Staying Safe in Japan: A Practical Guide for International Students

Japan is often described—accurately—as one of the safest nations on earth, yet “safe” never means “risk-free.” Random street assaults, bar-room fights and other violent incidents—though statistically uncommon—have gained media attention in recent years, while drink-spiking crews haunt neon nightlife districts and phone-scam rings keep refining their tricks. International students, who may not read Japanese or instinctively sense local red flags, can still become targets. The five sections below translate police statistics and campus guidelines into plain, practical habits so that you can enjoy student life while steering well clear of trouble.

Know Your Environment — Situational Awareness First

Common Street & Phone Scams

Tokyo police recorded a 23‑fold surge in “fake‑cop” phone scams in early 2025. If anyone claiming to be police or a bank instructs you to move money, hang up and dial 110 yourself. Never share one‑time passwords by phone.

Nightlife Hotspots

Roppongi, Shibuya and Osaka’s Dōtonbori attract drink‑spiking gangs. Australia’s travel advisory for Japan warns that crimes in bars can involve overcharging, credit‑card theft and assault (Smartraveller, 2025). Stick to venues your friends know, watch drinks being poured and leave if staff pressure you to order pricey bottles. Remember that Shibuya now bans outdoor drinking year‑round; fines start at ¥50,000.

Tip: walking with friends on lit streets beats lonely shortcuts every time; the National Police Agency notes that most urban street crimes occur between 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Digital Defence — Outsmarting Online & Phone Scams

Phishing, Fraud & “Ore‑ore” 2.0

The number of cyber‑fraud cases jumped 8 % to a ten‑year high in 2023 (Kyodo News). Typical hooks include unpaid parcel fees, “your residence card is invalid,” or a fake job that needs an upfront fee. Use multi‑factor authentication, and set SMS alerts on your bank app so you learn about withdrawals instantly.

If an ATM asks you to transfer money to “the police” for evidence, it is a fraud; genuine officers never collect fines that way. The National Police Agency’s dedicated English PDF on self‑protection is worth bookmarking.

Red‑Flag Checklist

Red Flag	What To Do
Caller demands secrecy / urgency	Hang up & call 110
Link asks for My Number or bank PIN	Ignore; visit branch in person
Email sender address misspelt	Report as spam > delete

Staying Safe in Public — Transport, Housing & Daily Routines

Crowds, Cash & Commutes

Keep wallets in zipped inner pockets when boarding the last Yamanote‑line train. Bicycle theft is the most common student crime; invest in a U‑lock rather than the flimsy frame‑ring supplied by rental shops.

Emergency Numbers at a Glance

Police	110
Fire / Ambulance	119
JNTO Visitor Hotline (24 h, 12 langs.)	+81‑50‑3816‑2787

The University of Tokyo’s Safety Information portal reminds students to call campus security และ the police if an incident happens on University grounds.

Community Connections — Use the Network Around You

Campus & City Resources

Your university likely offers free orientation sessions on housing scams, traffic rules and personal safety. JASSO’s “Daily Life” page (link) bundles tip sheets in five languages. City halls publish crime maps (anzen kōban) showing recent bike‑theft and burglary spots—check the ward website when apartment‑hunting.

Cultural Literacy Counts

Avoid confrontations by learning simple Japanese such as abunai! (“danger!”) and tasukete! (“help!”). Polite refusal phrases—kekkō desu หรือ iranai desu—are handy when touts wave drink menus in your face.

When Things Go Wrong — Reporting & Recovery

If you are a victim of crime, locate the nearest kōban (police box) or dial 110. Ask for an English interpreter (tsūyaku onegai‑shimasu). File a written report (jiken todoke)—insurance and banks may refuse claims without it. Then notify your university’s international office and your embassy; many embassies maintain 24‑hour emergency lines and can issue replacement passports within days.

Finally, use the experience to warn classmates. A quick Line group message can stop the next student from losing a wallet—or worse, their sense of security.