Widespread reports of chikan, or sexual harassment, have surfaced in Japan, targeting teenage candidates on crowded trains during the high-stakes university entrance exams. The incidents reportedly occurred on Saturday and Sunday, coinciding with the exam dates, as students traveled to examination centers on packed train cars.
The term chikan refers to a form of sexual harassment where perpetrators secretly touch and trouble women, often in crowded public spaces. This phenomenon has been a longstanding issue in Japan, but recent social media activity suggests a troubling spike in such behavior. Police have observed numerous posts on social media platforms where men exchange tips on how to exploit the densely packed trains during exam season.
"Gropers find joy in secretly touching and troubling women."
- Sumie Kawakami, a lecturer at Yamanashi Gakuin University and author of a book on gender issues.
The crowded trains during the weekend resulted from the significant number of teenage candidates commuting to take their exams. The exams themselves are high-stakes events that naturally induce stress and anxiety among students. The added threat of chikan incidents likely exacerbated their distress, impacting their overall exam experience.
Police are currently aware of the increase in social media posts associated with chikan activities. These posts are believed to be made by individuals who have either committed or intend to commit such acts. In response, authorities are taking steps to address and mitigate the situation, although specific measures remain undisclosed at this time.
The environment on the trains posed additional challenges for the candidates, who were already under pressure due to the significance of the exams. The combination of overcrowded conditions and potential harassment created an unsettling atmosphere for many young students.
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