’s Public Groping Crisis
A recent government survey in Japan has highlighted the ongoing issue of public groping, known locally as “chikan.” The study revealed that one in ten young people, predominantly women, have been victims of unwanted touching in public spaces, with trains being the most common location for these incidents. Conducted by the Cabinet Office in February, the nationwide poll surveyed over 36,000 individuals aged 16 to 29. Among the respondents, 10.5% reported experiencing groping or other indecent acts in public, with women accounting for nearly 90% of the victims. Alarmingly, many survivors reported multiple occurrences, with some enduring almost daily assaults during their high school years.
Japan’s extensive rail network, which transports millions of passengers daily, has become a hotbed for these crimes. The survey found that about two-thirds of the incidents occurred on trains, particularly during rush hours. Despite efforts to combat chikan, including the introduction of women-only train carriages, increased surveillance, and heightened police presence, the problem persists. Innovative solutions such as anti-groping stamps and mobile apps for mapping incidents have also emerged, but their effectiveness remains questionable.
A significant issue highlighted by the survey is the underreporting of these crimes. About 80% of victims chose not to alert authorities, citing reasons such as a lack of awareness about the gravity of the offense or skepticism about the effectiveness of reporting. Experts argue that the actual prevalence of chikan may be higher than the survey suggests. Cultural factors and systemic issues often discourage reporting, with many survivors fearing they might cause trouble for co-workers or school staff or face lengthy and often fruitless legal processes. This leads to a sense of resignation and disappointment with the authorities’ ability to address the problem.
Government officials emphasize the importance of education and awareness, urging victims to report incidents and seek support. “We need to continue to educate people that molestation is a serious crime,” a government spokesperson said, adding that public groping should always be reported. However, critics call for more comprehensive measures to prevent these crimes and provide better support for survivors. Some survey respondents urged the government to create a society that prevents crime, offers professional mental health care for victims, and carries out public relations activities to raise awareness so that victims are not taken lightly.
As Japan continues to grapple with this deep-rooted issue, the survey serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to ensure public safety and respect for all individuals in shared spaces. The challenge lies not only in prevention and enforcement but also in fostering a cultural shift that empowers victims and holds perpetrators accountable.
The findings in this article are based on the Cabinet Office’s inaugural survey on molestation, targeting Japanese individuals aged 16 to 29. Conducted online, the survey reported findings from 36,231 valid responses, revealing that 13.6% of women and 3.6% of men have experienced groping. These statistics, collected in February, underscore the prevalent issue of “chikan” — public groping, especially on trains, where most incidents are reported.
-Subha K S
