JPSS, for information about studying in Japan's universities and graduate schools. > News/Useful information for studying abroad > Guide for Studying Abroad in Japan > Lectures for Foreign Students on Disaster Control > "Is Japan a safe country?"
Even if you live in a relatively safe country or area, common sense rules should be followed for your protection. Don't walk alone down dark streets, and don't stay out late in areas where crime often occurs at night. Keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially on items that contain personal information such as your residence card and phone. Be aware of malicious online sites as well as the people you meet online. If you let your guard down even for just a moment, you may be faced with an unfortunate or dangerous situation. You should exercise caution in your daily life and be aware of potential dangers around you at all times.
Not all of the criminal cases that have happened are the major ones they report on newspapers and television. What may rather have effect on us will be smaller troubles that can happen at any time everywhere. We'd like to produce a safety guide which is useful to you.
If you keep your bag in the basket of a bicycle without any cover, it is possible that a motorcycle approaches from behind and snatches your purse. You may be targeted by purse snatchers also when absorbed in a mobile phone. Snatch-and-grab thefts can be prevented with proper and simple precautions as described below.
In daily life we can not always avoid suffering from having a purse, a bag, or a bicycle parked stolen. Once stolen, it would be gone for good. Pay attention to your belongings at any time when outside to stay away from crimes and troubles.
Locks originally equipped with might be insufficient to prevent burglars, while it is matter of course to get doors and windows fully locked whenever you go out. Fit additional locks to the windows, or ask your caretaker to replace the lock of external door when it doesn't seem firm enough. You are advised to take care of the following points to prevent burglars.
The criminal pretends to be a policeman, a lawyer, or official, and calls and tells you to transfer money. In Japan, public institutions will not make a direct call to ask you to make any payment. If a stranger calls you and talk about money transfer, be alert to consider the possibility of money transfer fraud and react calmly.
For the present, the Internet is the most useful device for information and communication. However, you must be fully aware of the risks, say, of not being let known physical information of people you communicate with online. With one clicking, you could get in trouble so easily. Be especially alert to money-related transactions such as online contracts, Internet auction, or online games.
Just ignore them if you have never been the user of a pay website or pay online service. Do not be tempted to respond, or they would be let known your personal information. Consult it with the police and/or consumer affairs centers as they email you persistently.
legitimate enterprise (public institutions, banks, or some companies) in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information including IDs, a password, or a credit card number.
Always ensure that you're using a secure website by checking its identity or URL before submitting any personal information. If you have any concerns, close the web browser for the time and enter the address yourself without relying on displayed links. Or, make a call to the institution to confirm.
Before you conduct transaction, take the time to read the online guides provided by the auction company for avoiding fraud and what they offer as insurance if something goes wrong. In addition, you are advised to refrain from making a high-priced purchase. If you become a victim, take the following steps before you give up.
As soon as you discover that you become a crime victim, make contact immediately with experts like the police, lawyers (they offer free of charge consulting), and/or consumer affairs center, together with Japanese acquaintances of yours (your boss at work place, school teachers, or school clerks). Don't hesitate to ask help from experts for further arrangements.