Tokyo high-schoolers hold “anti-molestation” event as incidents increase on Japan’s train networks

An event was held at JR Ikebukuro Station to raise awareness of an increase in cases of molestation on Tokyo’s train networks.

Recognizing an increase of molestation incidents on trains during this particular time of year, which often coincides with the commencement of new academic and professional endeavors for many individuals, the Metropolitan Police Department and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have jointly issued a strong call for increased vigilance and proactive measures aimed at preventing such unlawful acts.

In a concerted effort to raise public awareness and deter potential offenders, a collaborative outreach initiative was conducted at Ikebukuro Station on the 15th of April.

Ikebukuro Station is known to experience significant overcrowding, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Whilst molestation is a crime that can occur to anyone regardless of gender or age, it is often a crime that is recognized as affecting groups such as women and particularly high school students more frequently than others.

This awareness campaign involved the active participation of high school students, officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and police officers, all working together to promote the elimination of molestation on public transportation.

A high school student who took part in the campaign articulated the collective hope, stating:

“We hope that this campaign will reduce the number of people who fall victim to molestation, even if only a small amount, and that everyone will understand and firmly believe that molestation will never be tolerated in our society.”

Echoing this sentiment, another participating student emphasized the immediate goals of the outreach, saying:

“We will do our utmost today to convey to a large number of people the inherent dangers of molestation and the critical need for society as a whole to actively protect new students and other individuals from such harm as they embark on their new lives.”

Notably, a survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for the last year indicated that April was the month in which incidents of molestation were most frequently reported, followed closely by May.

In a proactive step towards broader public education, an awareness-raising video, collaboratively produced by local authorities, will be disseminated through various social media platforms for the first time.

As the Japanese school year starts in April, this time of year is known as a period when perpetrators of molestation frequently target individuals who are newly navigating the experience of commuting by train.

In response to this trend, high school students in Tokyo actively engaged in distributing items containing informative messages on effective strategies for preventing molestation.

These students also verbally appealed to fellow commuters to remain vigilant and take proactive steps towards prevention.

The awareness event itself took place on the 15th of April at the heavily trafficked Ikebukuro Station, situated in Toshima Ward, Tokyo.

A total of 25 students from various local high schools volunteered their time and effort to participate in this important initiative.

Misora Ogawa, a third-year student at Toshima Gakuin High School, formally opened the event with a powerful statement, saying:

“I have personally heard from people around me that they have experienced molestation. It is my strong desire to convey the urgent message that society as a whole bears the responsibility to protect individuals who are beginning a new chapter in their lives from such violations.”

Following the opening remarks, the participating students actively engaged with commuters at Ikebukuro Station, distributing pocket tissues with messages about molestation prevention printed on them.

These messages included encouragement for victims to break their silence and seek help, with phrases such as “If you are a victim, don’t keep it to yourself.” 

The students also verbally urged station users to remain alert and actively contribute to a safer commuting environment.

According to the findings of a survey on molestation victimization conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in the preceding year, bystander intervention proved to be remarkably effective in stopping molestation incidents.

The survey revealed that in over 90% of reported cases, molestation was halted when witnesses took action, even seemingly minor interventions such as casually calling out to the victim or the perpetrator.

A female student who participated in the awareness campaign shared her personal commitment, stating:

“I distributed the flyers with all my heart, with the sincere hope that the number of people who become victims of molestation will be reduced, even if by a small number, and equally importantly, that people who witness such incidents will feel empowered to speak up, even if it’s just a few words of support or intervention.”

Sakura Kamitani, an lawyer and expert in providing legal counsel and support to molestation victims, emphasized the critical role of third-party intervention in such situations.

 She stated: “One of the significant reasons why victims often hesitate to speak up about their experiences is the fear that they will not receive any assistance or support even if they do. Therefore, it is incredibly encouraging to know that there are individuals who notice when someone is a victim and who demonstrate care and concern, even if they are not directly involved in the incident.”

Kamitani highlighted the deterrent effect of potential witness intervention on perpetrators, explaining: “Many individuals who commit such crimes desire to continue their actions without being detected. Therefore, creating an environment where they fear that their criminal behavior may be observed and reported by those around them serves as a significant deterrent.”

In her concluding remarks, Kamitani addressed the common feelings of helplessness experienced by those who witness molestation but feel unable to act decisively, saying: 

“There are many people who feel a sense of self-blame for not being able to do anything when they witness molestation. To these individuals, I say, simply do what you can, even if it feels small. I believe the most important thing is to let them know that even uttering a single word of support or concern can be remarkably effective in that moment.”

Japan’s societal norms do not typically encourage speaking out or being seen to cause any disturbance, however the organizers of the event hope to encourage bystanders to take action if they witness any indecent acts.

By actively encouraging the reporting of cases, both by witnesses and victims, they hope that incidents will be reduced as the ultimate deterrent will be bringing perpetrators to justice.

Source: NHK