'Untouchable Molester' New Sexual Harassment Methods Increasing on Subway, Japan's Headache

Reports have emerged from Japan about an increase in a new type of sexual harassment crime called the "non-touching molester."

A man caught sniffing close to a woman [Photo by Tokai TV, Japan]

On the 21st, Tokai TV in Japan reported, citing the railway police of Aichi Prefecture, that reports of sexual harassment on subways and trains have significantly increased since April. The number of suspected molester reports, which had been around 20 cases per month from January to March last year, reportedly exceeded 30 cases in April alone.

Tokai TV also reported a sharp rise in a new method called the "non-touching molester." According to the railway police, these offenders deliberately approach women closely and cause discomfort without physically touching them by smelling them or blowing on their necks, among other tactics.

In Aichi Prefecture, acts involving physical contact on public transportation are regulated under the "Ordinance for the Prevention of Nuisance Acts," but recently, reports of acts causing discomfort without physical contact have been increasing, causing concern for the railway police.

On the same day, the railway police found a man in his 60s who approached closely behind a woman despite there being ample space and warned him. The man was standing pressed against a young woman near the priority seating area when stopped by the railway police. During questioning, he confessed, "I like the smell of women." He then received a verbal warning that "you will be arrested if you make physical contact," and after promising in writing that he would not repeat the behavior, he was released.

Additionally, with the spread of smartphones, there has been a surge in sending obscene videos using data sharing functions or secretly filming women. These acts also fall under non-touching sexual harassment.

Harumi Murakami, a sergeant of the Aichi Prefecture railway police, explained, "Many people voyeuristically film high school girls or office women," adding, "They linger on platforms or at stations to film full-body shots." However, such filming acts are not punishable under current laws, so the police can only issue warnings.

In the face of minimal related regulations, the railway police stated, "Methods of sexual harassment and voyeurism on trains are diversifying," and added, "Our conviction is to nip these crimes in the bud so that no more women suffer harm."