If a friend asks you out, always check with your host family BEFORE you say ‘yes’. Make it a rule to tell your host family your plans: for example, WHERE you are going, WHO with, WHAT you are going to do and WHEN you will be back. When discussing your plans with your host family, ask them if there is anything risky about where you are going or what you plan to do. This is for your safety and also a courtesy to the family, as you may not know about all their plans.
It is also a good idea to let your host family know when you arrive at your destination so that they will not worry. Checking in regularly is also a good way to help avoid accidents and other problems.
Don’t violate your curfew. This means always be home by the time you agreed to be home by. Many families have a curfew for their children, which is often earlier for girls than boys. Even families that do not have a set curfew often expect their children to be home before the evening meal unless they have scheduled school club activities or “juku” (tutoring/cram school). To avoid coming home late, ask your host family about bus/train times. Remember that trains, subways, and buses run on different schedules on weekdays and weekends/holidays, etc. Plan ahead and always let the family know right away if something happens and you may be late. It is not common for Japanese high school students to go out after the evening meal.
Don’t give your or your host family’s phone number, address or e-mail address, etc, to people who speak to you on the train or other strangers. Even if a person seems friendly and trustworthy, you have no idea what kind of background they have. This personal information belongs to you and your host family and giving it out to strangers can endanger you and your host family.
Ignore invitations from strangers you meet on the street, etc., even if it is just for a cup of tea or to visit their house.
“Kyacchi seerusu” are aggressive sales people on the street. If you are not careful, you may be tricked into buying expensive merchandise. You don’t need to talk to them, even to say No, thank you, just ignore them.
When possible, try to use busy streets as most street crime takes place on quieter streets where there are no witnesses. Carry your bag on the side away from the street and hold it tightly. If you are on a bicycle, put a net over your bag in the basket. Beware of people who approach you from behind or suddenly talk to you. Don’t carry more money than you need. Put your money, wallet, phone and other valuables in your bag, so they cannot be seen.
Beware of pickpockets in trains and other crowded places. Hold your purse or bag tightly in front of you. Do not put your wallet in your back pocket or side pocket.
If someone tries to steal your bag, let them have it instead of fighting. Your personal safety is far more important!!
Never accept rides from strangers and don’t even consider hitchhiking. This applies to both girls and boys. A car is like a locked room on wheels. If you are being forced into a car against your will, yell “Tasukete!” (Help!) as loud as you can.
If someone who appears to be drunk approaches you on the street, at the station or in the train, ignore them and walk away.
It will take a while for you to be able to recognize members of these gangs, but do your best to avoid them, even eye contact, because they use it as a reason to start quarreling with you. They may be carrying a knife or even a gun. It is illegal to possess guns in Japan and most cases of violence with guns involve yakuza (gangs). Even if a gangster does not have a gun, they may assault you or yell at you in order to frighten you and cause trouble.
It is hard to know if a gathering is safe and legitimate. Please be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution when in public places.
Major cities in Japan have highly developed and reliable public transportation systems. The main modes of commuter transportation are trains, subways and buses, which are generally clean, safe and convenient. They run frequently during the morning and evening rush hours and are extremely punctual. When you are traveling during the rush hour, be prepared for extremely crowded conditions. Pushing and shoving in these cases is accepted as a part of living in a crowded place and is generally not considered rude or improper if necessary to get on or off a train or bus.
If you do not know which train to take, or whether you are on the right train, ask the station staff (look for someone in uniform) for help. Larger train stations usually have police on duty as well.
When waiting for public transportation, it is a good idea to wait in a well-lighted area where people are within shouting distance.
Avoid public toilets in parks or on street corners when you are alone. In cities, try to find toilets in department stores, hotels, office buildings, coffee shops or convenience stores. Toilets at train stations are generally considered safe but be careful at stations with few passengers. If you find a suspicious unattended item in a public place (train station, etc.), don’t touch it. Report it to a staff member (look for someone in uniform).
In many large cities in Japan, there are areas known as red light districts. While there are some lawful shops, what makes these areas so dangerous is that many of the businesses are controlled by organized crime groups.
As soon as possible, have your host family and local AFS volunteers teach you the dangerous areas in your city or region, and how local people avoid or deal with dangerous situations. It is important for you to know about the different parts of your city or region as well as the times of day that you should avoid certain areas.