Is Japan changing for the worse?

[Hanzo]

I have always dreamed of visiting Japan and I swear I will one day maybe after school is done if I can afford it. I read a lot about it and have an idea of what it is like. I try to find info in sites like Japan Times to learn what its really like and not just what travel agencies say.

I have noticed stories about crime increasing. Problems like drugs, violence and foreigners having organized crime. Is Japan really changing or is it just reporting that I read? Somehow I always imagined being able to walk around at night without being mugged or whatever.

here is an example of what I mean
But drug use nonetheless has emerged as a serious problem involving the nation's youth, as highlighted by a string of recent arrests of high school students possessing illegal drugs, especially marijuana and Ecstasy, or methylene-dioxy methamphetamine (MDMA).
this from one of many stories in the Japan Times about drugs and crime. This one is here. (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20041123f1.htm)

So is Japan still safer than most places? has it ever really been?

[Viseo]

Hello Hanzo,

Dont be afraid of the stories about drugs and crimes. They do exist but it's an international problem.
I travelled to Tokyo twice by myself (no travel agency). I saw Tokyo at night and i had no fear about anything. There is a lot of "Koban" (small police station), every kilometer.

If you get lost in this huge city, just ask a native. They are very kind and they will do anything to help you.

I can tell you Tokyo is a wonderful city.

Viseo

[Hanzo]

Thank you. Good to hear it. Tokyo is where I want to visit. I don't expect anywhere to be 100% safe but Japan has always had a reputation for being safer than most.

One thing I notice also is that small crimes seem to be reported by the national media. I actually like to see this. Can you imagine a small robbery in the US being on CBS? It makes me think they had nothing more serious to report:smile:

[Viseo]

:smile: Your last sentence sounds good but unfortunately everywhere there are some crual news like those.
If you like to read japanese news i advise you to this website http://www.japantoday.com/

Maybe you already know :wink:

If you want an idea about the price for 2 weeks in Tokyo.
Travel plane (from France), hotel, food, present = 900 euros ($1.190).

I hope you can visit it soon.

Viseo.

[Robert_Lover_of_Japan]

Thanks for making this thread! I was also wondering about how safe Japan was, its great to know that the great Tokyo is a safe place at night, although, my first fortune cookie said the night life is for you, lol. I shall use it to my advantage!:shade: :lightning

[BakaSensei]

I've often wondered about this as well.

On one hand, you see news stories (Japan Times & NHK) talking about the rise in crime and violence. The movie "Battle Royale" even echoed sentiments that the youth of Japan was becoming increasingly slack and unruly.

On the other hand, there are many depictions in film and on Japanese TV of young children going to school, the store, or other locations unaccompanied. This seems to be the norm and a fact of life.
I'm certain that the statements made by Viseo are quite true. I've asked the same questions of some Japanese folks and the answers are the same. There is some crime everywhere, but Japan is quite safe.

[Doug M]

On this subject, please see an article I wrote: How safe is Japan? (http://www.japan-101.com/culture/japan_crime.htm)

[Charles Blalock]

To all of you wishing to visit Japan, do so in relative safety. I have lived in Japan in the past for over 12 years. I have been married to my Japanese wife for over 40 years. We visit Japan every chance we get. It is like any other place. If you want to find trouble, you can. However, if you want to have a very nice vacation or visit, just go the gardens, parks, stores, etc., where the general public goes and you can be very safe. It is a very nice place to vacation.

[yaschan]

Yes, I agree that Japan is very safe. Some tired salarymen even sleep in railwaystations when missing their train, without any fear.

The reason for this is that the crime in Japan is most likely underground. However, the mafia in Japan called yakuza are mostly organized, there is a new wave of unorganized ruthless thugs who do anything to get money.

Also prostitution is at large and that brings many problems. Although that seems to be rare, I once witnessed beating of one prostitute in bright afternoon in middle of the railwaystation. People just pretended not to see, nobody doing anything. Gladly the poor girl could escape.

Its never bad idea to watch out a bit especially in dark alleys. But you dont certainly have to be worried in Japan.

[deadhippo]

I don't think Japan is safe. I think it's a myth. At least compare to my country. Reported crimes and crimes are not the same thing. It's especially not safe for young girls and old ladies. But I have personally seen the result of a business being beaten up by to kids.
Todays Japan Times reported
Experts have also pointed out that individuals have managed to import firearms via the Internet. There are an estimated 150,000 guns illegally held or traded in Japan.
Click here (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20050928a1.htm)for full article.