Tokyo: Tokyo police are on high alert as they address the persistent issue of 'octopus hands' on trains. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, in collaboration with train operators, has launched a special campaign from June 1 to 15 aimed at promoting safety and protecting passengers from inappropriate acts, commonly referred to as Chikan.
According to Thai News Agency, the Tokyo police have joined forces with several railway companies throughout the Kanto region to implement a series of measures. These efforts include deploying both uniformed and plainclothes officers, male and female, to closely patrol train carriages and station platforms alongside railway staff. Additionally, they are promoting the use of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Agency's "Digi Police" application. This app features a loud SOS alarm function and a large message display on smartphones stating "Someone is harassing me! Help!" allowing victims to silently call for help. In panic situations where speech is difficult, the app can sound a siren to deter perpetrators and send alerts to designated individuals.
The campaign also involves activities such as distributing leaflets and providing information on app usage to commuters at busy stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo. Warning signs and videos are being shown at major train stations, and additional CCTV cameras have been installed on platforms and inside train carriages to gather evidence.
Data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Agency reveals that over 70 percent of indecent acts and harassment cases in Tokyo last year took place on trains and within train stations. Police statistics indicate a significant increase in train harassment and surreptitious photography during the summer months. This rise is attributed to factors such as passengers wearing lighter clothing due to warmer weather, overcrowding during rush hour, and hot, humid conditions that provide opportunities for inappropriate contact. Moreover, the influx of tourists and summer festival activities leads to unusually crowded major train stations, creating more opportunities for criminals to strike.