8 Reasons Why Japan Is So Safe
The Asian country of Japan has long received the recognition of being one of the world’s
safest countries, but just how safe is it?
Here are some of the reasons why Japan is seen as such a safe destination.
Number one: A Sense of Moral Duty In most Japanese cities it is safe to walk
around at night, although some common sense is needed particularly if traveling into less
desirable areas.
One of the reasons for this is that Japanese children are taught from a very young age
the differences between what is morally right and wrong.
From this upbringing comes a belief of trust and looking out for one’s family, friends
and neighbors.
Some of the crimes that do occur can be avoided through being vigilant.
Pickpockets operate in the busiest, crowded areas with tourists the usual target.
By taking care of your valuables you should not become a crime statistic.
Attacks against people are rare, although there are some cases of drinks being spiked
in nightclubs etc.
The best advice is not to leave your drinks unattended, the same as you wouldn’t anywhere
else in the world.
Number two: Easy Targets Despite listing some of the preventable crimes
that can or may occur in Japan, one of the primary reasons that the country is so safe
is because of the focus on crime prevention.
By eliminating so called ‘easy targets,’ the safety of its citizens and visitors can
be more readily maintained.
In many countries throughout the world, the ATM cash machine is a great convenience, but
they can also become a magnet to those wishing to commit a crime.
In Japan, all the ATM machines are found inside buildings with secure-lockable booths.
They are not always as convenient as drive through ATM’s in some countries, but do
offer much more privacy and security.
Convenience stores are another easy target for people looking to commit a crime.
Anywhere in Japan that is open 24hours, including gas stations, will have at least two staff
working at any time.
The extra member of staff may cost the company more but the added safety of employees before
profit helps to make it a safer environment for its customers too.
Number three: Security of Property and Businesses There is a high presence of security personnel
at businesses, banks and even at parking lots.
The aim of the security teams are to be polite and courteous to their customers, while at
the same time they are ever vigilant for odd or disturbing behavior that could result in
some form of criminal activity.
Number four: Low Rate of Gun Crime In Japan, the use of any form of firearms
is incredibly rare.
This together with a zero tolerance towards knife crime makes it much safer than many
other countries around the world.
In Japan, if you are caught in possession of a knife or an offensive weapon you will
receive a custodial sentence.
Number five: Drug Tolerance on Society A number of celebrities have in the past been
denied entry into Japan due to their having previous convictions for drug related offences.
The role of anyone seeking fame in Japan is to become a respected role model, and it is
not unheard of for people to apologize on national television for being under the influence
of drugs.
The people of Japan are free to make their own decisions on this lifestyle choice, although
it will not be supported by the country and drug use is still a taboo topic in Japanese
society.
Number six: Drinking and Driving Japan has a straightforward and simple to
follow policy on drink driving.
Its zero tolerance rating means that should you go for an alcoholic drink then leave your
car at home.
If you do happen to have your car with you, there is an option for getting both you and
your car home safely and legally, by calling a daikou.
This is a specialized section of a taxi service that brings an extra driver.
You ride home in the taxi, and your car is driven home by a safe driver.
Number seven: Strategically Placed Police Posts
All across Japan, from the largest cities to the smallest neighborhood you can find
a Koban.
These are small police stations usually no bigger than a single room and contain little
more than a desk and some chairs.
What they are is a safe haven, a place to report any suspicious activity or just to
ask for directions.
They also are used to turn in personal items and help in the return of lost property.
In Japan, should you lose your purse or wallet you are more than likely to have it returned
to you complete with the cash it contained when you mislaid it.
Number eight: Safe Neighborhood Within Japan it is normal to see businesses
such as convenience stores within housing projects; this may result in a noisy neighborhood
but because there are more people present in the area there is a lower likelihood of
crimes being committed.
One final point is that the Japanese population has largely not integrated with people from
other beliefs and customs.
This policy lends itself to helping maintain its common system of looking out for each
other and supporting one another when help is required.