Twitch streamer Tanuki has publicly shared her disturbing experiences of facing near-daily sexual harassment while living in Japan, challenging the nation’s reputation as one of the world’s safest countries.
In her detailed account, Tanuki described regular incidents of being groped, followed, and inappropriately touched on public transportation and in crowded spaces.
These experiences aren’t isolated events but rather a persistent reality she and many women navigate daily.
“The fact that Japan has designated women-only train cars tells you everything you need to know,” Tanuki explained, referencing a well-known measure implemented to combat the widespread problem of “chikan” (groping) on crowded commuter trains.
Despite Japan’s international image of safety and order, sexual harassment remains a significant issue, particularly for women. Government statistics suggest that as few as 6% of sexual violence victims report their experiences to authorities, pointing to a massive gap between incidents and official records.
The Japanese legal system has only recently begun to address these concerns more seriously. In 2023, Japanese law expanded the definition of rape to include a broader range of non-consensual acts. However, cultural barriers to reporting persist, with many victims feeling too embarrassed to come forward or lacking faith in the response they’ll receive.
Technology has been used as part of prevention efforts, with all phones sold in Japan required to make an audible shutter sound when taking photos—a direct response to the problem of upskirting in public spaces. Yet such measures address symptoms rather than causes.
Foreign women in Japan often feel stuck between cultural differences and gender issues. As tourists and residents, many report experiencing both fascination and unwanted attention, sometimes amplified by their visibility as outsiders.
Tanuki’s decision to speak openly about these experiences has led to fresh conversations about women’s safety in Japan, especially since the country keeps ranking at the bottom among G7 nations in terms of gender equality.
