Chinese Embassy warns nationals of “worsening security situation” in Japan
Last Updated on April 18, 2025
The Chinese Embassy in Japan has issued a warning to Chinese tourists planning to visit the country, warning of a “deteriorating security situation”.
On the 18th of April, the warning was issued to Chinese natives both living in Japan and planning to visit the country as a tourist.
In the warning, the Chinese Embassy stated that several murder cases that appeared to disproportionately target young women had occurred in Japan since December 2024.
Travelers and residents were advised to be increasingly vigilant, especially if they fit the demographic of victims described.
They also advised that Chinese people have been increasingly targeted by organized crime groups, specifically mentioning fraud and theft as the most prevalent issues faced by Chinese nationals in Japan.
In light of the issues, especially those whereby young women have been assaulted or murdered, the Chinese Embassy has urged nationals to avoid going out alone at night and if it is unavoidable, to only visit well populated areas to limit risk.
A recent rise in norovirus cases in Japan was also mentioned, with the Embassy advising to avoid drinking unfiltered water and to cook food thoroughly and where raw food is consumed, to take care as to the source of the food or the hygiene of the establishment in which it has been prepared.
The full statement from the Chinese Embassy was as follows:
“According to Japanese media reports, the number of vicious public security cases in Japanese society has been increasing recently.
Since December 2024, indiscriminate killings have occurred in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, and other places, and many innocent citizens have been killed and injured.
In the past two weeks, homicides targeting young women have occurred in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture, Shinjuku District, Tokyo, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, and other places. In addition, cases such as theft, stalking, and telecommunications fraud occur from time to time, and Chinese citizens have been victims.
According to media reports, recently, a large number of food safety incidents occurred in Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Guests were infected with norovirus after eating and had symptoms of food poisoning such as diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
Some patients with severe symptoms died.
Japanese research institutions said that the number of patients with infectious gastroenteritis caused by norovirus and other diseases has reached the peak in the same period in the past 10 years.
2. In view of the above, the Chinese Embassy in Japan reminds compatriots in Japan, especially tourists visiting Japan, to strengthen safety precautions and pay attention to personal and food hygiene safety:
(I) Improve safety awareness. Comply with local laws and regulations, avoid traveling alone at night, going to remote areas or areas with poor public security. If you encounter targeted discrimination and disputes, stay calm, respond appropriately, avoid verbal and physical conflicts, ensure your own safety, and take care to preserve evidence.
(II) Pay attention to food hygiene. Clean and disinfect your hands and avoid drinking untreated raw water. Make sure food is cooked thoroughly and eat raw or cold food within your capacity.
Choose restaurants with good hygiene when dining out. Seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell.
(III) Make good preparations before traveling. It is recommended that you actively consider registering as an overseas citizen through the “Chinese Consular APP” or the WeChat “Chinese Consular” applet, so that the Chinese embassy and consulate in Japan can contact you in a timely manner in an emergency and provide consular protection and assistance.
If you encounter an emergency situation such as a security threat, please report it to the Japanese police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in Japan or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline for assistance.”
Some may view the Chinese Embassy’s warning as excessive, as Japan is consistently ranked amongst the safest countries in the world to live or visit as a tourist.
Tourists visiting any country, including Japan, should always remain aware of their surroundings as even though Japan is relatively safe in comparison to many other developed nations, crime does occur and can often target those who may be distracted or unfamiliar with their surroundings.