A series of unsettling incidents involving middle-aged Japanese men engaging in public violence has come to light, raising concerns about stress and mental health among this demographic. Recent reports describe multiple altercations, including one where Yoshihide Fukamachi, 61, asserted his innocence to police, claiming he would "never hit a woman." The incidents have drawn attention to the pressures faced by middle-aged men in Japan's demanding work culture.
Izumi Tsuji, a professor specializing in the sociology of culture at Chuo University in Tokyo, attributes this trend to the high-stress levels and lack of leisure time experienced by this age group. Earlier this month, the issue came to a head with a series of violent acts. In Sapporo, an arson attack occurred at an employment bureau, while in Muroran, Hokkaido, a 49-year-old man was taken into custody for allegedly threatening his daughter with death.
Another alarming incident involved Masahisa Onomura, 59, who reportedly threatened a 19-year-old train passenger in Yokohama with what appeared to be an ice pick, warning, "If you cough any more, I’m going to kill you." Meanwhile, at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, Katsuhiko Fukuda, 58, was accused of assaulting an airline ground staff member. Fukuda, a doctor from Shimane prefecture, has denied these allegations.
In another case, a man in Chikushino, Fukuoka prefecture, was arrested for allegedly slapping a woman over a bar bill dispute. These incidents have rapidly gained international attention, challenging Japan's global reputation for politeness and decorum.
The underlying issue appears to be the mounting stress experienced by men nearing retirement age. Izumi Tsuji emphasizes that work-related stress and limited downtime are significant contributors to these violent outbursts. This demographic, typically aged between 50 and 60, struggles with balancing their professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
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