Perverts (chikan), Sexual Harassment, & Stalking
While Japan is a relatively safe county, it has sexual harassment and sexual crimes just the same as other countries. Victims of these crimes often go unsupported. This does not mean you are in danger all the time, but you should still take precautions as a foreigner (especially if you are a woman).
In case of emergency, please call 110.
At School
In Japanese, “sexual harassment” is “seku-hara “. In some cases, women can be accused of seku-hara for dressing “inappropriately” at school. Following your coworkers’ lead is a good guideline.
If you are showing more skin than what Japanese are used to, you may have people ask if you are cold. You may also get other comments hinting at expectations about how you should dress.
Be wary of students who may try to touch you inappropriately—from elementary students jumping on you or doing kancho (poking you in the butt) to older students playing with your hair or groping you. You and the teachers around you may also get inappropriate comments. As with any disciplinary issues, there are certain teachers tasked with discipline and homeroom teachers often fill that role for their own classes. Getting these teachers on your side will greatly help. Keep in mind:
You may notice behavior that would not be tolerated in your home country, especially during enkai. If you do not feel right about something, first try privately speaking about it with your supervisor or the other women in the office if you feel comfortable. You do not want to make a big deal out of something if the targeted individual(s) are going to be more uncomfortable with the issue being discussed publicly.
Of course, as someone “outside the system” you may have more power to change things. Do not let your coworkers’ lack of complaints stop you from addressing inappropriate behavior.
Japan is a traditional/conservative culture that emphasizes not making large waves, so trying to bring about change can be an uphill battle. Do not let this discourage you from doing what you need to to feel safe and respected.
Having proper documentation may come in handy later if a problem continues or escalates.
Within the JET Community
It is likely that many of the people you will be closest to in Japan are other JETs. Unfortunately, it is not unheard of for inappropriate behavior to occur within the JET community as well. Please use proper caution and do not expect someone to be fine just because they are also a foreigner.
Due to the small nature of the community, there is the potential for things to devolve into a court of public opinion. If something does occur, seek assistance and mediation from a trusted source such as the Prefectural Advisor (PA) or Block Advisor (BA).
In the Wild
You will stand out. If you live in a smaller town or city, it is likely that people will know where you live. This lack of anonymity might mean nothing, but it could lead to things from questions about your purchase at the store yesterday to the “friend” you had over last night to you being seen as an easier target. Here are some things to be aware of:
Trains
If someone is touching you or someone else inappropriately, yell “chikan,” which is considered more serious than “hentai,“ and the conductor or other employees should get involved. Please remember that physical assault laws in Japan classify the person who escalates violence as the assailant, even if they are the victim. In order to avoid any legal charges, we suggest you avoid any physical confrontation. That being said, do what you need to to be safe.
Women’s train cars were created to avoid this. Unfortunately, men are not actually forbidden from using them.
Sometimes men read/watch pornographic material on trains (or generally in public).
What to Do
It can be hard to balance staying safe and being social. Sometimes you might stop to talk to someone, expecting the usual “where are you from?” and “nihongo jōzu.“ The next thing you know, you are confronted with a pervert or being touched inappropriately. Even if you have been trained how to respond, it is hard to remember what to do when it happens. It is important to not blame yourself or feel ashamed of what happened as a result of your fight-flight-freeze response.
If possible, remember and record any information you can about the pervert/situation: description of the person or vehicle, license plate number, etc. If you feel safe and able, take pictures. If this occurs somewhere like a store, station, etc. seek support from staff and witnesses. If you are comfortable doing so, go to a kōban, a police box.
If possible, remember and record any information you can about the pervert/situation: description of the person or vehicle, license plate number, etc. If you feel safe and able, take pictures. If this occurs somewhere like a store, station, etc. seek support from staff and witnesses. If you are comfortable doing so, go to a kōban, a police box. Seek a safe place and try to relax. Take precautions against stalking if there is reason to believe it may occur.
After you are safe, contact your supervisor, school, BOE, or PAs for support. They can accompany you to the police. You can also call 110, the police number, directly as they have English support. If this occurred in the same town in which you live and work, your school will want to warn the community and students. Please notify them if you feel safe doing so.
Depending on any available information, the police may proceed with an investigation. This can lead to a variety of outcomes. No action may take place, a community awareness campaign, to the ability to press charges (for example, against a train chikan ). You may be discouraged from pressing charges as it is seen as less socially disruptive. Do not let this affect your decision and proceed as you see fit.
The most important response: seek the support and care that you need to feel safe and heard. Talk with your friends, change your routines if needed, and share your experience when you are ready.
