Groping on trains has long been a problem in Japan, and in a desperate attempt to curb such behaviour, some train companies have introduced female only carriages. Victims have also been encouraged to speak out more, and not shirk from identifying the perpetrators. But whether this will completely eradicate the problem is doubtful, as some gropers it would appear are very dedicated.
As an example, I came across a story in the Mainichi Daily News Yesterday. How much of it is true I really don’t know. Probably not much to be honest. But either way, it makes for an entertaining and at times bizarre read.
According to the article, some groping fanatics formed the Chikan Tomo-no-Kai (The Gropers Brotherhood). At meetings, the members apparently discuss various techniques, and revel in retelling their favourite groping stories. They are even said to have a ranking system based on their level of perverted proficiency. For instance, a good performance (if that’s the right description) in front of the chairman, could earn a member the exalted rank of black belt.
Each rank has certain requirements, and the higher up the scale, the more demanding they are. Those who manage to attain the dizzy height of 5th dan black belt are expected to maintain their rank by fondling the buttocks of at least 100 women a month. Now I’m no expert on this, but I’m guessing you’d need a pretty long commute to sustain those mighty figures. If Saturdays and Sundays are counted as holidays, that works out at about 5 gropes a day. A feat of almost Olympic proportions!
But like I said earlier, how much truth there is in the article is highly debatable. If you want to read it in full and make your own mind up, all you need to do is click here. Although I should warn you that it does go into considerably more detail. I have merely touched on a few specifics.
テッド says
The Japanese amaze me. Anything they put their minds too they can do bloody well and with an undying passion…but this is ridiculas! They could be helping world peace for christ sakes not groping the world!
Kev says
This is one of those moments where you just can’t say “those wacky Japanese, eh?”. As with peeping, it’s become endemic, but in greater proportions than it should. Peeping is wrong, but actually touching people? That’s wrong on many, many, levels. And from what I understand, some of those groped are schoolgirls. That’s paedophile behaviour, and they’re getting away with it. And the victims don’t understand what’s going on. Complaining, in Japan, doesn’t seem to be the thing to do, which is no doubt why there are so many problems with this.
A good step would be for the school boards to ensure teachers make their pupils aware that groping is wrong and that whenever they’re groped by someone they should report it. That way, the next generation of Japanese women will be more proactive.
mig says
I got groped on the subway when I lived in Japan, and I’m a guy. My daughter (who is 14) was recently groped on the subway in Vienna (Austria), where we now live, and she confronted the man, who stopped and moved away into a corner, somewhat abashed.
Maktaaq says
Ugh, your poor daughter, Mig…as for the Mainichi, I wouldn’t trust anything they say.
Ray says
Well, I for one admire the Japanese for still knowing and using the animal instincts with which they were born. I can’t help but wonder just how many of the women actually like it, want it, dress for it and feel proud to be so admired and sought after? And, I wonder just how many women, world wide, feel that way, but will NEVER admit it to anyone, including themselves, yet they too dress for it and keep praying their turn is coming.
LaTiFa says
Wow @ ray. That’s just sickening that you even think that way. Have you maybe ever thought that the men who do these things are just sick perverts who think exactly the way you do to provide some sort of flimsy justification for their actions? Or has it not occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, women actually try to uphold a sense of dignity where they don’t have to sexually give in to every freaking male that wants them to? A horny stranger isn’t exactly an adequate judge of whether a woman is giving consent or not lol. And, not to mention, that men can be outright dangerous when they try to get their way with unwilling women like that. So stop thinking with your dick, it just makes you look ignorant.