The Disturbing Reason Japanese Police Increase Train Security During Exam Season: What Is 'Groping Day'?

An increase in groping incidents is raising alarms in Tokyo, prompting police to increase patrols, urging female Japanese students to be wary of 'gropers' otherwise known as 'chikan,' particularly on trains. These incidents, which can happen to one in two women, often leave frantic victims behind.

According to a CNN report, groping incidents happen in trains during rush hour. Recent reports conclude the perpetrators are now operating in a different pattern where female students are being targeted in January, amid exam season. As such, exam day has been dubbed, 'groping day' on Japanese social media, and exam season a 'molester's festival.'

UK and Canadian citizens have also been warned of the groping incidents on crowded trains, particularly during rush hour, as gropers apparently also target foreign nationals visiting Japan, per The Japan Times, who also shares that as of last year, the reported groping cases each year rose to 2,000-3,000, notwithstanding the unreported cases from terrified victims who have chosen not to speak up.

Rising Groping Incidents in Tokyo

During exam season, when being late can have serious consequences, students are less likely to report any incident. As a result, a number of the groping incidents that take place during this season remain unreported, and victims remain in hiding.

As groping incidents continue to rise, the Japanese police have taken it upon themselves to intervene, increasing patrols at train stations especially during exam seasons, warning the public of the dangers of groping while on the metro, increasing awareness by plastering posters around the trains and stations, and encouraging victims to alert authorities.

Despite the increasing number of groping incidents, some victims choose to stay mum which can be linked to cultural factors, the taboo topic of sexual innuendos being on top. As a result of falling victim to these assaults, victims are left with feelings of shame, rendering them unable to react and/or speak up.

In Tokyo, the metro holds millions of people during rush hour. Gropers have found this opportunity from prolonged physical contact to execute their crime.

A Call to the Government

Takayuki Harada of The Japan Times calls for the Japanese government, the Japanese police, and train operators to start taking 'serious action' to address these growing incidents of groping. She said in her commentary, 'Dealing with overcrowded trains and introducing tougher penalties should be top priorities. But since groping is often linked to a mental condition, simply punishing offenders isn't enough. There also need to be treatment options to prevent repeat offenses. Without that, this cycle will never end.'

Harada also emphasises Japan's lack of specialists and treatment facilities for assailants who suffer from a mental condition called 'Frotteurism,' or 'Frotteuristic Disorder,' which is common in Japan. Harada said, 'The government urgently needs to act by training experts and establishing treatment centers.'

As groping is not recognised as a criminal offence under the Japanese Penal Code, the perpetrator, when caught, will only receive a minor sanction such as a fine. Harada says that the posters at train stations stating, 'Groping is a crime' do not provide a sufficient solution to the rising crime rate in Tokyo.