crime

Japanese World Cup visitors warned about crimes in Brazil

62 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2014 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

62 Comments
Login to comment

Sounds like they'll really enjoy Brazil!

17 ( +16 / -0 )

FIFA have done a top notch job with ruining the next 3 World Cups. 2014 in a country with one of the highest crime rates, 2018 in a corrupt country that is on the verge of war with the West and 2022 in the middle of the desert where you can't drink alcohol. Where will the 2026 world cup be played. North Korea? Libya?

40 ( +42 / -2 )

@KariHaruka

FIFA, the IOC all these organizations care about greasing palms and kickbacks, they sold out a long, long time ago and don't expect it to ever change, it will only get worse as you so correctly put it. It's NOT about the sport or sportsmanship anymore, it's about who can do the most favor for whom.

18 ( +20 / -2 )

Never would go to such a dangerous country, so no need to warn me. I stay in Japan.

-1 ( +14 / -15 )

They should only give the WCs to the countries that show strong promise to make a it a positive and safe experience for everyone.

High crime - 2014, Putinistans - 2018, and desert infernos - 2022 should be grounds for getting nixed.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

I had to attend a conference in Rio some years back. About 150 people in total for a four day conference. As I recall about 5 people were robbed in one way or another. One female colleague of mine got out of a taxi and as she looked left and right to see where she should be going a very young lad , like 10 or 11, jumped up and snatched of her necklace. One of the other cases was a group of about four were walking along when coming towards them were about a dozen or so young kids. Again very young as in pre-teen. As the kids walked pass and through our group of four one felt a little flick on his wrist and his valuable bracelet was gone. As turned to grab the kid they all shot off in different directions. So watch out for the little ones.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Just watch LiveLeak or BestGore to get a daily glimpse into the horror of this semi-failed state. A nightmare nation whose most successful music group is Sepultura = The Grave. But then again, is a soccer really a sport worthy of all this effort and expense? My cousin from Sendai and her new husband just got sent to Sao Paulo for his job. I told her not to go and she has been a virtual shut-in living in mortal terror ever since she got there. Kowai desu ne.

-4 ( +6 / -9 )

horror of this semi-failed state

What? Brazil has a high crime rate but come on. It's not Tajikistan.

That being said, the foreign ministry absolutely should be warning people to take precautions.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Nobody's going to get kidnapped. Ridiculous scaremongering.

I've lived in Brazil. Sure, it's not the safest place in the world, but if you keep your wits about you, you'll be okay. Wear casual/scruffy clothes, don't wear jewellery, and don' t carry too much cash.

And if someone demands your wallet, for God's sake hand it over. With a smile ; )

-3 ( +10 / -13 )

Typical Ministerial disconnect:

Japanese foreign ministry warned: “Crimes occur in Brazil at a very high frequency by world standards, including many organized crimes involving narcotics.”

Well, I guess that blows the Japanese Narcotic Connoisseur tours out the water. Those narcotics crazy Japanese soccer fans will be so disappointed.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

@lucabrasi: you are forgetting that it's Japanese we are talking about, a very high risk target for robberies (not only in Brazil btw) because: Asian tourists (Chinese/Japanese = lots of cash + cameras + phones.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Didn't they say something similar regarding the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and it turned out to be fine. Common sense should prevail whenever travelling abroad.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

When I saw how all those Brazilians acted at the beach in Mie last Obon, that was warning enough for me!

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@papigiulio

Providing they "dress down" appropriately, your average Japanese should be able to blend in with the Brazilian locals better than the rest of us, given the high number of Japanese-Brazilians.

You're right, though: no cameras, no phones is the best policy.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I can remember being in the UK at the Christmas time of 2009/10 and almost all of the people I met said they wanted to go to South Africa to enjoy the World Cup and enjoy the country. They said the same thing about Brazil when I was home last Christmas. I was in the Netherlands earlier this year and almost all of the people I met said the same thing. I didn't meet anybody who immediately replied 'we hear SA/Brazil is dangerous'. I'm not saying South Africa and Brazil don't have problems with crime, and it's always good to be aware when you travel, but it seems Japan and particularly its media, loves to accentuate the dangers of other countries.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

I've lived in Brazil. Sure, it's not the safest place in the world, but if you keep your wits about you, you'll be okay. Wear casual/scruffy clothes, don't wear jewellery, and don' t carry too much cash. And if someone demands your wallet, for God's sake hand it over. With a smile ; )

Do you really think it's a good idea to hold such an event in a place where these kinds of warnings are necessary? The Brazilian government is even making pamphlets in multiple languages instructing tourists how to respond to a mugging, making it seem like more of an inevitability than a 'what-if' situation.

2 ( +9 / -6 )

Predictable.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I have been twice to Brasil, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo nothing happened. In Tokyo my wallet has been stolen once and a 2nd attempt failed.

-2 ( +10 / -12 )

@Jimizo: This is not a racist remark, but Japanese who have not lived abroad have not needed to develop the reflexes and instincts that Europeans have to guard against personal crimes, and many of the criminals probably understand that and target them. I think the warnings are appropriate and I hope that they will be followed.

15 ( +18 / -4 )

@bfg

You have a good point, but....

the World Cup is exactly that... the football competition for the entire world. If we were to restrict the finals to countries based on safety, then it'd be held in Finland or Denmark every time.

Being mugged is very unpleasant, but there's an element of risk in any worthwhile human activity.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

The Japanese Embassy there will be very busy dishing out new travel documents. I watch in disbelief when Japanese tourists leave their bags unattended while they go order food.

The tour companies here also advise women to carry condoms so they can kindly ask their rapist to wear it before they get raped.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Before the pre-world cup coverage, I actually had no idea that crime in Brazil was a problem, nor that Qatar's economy was largely built on what can only be described as modern day slavery.

The irony seems to be that these countries would have been better off just flying under the radar rather that putting themselves in the limelight by hosting these events. These perceptions will last a lifetime and will probably do more harm than any short term benefit gained from hosting the events.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Quite right. although turned out that the warnings about 2010 in south Africa were a bit overdone. Agree FIFA really do seem to be trying to ruin the World Cup with all their chosen venues. russia next? will Blatter be going round to sort out the Ukraine problems?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

you can find this notice on many country's website advising tourists to the world cup to be vigilant. as long as people don't stray too far from the areas around the venue, then most people will be fine. and the extra police presence will surely keep down the number of crimes.

I'm hoping for a fun and successful WC in brazil!!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Some snarky people on the japantoday comments might suggest would-be tourists tour Saitama to acclimatize themselves.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Off subject but does anyone know when will Japan play with Colombia? Date and Time in Japan please

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Any more dangerous than the previous one in South Africa?

Don't lump Brazil in with FIFAs shocking decision to hold one in Qatar. Brazil will be an old-school world cup, a bit rough round the edges but a great adventure for the fans and players in a country that's more passionate about the game than just about anywhere else.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I've spent a lot of time in South America, but only in Brazil have I been robbed. One time I was mugged at knifepoint by a gang of street kids, and another I had my wallet stolen.

Be aware, that's all. Lots of countries will be issuing warnings for travelers to Brazil.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@Juan,

24th June, the game should start at around 5am JST.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Thank you so much! I will not miss it.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Being mugged is very unpleasant, but there's an element of risk in any worthwhile human activity.

Yes, but there's a significantly large risk of getting mugged by going to Brazil.

The irony seems to be that these countries would have been better off just flying under the radar rather that putting themselves in the limelight by hosting these events.

Maybe FIFA is, in a strange, roundabout way, trying to expose the problems in these countries that have been flying under the global radar?

Probably not, haha.

-1 ( +2 / -2 )

To be honest? I am Brazilian and I'd like to advice you: DO NOT GO TO BRAZIL IT IS REALLY DANGEROUS! Seriously!

12 ( +12 / -0 )

I've took the time to read all the comments up to this moment, every one has their opinion... me being raised in a South American country, I agree with what the Ministry is saying, because, 1) it is a fact, 2) most Japanese doesn't have the slightest idea of what it is to be in another country, specially a Latin American one.

Though only one thing, the comment from Ghost rider guy... I don't know where he is but definitively it is not Japan. All his comments are so distant from reality, I become to expect he is living in another country but convinced that he is in Japan. Funny guy

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@Steve Fabricant Agreed, but that isn't what I'm getting at. As I said, all visitors to another country should be aware of potential dangers and warnings are appropriate but I did/do get the reply 'Sa/Brazil is very dangerous' from very many Japanese people very often concerning going to a World Cup. I've met people from other countries with very low levels of crime who don't reply in this way. Some of my UK friends went to South Africa in 2010 and all came back with glowing reports of hospitality, breathtaking nature and fascinating culture ( England's usual capitulation was expected and didn't detract from the experience of a lifetime ). I would leap at the chance to go to Brazil if I could get the time off but my football-loving Japanese coworkers generally reply with an 'abunai'. I just find that a little negative and sad.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

ghost rider...very funny. Wallet stolen in Tokyo. If you make some lame lies, better make it more exciting like I was beaten to the verge of death in Tokyo or I was mugged and has to hospitalized for a year. Don't make lies, it makes you so pathetic.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

They are absolutely soccer (football) mad, that's why the World Cup is there. I've lived in Brazil and it was amazing. Some of the friendliest people on the planet, great food, nature, awesome beaches. People will literally give you the shirts off their backs. Of course, we lived in a rich area of Sao Paulo and had broken glass on top of the fences, a maid, a gardner and a driver. We definitely stayed situationally aware and used common sense. I'd live there again in a heart beat. Now as a tourist it is different but most people will have an awesome time there.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I have been living in Brazil for 5 years now. It's quite safe, if you are in the countryside. It is like being in USA, in the Midwest. However, this comparison fails if you go to big cities like Rio, Salvador, Fortaleza. They're not safe at all like American cities the same size. Not that US cities are safe, but they are a paradise when put side to side to mentioned Brazilians cities. Plus, this World Cup will be a total failure: stadium are not finished, airports are going to do with tent-like structures instead of world class terminals gov't promised, roads outside Sao Paulo are just ridiculous. No one can speak English. Hotels, taxis and all services related to tourism are behaving like vultures flying above, expecting happily for naive tourists. And yes, the violence. Which ruins everything. It is much more epidemic than South Africa, at least 2010 the British were acting backstage. 2014, Brazilian administration was left alone to do whatever they wanted. That's what is hitting the news: really bad administration mixed with violence. Mind you they had 8 years to get ready. My advice: if you love your family, friends and your life, be smart and avoid coming to the big cities.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Brazil is home for the largest japanese community outside Japan. That you know! So, please, pay attention for what you say about our country because, once your ancestry needed us when things were not running well there and here they'd found a place to live, being it safe or not. So you, japanese, known as a polite people, don't forget that before you talk bullshit about our country! Keep it in mind!

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

stadium are not finished, airports are going to do with tent-like structures instead of world class terminals gov't promised, roads outside Sao Paulo are just ridiculous. No one can speak English.

Yes, like I said, a proper old-school world cup. Like it should be.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

When the Japanese who travel overseas start acting like the gaijin they are THERE, common sense may start to prevail.

But until then, forget the warnings, folks will just live in their cocoons and suck their teeth and gaman-suru if anything happens to them.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

My family travels a lot to Brasil and one thing we know is to dress way down, avoid any jewelry and if you must carry a camera then take an older small digital model.

Oh yeah, carry two wallets, one you hide in your sock or ginch and the other to get robbed with. If they hold you up and flash a knife in your face then you just take out 'that wallet' grab all the cash and give it to them and they're gone. For me, it's not worth it anymore so I just stay away from Brasil, which is sad really.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Basically you need common sense, but that unfortunately is not something that Japanese tourists have in abundance.

@knowbetter Yes I agree exactly. Had many friends mugged in Brazil, but I've been spared

@mikihouse I've had my apartment broken into in Tokyo by someone who climbed up the drainpipe and cut the balcony glass door. Never burglarized anywhere else. Crime does happen here, not as much as some other places, but you make it seem like its nonexistent

0 ( +3 / -3 )

With a statement like this, expect the number of Japanese visitors to Brazil to be one or possibly two people.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Stay at home and watch on 4K TV, safer and more awesome.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The place is a friggin nightmare for crime. Don't wear designer underpants or they will have that too, and that wouldn't be good, would it. Embarrassingly some of our team were robbed there and they are international security, or at least they were You can get plenty of security advice on the internet, follow it, be safe and enjoy Brasil Libby

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

mikihouseMAY. 15, 2014 - 12:27PM JST ghost rider...very funny. Wallet stolen in Tokyo. If you make some lame lies, better make it more exciting like I was beaten to the verge of death in Tokyo or I was mugged and has to hospitalized for a year. Don't make lies, it makes you so pathetic.

Having a low petty crime rate does not mean 'no' petty crime. A student of mine had his wallet stolen in a Shinjuku cafe a few months ago. It does happen, just not as much as in Brazil. If you drop your guard like my student did you could be the next victim of a thief in Tokyo.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Having travelled a lot and especially in Latin America and Brazil, this is a fact the big cities are dangerous and any sign of wealth are to be left in your home country.

But I am sure police and army will be deployed largely to ensure safety (as I have experienced it in the last Pan-American Games). Thus staying within the controlled areas should remain pretty secure vis-a-vis hard crime. Rio is a bit less predictable since the townships (favelas) are spread all over the city at walking distance from the famous hotels, beaches and entertainment places.

My advice if you go: look poor, travel by hotel or restaurant booked taxis and do not get out in the street if you are drunk.

Last but not least the Brazilian people are most likely the warmest ones on earth. I had my best ever human and party experiences there!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

hehe any country outside of Japan is highly dangerous for japanese people who has never travel out of the country. Its sad but true, that all other countries had so high crime rate, however if you just take precaution and learn before going to the country with a friend or someone who live there is no problem at all. n.n

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

There's certainly some truth in that, but America has done very well out of these organizations: selected in 1988 to host the 94 World Cup, despite an almost nonexistent support base for football and the longstanding FIFA practice of only awarding it to countries where football was the dominant sport. America has hosted 8 Olympics, 5 of them since 1960. It's hard to think of any other countries that have done nearly as well out of the selection system.

The problem is, this is NOT about the U.S., this is about how corrupt the industry has become. I'm a big sports guy and Yes, we had hosted the Olympics in 1984 and at that time, the world of sports wasn't that bad as it is today. Back then you some scandals here and there about some of the athletes, that is really nothing new, but now the majority of the scandals are coming from the upper echelons and the organizations itself. Why on Earth would the FIFA and the IOC give the games to countries have a high crime rate or proper infrastructure? Just to be politically correct? To show the world that every country deserves a chance to host the games? What about the safety of the people? When you go and take your family to watch these events. It costs $$ and the last thing anyone should be worried about is their safety.

My advice if you go: look poor, travel by hotel or restaurant booked taxis and do not get out in the street if you are drunk.

This is what I am talking about. Why would anyone with a family want to go through this. When your travel with kids to these kind of places, no one wants to stress out about dressing to look more poor and you have to worry about being mugged. I too, have been to many countries in Latin America and while it is true MOST people are very kind (not only in Brazil) I still would never subject my family to the dangers of Brazil. Because it's going to be in the heart of the city and near the favelas, that is like putting the events in the hive of the hornets nest. The people will be surrounded and that would be the prime place for these criminals to take huge advantage of robbing people and anyone that has been to Brazil knows for a fact that, that will WILL happen without a question from the moment they take a cab, these guys will try to scam them.

Last but not least the Brazilian people are most likely the warmest ones on earth. I had my best ever human and party experiences there!

I love Brazil as well, the food, the culture, but I have to think about my families safety first, therefore, I will watch the games in the safety of my home. As I said before, the system is so corrupt, the sport itself and the fans are the absolute last thing FIFA cares about. The games should ONLY be awarded to countries that have a proven track record of safety and other crucial criteria's that should be met before consideration. If they don't pass or follow any of these, then they should not be awarded the games. Brazil was a serious challenge to undertake and to think that the country could clean its favelas and curtail corruption and bring the country to first world standards was nuts to think so. Completely impossible as we now know. If these politicians really wanted to change the country, you need to start from the top, from the politicians in government to the banks to the private institutions. Just shoving and relocating the people in these favelas is not a long term solution. When you have a city like Rio where some areas cops are afraid to venture in for fear of their own safety should tell you something.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

People here are afraid of their own shadows. Oh, that's right, this is the only safe country in the world. If you have already bought tickets but are now terrified to go, don't worry, I will take them off your hands. You don't have to thank me for doing this. Just say a prayer over my bullet-riddled body at the funeral service.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Though only one thing, the comment from Ghost rider guy... I don't know where he is but definitively it is not Japan

Wallet stolen in Tokyo. If you make some lame lies, better make it more exciting

@ Daniel and miki

You guys care to comment on the story just below where one guy is suspected of over 100 purse snatchings?

I've never been to Brazil so I can't comment on crime in that country, but if you think Japan is crime free, well, you've just been lucky so far.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Got to say this. Actually Brazil has a high crime rate. Its ok for the ministry to beware. If they get robbed they will end up calling for help in the embassy

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Bass4funk, can i surgest you put "aledgaly"after your comments.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

can i surgest you put "aledgaly"after your comments.

I think you mean, factually. I do!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

What I have to say is:

don't go to Brazil now! Wait until the World Cup ends... So you can enjoy the Country without headaches... I lived in there and I know what I'm saying...
1 ( +2 / -1 )

BRIC's, Brazil, Russia, India, China. A buzzword for emerging economies 10 years ago, now just a list of places to forget about.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

To hidingout

Some people are so literal that they are simply stupid..

Very most sincerely, Daniel

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Dont be so hard on yourself Daniel.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Heading to Rio for 5 days of soccer-mad partytime...but nervous about the security. Planning to take cash in two wallets (one to be robbed with), dressing down-as-usual, not using credit/cash cards at ATMs, only using booked taxies from hotels and digging out the money belt. Did I forget anything?

Oh - and having a lot of fun with a soccer-mad country :-)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Amanda

"Did I forget anything?"

Just that it's "football" (futebol), not "soccer".

Have a good time!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites