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Things that Surprised International Students When They First Came to Japan: Public Safety

Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world. You can often get your wallet back if you drop it, and although it depends on the area, it is usually safe to walk alone at night. This safety has given rise to some unique customs that sometimes trouble international students. In this article, I will introduce several of them.

Handkerchiefs on the Table: Japanese People Reserving Seats with Their Belongings

In Japan, you may find a handkerchief or even a bag left on a food-court table, and no one sits there. Even when the place is crowded, people avoid taking that seat. Why is this?
Japanese people sometimes place their belongings to save a seat. One student said, “I was surprised to see people leave bags with valuables in them.” Small items like handkerchiefs can be easy to miss, so if you sit down by mistake you might cause trouble. Be sure to check before you sit.

Children Walking to School Alone: Be Careful About Approaching Them

One student wrote about being surprised to see a small child walking alone with a large bag. Many elementary-school children in Japan walk to school by themselves. Some are as young as six and ride the train alone. Some international students, fond of children, may ask a child walking alone, “Are you okay by yourself?” or say, “You’re so cute!” But doing this can lead to a report to the police, so if you see a child walking alone, just watch over them quietly.

Can I Take These Vegetables?: Unattended Vegetable Stands

In Japanese fields you sometimes find small unmanned huts selling vegetables. When you pay, you put money in a box inside the hut. International students seeing these huts for the first time are often impressed that the money box is left out in the open. Many students use these unmanned stands because they offer fresh vegetables cheaper than supermarkets.
Some students mistakenly take vegetables discarded in fields or nuts from park trees, thinking they are free to take them, and end up detained by the police. Plants grown outdoors belong to someone, so do not take them.

Twice in One Day!: International Students and Police Stops

A police officer in Japan will often stop and question people on the street who seem suspicious. These checks help prevent crime. International students are frequently questioned, especially male students, sometimes twice in one day. During questioning, officers may ask if you carry your residence card and which school you attend. Even when you go to the nearby convenience store, be sure to carry your residence card.

What did you think? Even in Japan, which is considered a safe country, there is still a risk of becoming involved in crime. Don’t be overly complacent; stay alert during your study abroad. By the way, when you enroll at our school, we get to know the neighborhood by visiting the local police box, taking part in community events, and volunteering. Building good relations with neighbors is important for a smooth life as an international student. When you come to Japan, greet the people you see every day with a cheerful hello.

Things That Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan — Public Safety Edition

Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world. You can often get your wallet back if you lose it, and although it depends on the area, it is usually safe to walk alone at night. This safety has produced unique customs that sometimes confuse international students. Here are a few examples.

Handkerchiefs on the Table: Japanese People Reserving Seats with Their Belongings

In Japan, you may find a handkerchief or a bag left on a food-court table, and no one will sit there. Even when it is crowded, customers will not take that seat. Why is that?
Japanese people sometimes leave their belongings to reserve seats. I heard a student say, “I was surprised to see people leave bags containing valuables.” Small items like handkerchiefs may go unnoticed, so if you sit there by mistake it could cause trouble. Check before you sit.

Children Walking to School Alone: Be Careful About Approaching Them

Once a student wrote about being shocked to see a small child carrying a large bag walking alone. Many elementary-school students in Japan commute alone. Some six-year-olds even take the train by themselves. Some international students who like children may kindly ask a child walking alone, “Are you okay by yourself?” or say, “You’re so cute,” but this can lead to a police report, so it’s best to watch over the child quietly.

Can I Take These Vegetables?: Unattended Vegetable Sales

In Japan’s fields you sometimes find small unmanned stalls selling vegetables. When you pay, you put the money into a box inside the stall. International students seeing these stalls for the first time are often moved by the fact that the money box is left out in the open. Many students use these unmanned markets because they offer fresher, cheaper vegetables than supermarkets.
Some students mistakenly take discarded vegetables from fields or nuts from park trees, thinking they are free to take, and end up being detained by police. Plants grown outdoors all have owners, so please do not take them.

Stopped Twice in One Day!: International Students and Police Questioning

A police stop is when an officer stops someone on the street they find suspicious and asks questions. These stops often help prevent crime. International students are frequently stopped; in particular, male students may be stopped twice in one day. During these stops, you’ll be asked if you carry your residence card and which school you attend. Even when going to the nearby convenience store, carry your residence card.

How was it? Even in Japan, considered a safe country, there is a risk of being involved in crime. Don’t be too complacent and stay careful during your study abroad. At our school, upon enrollment we visit the local police box, participate in community events and volunteer so local people remember us. Building good relations with neighbors is essential for a smooth student life. When you come to Japan, greet the people you see every day with a cheerful hello.