Is Japan Safe? How crime is different here.

[@davidsobel3303]

Great video. One time upon arrival in Shinjuku station after a long flight I was using a pay phone(?) and absentmindedly left my iPad mini on top of the phone and walked away. When I got to my destination I realized what had happened and spoke to the host and she volunteered to take me to the Koban(police box) at the station. Sure enough someone had already turned it in. The police then called the good person who brought it to them and put me on the phone to thank them. To me this is what fosters that kind of societal reward for being a good person that the Japanese encourage.

[@Cunningstunts23]

@@davidsobel3303 that is so cool, that would be unheard of where I live in New York

[@flookaraz]

Thanks for covering the topic! Love your perspectives on this stuff

[@Exjapter]

Thank you!

[@Cunningstunts23]

When I tell you the joy I felt when I got to my layover and found a new ExJapter upload😌

[@Exjapter]

Thank you. (blushes)

[@katecobb9278]

Thank you for covering another interesting topic. My experience living in Japan and raising our kids there is that it is overwhelmingly a safe place to visit and to live. I can’t recall anything ever being stolen, apart from my purse which was stolen by another gaijin! Also the number of times we have left things behind in places , sunglasses, jackets, bags etc and each time they were handed in, all intact. I do though have two stories from the early 90’s that are a bit gross, that I’m hesitate to write about but I will as it is part of this topic. Twice I have been flashed at by two different guys. One was while hanging out washing off my verandah and the second more alarmingly was while riding my bike with one of our kids on the front and another on the back of the bike. The guy had jumped out from behind some bushes along a bike trail by the river. Both times we reported the incidents to the police who came to the house to take the report. The policeman who came to investigate the incident in front of my balcony also did a security check of our apartment and made a few recommendations to improve safety which we gave to the managers of our place, who to their credit installed them all! Both times the police said they believed they were crimes of opportunity as we were living in a semi-rural area with lots of construction going on with lots of people coming and going and hanging around the area. Although pretty awful at the time, it definitely didn’t change our perception and love of Japan apart from maybe making us a bit more vigilant of our surroundings, which actually isn’t a bad thing, regardless of where you are living. Thank you again and looking forward to your next topic! Roll on 5,000 subscribers!

[@Exjapter]

Thank you for the detailed comment, and I am sorry to hear about your experience - and also sorry that I am not at all surprised. It is an important issue to address and I really want to dedicate an entire video to it at some point.

[@kingmaafa120]

Watch your balconies for certain women attire that might go missing 🤐👍 Or eyes outside your windows 😮

[@mokisan]

Thank you for the video paul 😊

[@lorddevonshire6382]

I had my briefcase stolen one night in Osaka. I had put it on the ground while chatting to a friend, and it was pinched. I reported it to the Sonezaki police, who tried to convince me I had just lost it. That really annoyed me, because, as I had clearly told them, a taxi driver had shouted across the street to me that he had just seen a thief take my briefcase, and he pointed in the direction the thief had run off in. I insisted on filing a stolen property report, so they had to go through all the procedures including taking my fingerprints. It was handed in minus the cash and cards in my wallet, and I went to Sonezaki to pick it up from those feckless cops. On top of that, I had two bicycles stolen and one nice umbrella. Still, this all happened over the course of 35 years....

[@Exjapter]

Yes, crime is real here and it would be silly to think otherwise. Your case is a bit more rare perhaps, but far from unheard of!

[@inemuri203]

My underwear was stolen in the university's dormitory laundry room. The dryer was forced open while it was working. I heard in my room that the machine is beeping (it was too early for the cycle to end) but I still went to have a look and I couldn't believe my eyes that the door of the dryer was open and my things were gone. I ran outside but couldn't find the culprit. So this type of crime really happens in Japan! 😠 Be careful!

[@Exjapter]

Yes, just from the comments on this video it is clear I need to make a video with Tanja to address this topic, since it seems so wildly common. It's really curious why this seems to be a pathology in Japanese society. Where else in the world does this happen??? Where does this come from? I think she has some answers.

[@kingmaafa120]

Lots of panty thief’s 😮I mean lots of em

[@Shakyaman]

Of course this is a woman commenting and the stolen underwear were tops and bottoms, but not boxer shorts, because we all realise that men are bloody pervs, right? But now when the cops and the courts see us non-Japanese, they too KNOW that we are guilty much in the same way... deduction. So, although the laundry thief most likely was a college kid, they might have been a woman, either envious or poor or just wanting to wear them herself

[@Tascountrygirl]

Have just now watched this interesting video. There was some discussion about petty theft and in particular panties. I can recall on at least two occasions I have lost women's underwear which was hanging outside on a clothesline in each case. In Sydney in the 1980's when I was sharing a unit in an inner North Sydney small unit building. I left a couple of nice new white shirt tops as I needed to wear them in my job. Also some very nice underwear. I lost them overnight. I realised it was not wise to leave clothes on a line. My second experience was in the late 70's when I lived in Vila, the New Hebrides for two years. This was before this country's independence when the country became Vanuatu. once again, I hung some nice underwear on the outside line to dry overnight. They were stolen. These examples are from a long time ago and I was quite young.

[@consistenc51]

My wife told me once when she was a teenager, she walked past a mansion and behind a sliding door a man undressed himself in front of her. She said "otsukaresama," bowed and walked away.

[@Exjapter]

This is why I need to have my friend on the channel, because the pervy crimes that happen in Japan are a real issue.

[@davidsobel3303]

My friend was flashed by a man on a bicycle..😮‍💨

[@kingmaafa120]

Lrg pct of Japan 🇯🇵 women have deep dark secrets relating to things of this nature 🤐👍facts Once busted a peeping tom.. he paid ⬆️

[@deadby15]

I thought UK was the capital of flashers in trench coats…

[@kingmaafa120]

@@deadby15 TRUST ME Japan 🇯🇵 got em beat

[@BobtheMoneythedbr]

Amazing video, love this. Can you talk about how obligations or things at home in the US have challenged your commitment to stay in Japan? Aging parents, friends, family. I think something Im going through right now is the sense that Im leaving people and things behind to pursue my dreams in Japan and thats hard because I feel like Japan is home on such a deep level for me.

[@Exjapter]

This is a great topic idea, and I did a video like this several years ago, but it bears updating. Thank you.

[@vladchalenko4456]

Love your videos, I've been a new sub for a few weeks. I'm moving to Japan this coming summer to start language school. Was wondering if you knew anything about that or had insights into language schools (for Japanese) in general.

[@Exjapter]

I never went to a language school personally, but I know several people who have. Everyone I know had pretty good experiences and found that they really helped their Japanese ability. Just be prepared that if there are Chinese in your classes, they will naturally be way ahead with the reading and writing!

[@zonzillamagnus5902]

Been here for 8 years, never experienced crime. In Vancouver it was every month.

[@Exjapter]

Even the most dangerous places in Japan will still be safer than a lot of "safe" cities in the US. I didnt personally experience any crime in my small midwestern city, but I would take my chances at 3am in seedier parts of Japan before I would back there.

[@zonzillamagnus5902]

@@Exjapter I heard though that the areas where they put all the Kurds have gotten dangerous now though

[@Shakyaman]

Vancouver BC is a great example of how migration can ruin a place...used to be a sleepy port city that nobody cared for. I mean it is so far and thru the mountains, etc. Now it's a tainted gem

[@zonzillamagnus5902]

@@Shakyaman I know, I was in Vancouver before the Olympics and it was far better. First went there during the Expo in the 80s. Now I never want to return

[@OnlyOneNights]

I've never really been bothered by touts. Maybe it's because people have told me that I have RDF. Who knows. That being said though, I'm absolutely aware of the problems that touts can potentially pose. I've also definitely seen the cheap translucent umbrellas used as a makeshift community resource. I don't think people get too hung up on them. I know I've left more than my fair share at conbinis or hotels.

[@Exjapter]

Gonna admit ignorance of what 'RDF' means...

[@OnlyOneNights]

@@Exjapter Hahaha. RDF is Resting D**k Face. It's the male version of RBF. Basically, I've been told that I 'look' unapproachable. So maybe touts think it's wiser to just leave me alone.

[@Exjapter]

Ok, thanks for the explanation. Google didn't clear it up this time!

[@maccody8022]

Another interesting video! I'm reminded of your previous video where you were discussing how Japan is not perfectly clean everywhere. That you'll find locations where dumping has occurred, even when a sign is posted to not dump there. Two of the three common crimes you talked about - stealing umbrellas and bicycles - sort of reflect the same mindset: If no one sees you doing it, it is okay. Due to the ubiquity of umbrella and bicycle usage, perhaps no one will bat an eye if someone grabs an umbrella when there is a sudden rainstorm or when someone takes a bicycle and rides away. Unless it is clearly a theft, it won't be assumed to be so. Confrontation is avoided in any case. As far as stealing panties, maybe that reflects the s*xual frustration for many men in Japan. Perhaps I'm wrong there. Here is and idea for a future video, although it is a bit out there. I've been studying Japanese for the last two years and I always see emphasis on learning mora (timing) and pitch accent with words. Given the influence of western music, with variations in timing and tones while pronouncing syllables in words , how does that impact the understanding of what is being sung? Hope I'm making sense here.

[@Shakyaman]

The impact is negative. Japanese, even spoken rapidly, is well easily understood..just watch some duo standup comedy shows...songs I've heard for years still stump me as to what is being sung ..

[@deadby15]

I noticed Bicycles are often unlocked in Japan. I’ve lived in NYC, Seattle, and Honolulu, and it was very difficult for my bikes to Not be stolen. I definitely say there are way more bike thefts in the US. (I actually lived in Madison, WI, as well for afew years, but never owned a bicycle there. 😅)

[@Exjapter]

Many bikes just rely on the tire lock that often comes standard. I don't know about many being actually unlocked though.

[@mikosato3838]

Ladies, watch out for chikan and tosatsu.

[@kingmaafa120]

Panty thief Upskirt filming 😮

[@Myriel67]

Well just few days ago I find my rare tyre on bicycle soft. Someone in apartment building did that. It stole the whole damn valve and cap on the wheel!! I can’t even pump it now! And the flat I live in is just a 25 minutes walking from Arashiyama in Kyoto. 😡😡😡 so much about gorgeous Japanese!!! My husband father in Osaka ; two bicycles were stolen!!!

[@Exjapter]

Sorry to hear that! Japan prides itself on low crime, but bicycle theft is so common. I have a security camera on our bikes, in addition to locks, but that still isnt enough to be honest.

[@scruffy2629]

That thumbnail,gold 😂

[@Exjapter]

Thank you - I was wondering if it would work or if it would be a bit random, lol

[@scruffy2629]

@@Exjapter it worked, especially the rubber mallet! :)

[@doublededged007]

I actually did have my bag stolen in Tokushima City at a video game arcade. And panty thieving is so bad that it happened to everyone I knew who hung their clothes on the first floor

[@misowry]

thanks Paul, a great listen. quick question, nearly always, burglars scope out a place first... do you think they may feel that entering a foreigners house, and being accidently confronted by a sudden return etc, could dissuade them in the first place? the whole risk vs reward scenario... i think many Japanese tend to believe a foreign man is far more likely to aggressively throw-down with someone when needing to defend, protect etc i just think the elderly couple down the road poses far less of a risk to someone use to calculating the odds. - 13 years, Niigata

[@Exjapter]

That is an interesting question, and is actually one I have thought about myself. However, I don't have the answer to that question, I can only speculate.

[@NomadicDanny]

Sad to hear that the crime victims would feel reluctant to say anything. I wonder why that is? - Glad to hear though that more women are starting to stand up for themselves more these days. They have a similar "touting" scam in Beijing too. Surprising to hear they have them in Japan too. Thanks for sharing.

[@claudetteedwards4115]

I can't find your driving in Japan video??

[@ThrilboShaggins]

My wife told me of an opportunistic crime in Japan. When she lived there (she was 12), she was walking on the side of the rode and a man on a mortorbike (helmeted) pulled over, squeezed her breast, then rode off.

[@Exjapter]

Oh wow... see, thats where the Japan safety thing isnt as true as it might seem. Crimes by males on females is not a small thing unfortunately.

[@kingmaafa120]

Do you realize the amount unreported sexual crimes in japan 🇯🇵 is off the chart 📈 Women don’t report em .. Lots of em live with deep secrets affecting their feelings in all their subsequent relationships 😮

[@jackhammer5683]

13:36 is a clear example of how considerate people are in Japan: the woman on the bicycle followed the author for a while instead of ringing her bell. In my hometown, it wouldn’t even take a second before they start ringing a bell, honking a horn, or yelling.

[@Exjapter]

Yes, I never realized she was there until I was editing the video!

[@Owjdnskoakansbskk]

Ringing the bell is an audible warning that a bicycle is coming. It's the polite thing to do, like saying, "excuse me" instead of passive aggressively standing around or trying to reach over someone to reach a stick of butter at the grocery store. Not ringing at all is sometimes more dangerous. Ringing it over and over with animosity because you're "in the way" is different though.

[@TheShrededward]

I never lock my kei truck. First off, nobody steals a kei truck. On the other hand, if somebody did, and did some damage, I'd get blamed for it because it's registered to me. Doesn't matter if they caught the thief. My name is on the registration, so I would have to pay for any damages the thief did.

[@Shakyaman]

Sounds like reckless reasoning...

[@TheShrededward]

@@Shakyaman There are shades to the spectrum of safety and danger. I live way the hell out in the sticks. If I lived in Tokyo, I'd lock 'er up. Out here, locking my truck is a bit like putting on two pairs of boxers just in case I have a geriatric emergency. I'll risk it.

I am beginning to think we are same person, haha. We have been in Japan similar amount of time(20 years/almost 21), same color hair/eyes, had bikes stolen. Haha!

[@Exjapter]

Do you have a youtube channel? Would love to see it!

[@Shakyaman]

This we refer to as transference, I believe Paul looks like me cousin

[@ls.c.5682]

I knew someone who fell asleep on the train, and woke up to find her bag gone with her keys inside. She phoned the apartment building kanrinin-san/manager to let her into her apartment, and had to wait in a local cafe. When they finally got to the apartment they found the door ajar! going inside nothing was taken. Except for.... her panties from her panty draw. She was a half white / half Japanese woman who was very easy on the eye, so she was def specifically targeted.

[@Exjapter]

It had to be someone who knew where she lived...which makes it even creepier.

[@Owjdnskoakansbskk]

I accidentally left my credit card on the reader at a Don Quijote in a relatively small suburb pretty far from Tokyo and it was used by someone else immediately after I left. I knew because I got a notification. That means they saw it there, probably saw me walk away, and used it. I made it back to the store ASAP and ironically it was left at the customer service desk. I disabled the card for the rest of my trip and reported it stolen anyway because for all I knew someone could have taken a photo of it before it was handed in. But anyway people go on and on about how safe it is there but besides the mentally ill who do things like steal underwear and flash women and children, some people just do bad things especially if they can get away with it.

[@Exjapter]

Yes, it wouldnt be true to say there is no crime at all, it's just far less likely. "RetireJapan" channel just put up a post this week about his entire wallet with more than 50k yen in it was turned into the police after he lost it. I'm sorry the person after you in line wasnt so nice. 😞

[@ianpullman203]

How easy is it to find a good onsen?

[@Exjapter]

Pretty easy in my experience! Of course, some areas are more famous than others, but in many cases it's just a matter of choosing an area that looks interesting or which onsen area has more appealing places to stay/cuisine. (Of course you don't have to stay, day trips to an onsen are very satisfying in and of themselves.) My favorites have been Hakone in Kanagawa, Izu Peninsula (Shizuoka), Nagano, and the coast of Mie prefecture. Next on my list would be Kusatsu in Gunma and other places in the Northern Tohoku area. My wife always demands to stay at onsen resorts by the ocean though, since she want's seafood over inland delicacies. Now if you have tattoos, it gets a bit more difficult, but not impossible.

[@Kara-l1h]

Be sensible and don’t take a risk- lock your doors and windows. Had my camera and 10,000 cash stolen from my oshiire (30 years ago). And the chikan problem is serious.

[@Exjapter]

Yes, common sense should still be employed. I haven't shaken my habits from the US, truth be told. I still can't leave anything valuable at a cafe table, even though it would probably be ok.

[@OsakaMotorcycleTours]

7:57 is she hiding from the sun or the camera???

[@Exjapter]

The sun, since she pulls the bag down upon reaching the shade. I noticed that odd action too, when editing.

[@OsakaMotorcycleTours]

@@Exjapter oh lol

[@towada1066]

In Japan, the majority of crime is committed by the LDP ... they don't like any competition ... I would never live in Japan by choice ...

[@Exjapter]

Haha - like my Australian friend said once, you're more likely to be robbed by someone official than a random criminal.

[@towada1066]

@@Exjapter hence .... Japan ...

[@madmax8620]

Question; What kind of Bike locks did you use, and how were they cut?? Because I am planning on moving my 2 nice bikes there from the U.S. ...Maybe an Airtag for android or something?? Your content is very informative!!!

[@Exjapter]

Admittedly they werent very fancy locks, but they werent the cheapest either. My current bike hasnt been stolen, but I think that's more my neighborhood and home security than the lock.

[@tatsumasa6332]

The highest crime rate in this country was back in the 50s when only we (Japanese) lived here.

[@Exjapter]

Well, post war there were a lot of troubles to overcome, and that is to be expected, even in Japan.

[@白銀の血色]

Are you seriously saying that there were only Japanese people in the 1950s? Didn’t you study history?

[@tatsumasa6332]

@@白銀の血色 far more likely than today.

[@Exjapter]

I am sure "relatively" is implied.

[@白銀の血色]

At that time, it is said that there were between 700,000 and 1,000,000 Koreans, including those who had been in Japan since the war and those who illegally entered the country after the war. In addition to that, there were also Chinese, Taiwanese, and illegal immigrants from other countries. The population of Japanese people at that time was only about two-thirds of what it is now. It is a well-known fact even today that the proportion of foreigners was comparable to modern times and that crimes committed by nationals of countries that were at war with each other were rampant.

[@lauriey6089]

comparing Japan to US is just silly, you should compare to Asia

[@Exjapter]

Thats a good point, but I could only talk about China and Singapore in that case. I am not familiar with crime issues in most Asian countries.

[@Cargo_Bay]

i imagine he's talking about the U.S. as he's from there, and most of his audience are americans...

[@lauriey6089]

@@Cargo_Bay obviously Japan is much safer than US thats what I'm saying.

[@lauriey6089]

@@Exjapter you mentioned the umbrellas, and bikes which are interesting. I think also lots of tourists scams. Funny, that you would do this topic because wouldn't think there would be much to talk about..but "crimes of opty" was a good talking point to stretch it out, nice job :)

[@Hay8137g]

The US has crime, Japan doesn’t

[@bobbinsthethird]

9:15 Isn't it kind of weird? Like there's a contradiction. In a prior video you mentioned how in Japan you always felt "watched", and like you could only let your guard down while in America. But they're not as adapt at watching when they are out of Japan and find themselves walking into trouble?

[@Exjapter]

I had never thought about that! All I can say is it's a different kind of awareness - concern that people might judge your behavior so you police yourself, vs awareness of your surroundings for safety. In Japan you expect silent judgement, not confrontation or theft. But yeah, it would seem like you could adapt the awareness into a more general one.

[@l_3216]

Paul