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‘Women only’ train cars: Is it a crime for men to ride in them?

123 Comments
By Philip Kendall

Women-only cars on Japan’s railways have existed in some form or other for more than 50 years, with “hana densha” (literally “flower train”) carriages originally being introduced as a way of keeping female students safe from the advances of lecherous men during the peak hours. Now considered by many to be a vital part of many inner-city rail services, the train car closest to the driver’s cabin is often reserved for females only and is clearly marked both at boarding locations on the platform and inside the train itself.

Many unwitting foreign males have no doubt hopped on board these carriages during rush hours without realising it. Although foreigners usually escape relatively unscathed, when native Japanese men dare to cross that pink line and invade the sanctity of the "josei senyo sharyo" (women-only carriage), more often than not they are berated by the women on board until they alight or switch cars.

But is it actually illegal for a man to ride in the women-only car? Surely when other carriages are packed to the rafters, men shouldn’t be forced to squeeze in when the first car would be much less tortuous? Yahoo! Japan News spoke with legal professional Ikki Hashimoto as well as representative from Japan Rail to get the facts about men’s rights when it comes to riding the pink car.

Take almost any train into the city during the morning rush and you’ll almost always hear a least one announcement to passengers thanking them for reserving the first car for female passengers only. Paying close attention to these announcements, however, rather than set-in-stone rules they appear to be – as is often the case in Japan – more of a polite request than anything else.

“The first car is reserved for female passengers. We kindly ask all of our customers for their understanding and cooperation.”

But are men, in fact, obliged to cooperate with this request? If faced with the choice between stepping onto the women-only car or literally being shoved into one of the other, busier cars by a member of station staff, are men bound by law to choose the latter?

Hashimoto suggests that this is not the case. “In short, although the system is based upon the cooperation and trust of (male) passengers, men will not be forcibly removed from [women-only] cars. In other words, what it comes down to is male passengers’ discretion. This is not a legally-enforced rule.”

With this in mind, Yahoo! Japan approached Japan Rail to ask for additional clarification. When asked whether male passengers may use women-only carriages, a representative responded carefully, saying, “Our official position is that we politely ask male passengers to refrain from doing so.”

It would seem that JR is in the somewhat awkward position of struggling to meet conflicting requests from its customers.

“We have been asked by some of our male passengers to abolish the ‘women-only’ car system, but on the other hand we have a lot of female passengers who are calling for us to increase the number of routes that offer women-only carriages.”

With groping and molestation on trains a serious problem in urban areas — particular on lines such as JR’s Saikyo line which runs between Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo and one of the few routes whose trains have CCTV cameras installed — one can understand the need to provide women with a space where they can travel safely. Packed into carriages and pressed against strangers for sometimes up to an hour at a time, the potential for idle hands to wander – particularly late at night when business people pour out of pubs and bars and cram onto the last few trains home – is clearly great.

But with the majority of male passengers being perfectly decent human beings who would be just as offended by acts of groping as any female rider, are we punishing the many for the actions of an unsavoury few by removing their right to ride? Perhaps instead of barring men from using these carriages altogether we ought to restore trust and put emphasis on the moral obligation that both men and women have to help prevent and refuse to permit such abhorrent behaviour as groping? By denying men the right to board a particular carriage during busy times, are we labeling them all potential offenders? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.

In the meantime, at the risk of setting the cat amongst the pigeons, it would appear that — provided you can handle the glares, comments and potential confrontations from extremely irked female passengers — you’re (at least legally) free to ride that car all you like, guys. We can’t promise you that it’ll be the most pleasant of journeys, though.

Source: Yahoo! Japan News

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- An Illustrated Guide to the 12 Creatures That Haunt the Crowded Trains of Tokyo -- Commuters, Mothers and Government Bump Heads Over Baby Buggy Posters -- Eight Great Tips for Getting a Seat on Japan’s Crowded Trains

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123 Comments
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In a sick and twisted way the women only carriage is condoning the groping on the other cars. I wonder how many times a groping victim was asked why she didn't ride the front car. In that same line of thought I wonder: if there was a men only car, wouldn't a lot of men feel more confident riding them as well? That way one's elbow would not be afraid of rubbing someone the wrong way...The sick perverts that get aroused by groping women in the trains belong in jail. I just don't think the women only train is the answer. It is like keeping cookies away from kids.

10 ( +20 / -10 )

There should be a man only carriage, for equality.

10 ( +17 / -7 )

I had a buddy once laugh at this... he said "are you serious?... they have groping problems and their guvt does this?" They should try a new sign that says: "Chikans do 5 years jail time" That'll stop most of them.

8 ( +17 / -9 )

Get rid of these silly cars and teach the locals to behave. It does nothing to help women here. Just continues to make them look weak and helpless.

6 ( +15 / -9 )

'Women only' train cars: Is it a crime for men to ride in them?

The crime is that Women Only cars have to exist in the first place.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

It'd be cool to make a habit of riding in the women's only carriage all the time, just to see what kind of reaction you get.

Yes, if you want to be a dick.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Probie: a woman who was about 50 years old, old-looking, short, and about 100kg. She was talking about how scary chikan was, and saying that she felt safer in women only carriages. I remember thinking that she would be the last person who needed to worry about being groped.

Sorry, Probie I know you're only trying to be funny but I feel it needs to be said that sexual assault isn't about the being the prettiest or wearing the shortest skirt. Infants have been raped. Senior citizens have been raped. Fat women have been raped. Women in burkhas have been raped. I know we're talking about being groped but the attitude is the same. Maybe the women interviewed had been assaulted in the past. You have no idea and shame on you for being so shallow and judgmental as to assume someone wouldn't get assaulted because they aren't "attractive enough". Look, I get what you're trying to do but for far too many women this is a serious, frightening thing so maybe try and look at it in less of an immature manner. I know you're capable of better.

5 ( +15 / -10 )

Although foreigners usually escape relatively unscathed, when native Japanese men dare to cross that pink line and invade the sanctity of the “josei senyo sharyo” (women-only carriage), more often than not they are berated by the women on board until they alight or switch cars.

But more often than not I see Japanese males traveling in "women-only" compartments without anyone batting an eyelid (except for the foreigners). And each time me and my friends turn to each other with a bemused look on our faces and ask a question to which we already know the answer - "That is a 'women-only' compartment, right?" Maybe I need to go our more often. :S

4 ( +5 / -1 )

There is little compliance for the women only cars on the Yamanote loop, particularly at Jiyugaoka where I'd usually get on.

Is this a test? There aren't women only carriages on Yamanote line, and it doesn't stop at Jiyugaoka.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I like the women only cars even though it doesn't really help address the greater problem. Hopefully wandering hands will be detered with more men being prosecuted for the acts they commit on trains. More women also need to speak up when they are harrassed instead of suffering silently. However, I do think that it is hard to prove the crimes unless there are cameras or witnesses that are able to help the case along.

On the flip side of things, I would actually like to see a male only car as crazy as it sounds. Then men could ride in that one and read all the porn and hentai manga they want without women and children having to look at it. I know that sounds like a prudish thing to say but I really just don't like seeing that stuff on public transport.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I think most men don't understand that it is an everyday worry for women here and take it lightly. Sexual assaults happens way more that we might think in Japan, it's sadly not enough reported and "mediatized". So even if I understand users talking about discrimination I think the "women only train cars" is the immediate solution for women wanting to get a few minutes of peace of mind during their transportation to work/home. Hopefully it will change/evolve and those cars won't be needed any more in a near future.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Yes Probie and tmarie, you are right it would be better to teach men to behave. We could not agree more. That's something which will need some time and, now, I don't see much will in public organizations to do anything about it ... I saw police men taking lightly and not following up on anything on a sexual assault/near rape situation, that's just disgusting.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Oh please! You have seven other carriages to choose from. So until you have your testicles caressed by some old fossil with bad breath, stop whining.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

A crime? What are you on about? There's no law against that. It's the same as smoking/non-smoking demarcation - you're just asked to leave or rebuked by angry women.

As for those cars, they've got to stay for a while, as long as there's some demand for them and are gropers, no matter how silly the idea is or infrequently women actually use.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Do these exist in other countries,I wonder.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Not a crime, but a lack of respect. But he if you are not going to enforce a rule, then why implement it...sigh

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Women only cars are a cop out for the RR companies. What they need to do is implement a policy of kicking Chikans off the trains. First offense: warning, Second offense: One month prohibited from riding the line, Third offense: 1 year ban. Same thing next year, life time ban. Same thing goes for belligerent drunks. But Japan doesn't have a problem and treats women equally...

2 ( +4 / -2 )

But more often than not I see Japanese males traveling in "women-only" compartments without anyone batting an eyelid (except for the foreigners). And each time me and my friends turn to each other with a bemused look on our faces and ask a question to which we already know the answer - "That is a 'women-only' compartment, right?" Maybe I need to go our more often. :S

It is only woman only at certain hours, you were more than likely riding after 9am.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Is it a crime for men to ride in the women only car?

Who cares. Why would any guy (apologies to some posters above who think they have a god given right to a seat because "they paid just as much") get on that car unless it were by mistake?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I think its fair enough to have it. I have spoken to many people including my wife that have been the victim of wandering hands, I wish it was as simple that if it happened someone would be able to call out and that person detained until the police arrive, but we all know sadly that isn't easy or even likely.

I specifically make sure my hands are always visible when Im riding on the train, I just wouldn't ever want to be in that kind of misunderstanding.

I think one part of the solution should be that train companies simply shouldn't allow the crush they currently do.. run more trains, have limits, and encourage flexi-time.

Another aspect should be education about respecting people, and perhaps reducing the sexualisation of young women in the media.

As for the sad individuals who are responsible for the abuse in the first place, strict and serious consequences.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Why wonder? Why not just take a minute to look it up? That's what I did and what I found was: They are offered on some trains in Japan, Egypt, India, Iran, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Dubai. Good point Ambrosia, I do not know about other countries, but as for MEXICO, during rush hour big NO, NO to get on the WOMEN TRAIN, you will be stopped, not allowed to get on the wrong trains.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

It's not just about groping...I often see women's faces crushed between the torsos of taller passengers in the regular carriages. That must be panic-inducing as well as plain uncomfortable. Although there are some tall(ish) women in the women-only carriages, generally those short people look a lot more comfortable riding with people of similar build!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Dear aintgottimetobl:

We have such trains in Mumbai, India. If a male travels in it, the fine is Rs.500 (I believe). We have special bus services, too, for women and soon we are going to have all-women bank for women customers! Pratik

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Once I entered the woman's cab without knowing about that rule. When I realized that all women were staring at me with a What the...? I realized my mistake and I decided to put my eyes on floor until next station where I moved out to the next car.. In Mexico there is also this rule, but as long as several women take their children to school, male kids below 12 are also allowed. However, Mexican authorities found that there were also female sex offenders.. yes, lesbian offenders.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Why would a decent man choose to take the existence women-only carriages personally?

There are signs everywhere, warning against pickpockets, molesters, camera perverts, bicycle thieves, purse snatchers, litterers... Because they don't refer to you directly, are you affronted by them?

If you think a good way to show what a decent man you are, is to stand in a women-only carriage to prove you aren't a threat, then go for it. It's not against the law. (You won't be arrested, but you will be asked to move along, so prepare yourself for that.)

You are putting your pride above the feelings of women who live every day with the very real concern of being harassed, grabbed, attacked or raped, and prefer to travel in relative safety, and you are ignoring women's requests for a haven for a few minutes.

But that's OK, they'll understand. You want to show what a decent guy you are.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

People actually sit there and tell you that and you have to listen because it's been decided that as a woman you just need to hear it.

I'm not sure about the "murdering kids" part, but this actually does happen to many women regarding self-defence. In my high school, and many others across Canada, it was mandetory that girls in Grade 9 be taught self-defence techniques in their regular gym class (while the boys played football).

I could say that I didn't appreciate it because it automatically assumed that I would be a victim, that I am undoubtably a vulnerable target due to my gender...But I won't, because I understand that the reason behind this measure was simply the numbers. As a woman, I am more likely to be attacked therefore, I should be forced to learn certain skills to protect myself.

As for you, your gender unfortunately falls on the other side of these numbers. Try not to take it personally, because even though you may not be a threat, perhaps someone else who received that talk would have been had they not had their perceptions changed.

And that's a good thing, don't you think?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

SauloJpn; absolutely. It is an admission that the problem of sexual abuse is so much a part of the 'culture' here, that the only way to stop the men doing it is to hide away the object of their juvenile desires.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

Personally, I love riding the women only car. Witnessing that awkward moment when a man steps onto the train, rides for a few minutes, looks around a bit... then you see that look of shock and horror upon his face as he quickly shuffles out to the next car. Makes my morning, honestly!

1 ( +7 / -6 )

It'd be cool to make a habit of riding in the women's only carriage all the time, just to see what kind of reaction you get.

Most likely stoic discomfort and unease on the part of most of the women there, who would feel embarrassed to get up and protest, while simultaneously fearing the confrontation if they do. You'd probably have at least one sexual assault victim making up her mind that public transport just isn't safe after all. With any luck a stout old obaa-san will come and box your ears for you.

If that's what would be "cool" to you, you're a creep.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

ka_chan: I have a better idea. How about first offense, jail time. The same for any subsequent offenses. How are they going to ban anyone from riding? Do you think there should be a worker sitting around screening for people who've broken the law? How are they going to do that? As far as I know sexual assault is a criminal offense in Japan so just enforce the law.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Im a woman, and I dont really mind so much about the women only cars - I mean, they are nice to have, but not mandatory. As mentioned, some people just jump on them by accident. Ive noticed in Osaka, some of the busiest lines (like the Chuo subway) dont have them. Whatever.

If someone is getting on a train with the intention of sexually assaulting someone, then I doubt a sign which says "Women only" would stop them.

What I WOULD like to see is enforcement of the "silver seats" rule. Every morning and evening I see fairly young and able-bodied salarymen and women pretending to be sleeping in these seats, while around them very old people, pregnant women, and the blind or disabled are forced to stand.

Groping is one issue, and this is another, but to be honest I think this is much more important, yet entirely overlooked.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

falseflagsteveFeb. 28, 2013 - 12:40PM JST "Nothing wrong with the train companies providing women only carriages for the men haters and irrationally paranoid." Irrationally paranoid ? I think you should talk a bit with your Japanese female friends.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Maria:

" How is it a punishment to men, to maintain a women-only carriage? Men don't rail about women having their own toilets, do they? Why not? "

If you want to make the toilet comparison, you should ask to have the train totally divided into a male and female section.

As it is, the womens` only compartment, as others have pointed out, actually condone groping in a roundabout way: the number of women in the other cars decreases, and if women are groped, the insinuated question is: why didn´t you cram with all the other women in the "safe" car?

I think, the chikan issue should be addressed without herding the "good" women into their one little safe compartment.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

falseflagsteve: I have also heard about women falesly accusing men of groping and more serious things to get money and also because some hate men and do not care if a man has his life ruined.

Yes, there are some women who do this though I doubt they do it because they hate men but rather because they are bad, lazy and criminal, the same as people who engage in ore-ore scams and other fraudulent activity aimed at gaining a quick buck. While I don't condone this kind of scam, am absolutely not trying to justify it and am as horrified as the next person at the thought of someone being falsely accused of sexual assault, for every 1 woman who does something criminal like that, how many women have actually been assaulted and never reported it or reported it to have had the police do nothing about it? My guess is that the latter greatly outnumbers the former. This insistence on focusing on the fraction of criminally false reports takes the focus off of what is a real problem for commuters.

there are obviously perverts in every country

We're not actually talking about perverts but criminals. It's not a crime to be a pervert. It is a crime to sexually assault someone. We're all adults here so let's use adult language.

...it is becoming a trend to dehumanise us and make us act more feminine.

A trend? Really? And how exactly can anyone "make" you "act more feminine"?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

shame we cant have a "no school student car", idiotic gaggles of high school girls standing a circle near the door gossiping with a pile of bags in front of them. High School boys with massive sports bags on their shoulders - stinking because they don't shower after practices in this land.

Also woman only cars at end of the train? in Osaka, they seem to be in the middle.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@tmarie

Yes, little women, go be segregated and be happy. Please.

That might be part of the strategy - to enjoy a stress free (i.e less crowded) and more comfortable (relatively speaking) environment without one half of the population (excluded by the rule) and another segment of the population who won't go in there on principal. I'm not saying the policy is right or wrong, but I think you lose.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

falseflagsteve: Just a load of old misery guts women who are seeking attention. possibly a tiny amount have had a bad encounter but a similar amount or more have likely wrongly accused a man. It is always men who are the bad ones, not the delicate women who go on about equality but demand preferential treatment, It doesn't work with me, i'm not turning into a girly man to satisfy these loons and neither is my son.

Well, jolly good for you then! And by all means, don't let reality get in the way of paranoia.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

WilliB

In yet more separate cars, according to the logic of the "women only" ones...

That "logic" only applies if transvestites are readily identifiable, and often targeted to be sexually harassed. Then yes, in a system that does not seem able to protect it's citizens by effectively punishing the criminals and reducing that crime rate, the next best option would be to remove the potential victim from that environment.

As many others have said, it really is not an ideal solution, but it's the next best thing until there is a change in this society that allows such a crime to occur so disproportionately.

I do not believe that this solution assumes that all men on trains are perverts or criminals. Similarly, if I have to go somewhere late at night, I will usually opt to drive there rather than walk. Not because I believe everyone outside at a certain hour will be criminals, but because I understand that there is an increased risk and I am taking a precaution to do my best to avoid it. I think both men and women (and anyone else) can relate to that.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Natalie Fine: Oh please! You have seven other carriages to choose from. So until you have your testicles caressed by some old fossil with bad breath, stop whining.

Look at it from our point of view as a guy for a second. I'm sure you'll agree that most guys are decent and don't do bad things on trains or anywhere else. You walk on the platform to get your train. You see the "women only" sign, so you move down to a different spot. Or maybe you get on the car on accident, realize it, and you move to a different car.

Why do you have to move? Because apparently it's been judged that you're just too dangerous to stand next to a woman on a train. It's not something a guy (or anyone) is used to and it's a bit insulting if you let yourself think about it. Despite that, a vast majority of the guys move and then get over it. But we've all had that feeling, even for a split second.

In college I was part of an all male club and because of that we had to undergo rape sensitivity training. Women came in and taught us about rape. Same thing. It was judged that since we're a group of guys we need special attention because we just might turn out to be rapists...all because we joined an all male charity group. So you sit there and listen to people tell you that rape is bad and you shouldn't do it. As a normal guy, it's just a tad bit insulting.

If you want to know what it's like, imagine you have a kid. When you hear about a parent murdering their kid it's almost always a mother. So they decide that new mothers need a child sensitivity class. You sit in this class and they tell you that murdering your kid is bad. People actually sit there and tell you that and you have to listen because it's been decided that as a woman you just need to hear it. And if you don't like it, men will assume it's because you don't think murdering kids is a problem.

Would you do it? Probably. Would you feel like an idiot being talked down to by people who don't know you? Absolutely.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Maria: Nobody is forcing you to do anything but follow a request. If you feel the need to ignore that request because you feel it slights you personally, that's entirely your decision.

The "rape class" I had to attend was mandatory or else I wouldn't be allowed into the group. In the end you seem fit to deny that such situations exist as a way to not make an opinion on them.

I'll give you a situation: If women with babies and baby carriages were regularly being subjected to harassment, abuse and physical attacks from both men and women on trains, and were therefore allocated a "Mothers and babies only" car , which people unconnected to those travelling with said baby were asked not to enter, I would acknowledge and agree with the request. Would you? If not, why not?

You're talking about threats that don't actually exist, and you're also applying the same restrictions to both men and women when the topic is about the separation between men and women. And in the end you leave, which is what I said I would do on a women's only car. Apples and oranges.

How about this. You walk into a bar and the owner says that foreigners aren't allowed. He's been robbed 3 times over 10 years and all 3 times it was gaijin. He tells you that you have to leave but your Japanese friends can stay. As a decent person not looking for trouble, you leave. Those are your actions. But what are your thoughts?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I got on a Women Only car on the Toyoko line a couple of years ago by mistake (it's one of the cars towards the middle of the train on that line, I learned that day!). I'd just had a haircut and thought that must be the reason these nice ladies were looking at me, not in an unfriendly way, just sort of looking. I recall smiling to myself but my brief reverie was suddenly interrupted by one lady who told me in very good English that this car was for women only. I was so surprised but, glancing around, noticed she was right. There were women everywhere! I moved toward the door feeling rather disappointed that it had nothing to do with my new haircut at all and then sheepishly got off the train at the next stop.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Maria: I was trying to put the situation into a non-sex-specific situation. ie. if a particular group (women, men, old, young, disadvantaged) is being attacked, wouldn't we, as a society, support that group being protected? I would. That's about it.

There has to be a balance between protection and equality. Maybe that's the point that I was trying to make, although it didn't really come to me off the bat. I lived in Los Angeles and at the time there was a lot of tension between Korean shop owners and African Americans. The Koreans claimed that every time they were robbed it was a black person, so they started to, putting it gently, encourage black people not to shop there. Then there was a shooting where a shop owner shot a robber in the back and things really exploded. The Koreans felt justified since it was the same profile person committing the crime. But in the end no one would agree that the Koreans had the right to ban all black people from entering their shop.

So it's never an easy choice of protecting A when you're putting limits on B, and simply protecting A shouldn't be the end all analysis before making a decision.

Anyway, it sounds like we're winding things down. Thanks for sharing your opinion. And no, I don't go on women's cars. ;)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I wonder.

Are gay men allowed on the Hana Densha?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

on the toyoko line they put the women only car in the middle of train. sorry but during rush hour if the other cars are crowded why should i suffer the crowds? if its at the end of train and the women don't mind walking to end, more power to them.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Moonraker: I feel it is somehow racist. The implication is that foreigners do not understand subtleties and need strong language.

It's more likely that the person who translated the message into English wasn't able to do so with any subtlety. I'd chalk it up to poor English skills over racism.

aintgottimetobl: Do these exist in other countries,I wonder.

Why wonder? Why not just take a minute to look it up? That's what I did and what I found was: They are offered on some trains in Japan, Egypt, India, Iran, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Dubai.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

you are right it would be better to teach men to behave

But men aren't the only issue here. Women also grope and women cry wolf to extort money. Women are also the ones that IF a women riding in the mix cars, wonders why the women didn't take the women only cars. Society has to stop blaming JUST the men. The women play a role as well.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

tmarie; Some women never seem to be happy. Nothing wrong with the train companies providing women only carriages for the men haters and irrationally paranoid, i think it is a kind gesture.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

falseflagsteve: I laugh at those who think Japanese should learn to behave better when their own countries have far higher crime rates.

The majority of commuters are Japanese so it stands to reason that the majority of people affected by sexual assault on the trains are Japanese. Are you laughing at them or just the notion that people should look for solutions to crime?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Groping in the morning rush hours are actually a myth, they happen when the trains are less crowded. If you don't believe me try wigling your hands on a weekday in express train heading towards Tokyo at around 8 in the morning.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Er, Mr. Kendall.... I don't quite know how to put this, but according to Japanese Wiki, "hana densha" is a type of raunchy striptease performance.

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/花電車_(ストリップ)

If this is being offered on any of the commuter lines, I hope you'll let the other readers in here know about it.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

ambrosia, if a man stands up for himself he is labelled a sexist, so they want men to be pasive and feminine.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

By the way, in my observation, the women-only cars are not nearly as crowded as the rest. They are at the end of the train, however. I sometimes do wonder why women who are on the platform with time to choose a car ever elect the mixed-gender cars. However, it may be that they want to be near the stairs when they alight from the train.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

falseflagsteve: ambrosia, if a man stands up for himself he is labelled a sexist, so they want men to be pasive and feminine.

I don't even know what you mean by that. Who are they? What do you mean by a man standing up for himself? Do you equate passivity and the inability to stand up for oneself with being feminine? My husband would strongly disagree with you and I consider him every inch a man.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

The article mentions surveillance cameras on the Saikyo Line, but offers nothing about whether they are effective.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Having only one for women is not enough to achieve that aim.While not say men and women can not board on one car.This is crazy because all the women don't board the women only car,they still mix up with men on the other cars.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just put a big sign at each entrance of the station: "Warning, keep your hands to yourself. Chikans will be caught and will be prosecuted". Or, "Warning, this is not a chikansen". And, "watch out for chikans and if molested, shout aloud "Chikannn". "Riders, provide immediate assistance".

But in a country where they do not even want to say the word chikan, what do you expect? They pretend there is no problem and burry their head in the ground like ostriches.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

"There should be a man only carriage"

There should be more proper upbringing of males so that we don't have men misbehaving and being a nuisance in public.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"It's disgraceful that there's even a need for a women only train car in the first place..."

Yes. In the same way it is a disgrace that there is a need in this world for burglar alarms, rape alarms, CCTV cameras....we don't live in an ideal world so we have to think of solutions to mitigate crime.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Not a crime, but a lack of respect. But he if you are not going to enforce a rule, then why implement it...sigh

Why implement it? They didn't. It's a REQUEST, not a rule. If you choose to ignore the request, they aren't going to do anything.

Until something positive is done about the chikans, I have no problems with JR continuing this practice. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than ignoring the problem completely.

As I see it, chikans are able to do what they do because the train cars get packed so tightly that there is NO space between bodies. An average person - even if they are looking for groping, will only see a sea of heads. If JR added cars and stopped packing in riders with shoehorns, there would be space between riders and a chikan could be observed more easily. The open space between bodies would make them less likely to try anything for fear of being seen.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"There should be more proper upbringing of males so that we don't have men misbehaving and being a nuisance in public."

In an ideal world, yes, and that would eradicate all crime, everywhere in the world. And now back to the real world...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Loki520

Can we get a "Baby stroller" car where they can ride and stay out of the remainder of the cars?

What a selfish twit.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Havens sake, men like this are not men.

Leave women alone the way women want and respect their wishes. Do not even raise questions if this is right or not. Grow up Japanese men.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I do not know why anyone would want to enter a car fill with opposite gender. I, for one, will find that uncomfortable. If by any misfortune I ended up there, I will most likely confine myself to the corner.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Fugacis: Now that we've looked at it from your view, let's take it back to a woman's perspective

You missed the point entirely. I was presenting a male's point of view that women probably don't often think of, not giving a case to do away with women only cars. Like I said a vast majority of us follow the rules.

This also plays into what I said here: "People actually sit there and tell you that and you have to listen because it's been decided that as a woman you just need to hear it. And if you don't like it, men will assume it's because you don't think murdering kids is a problem."

It's a touchy situation. If you give your views about it, it could be misconstrued which is what happened on our conversation.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Maria, what utter tosh. Women in Japan are not in fear every day of being attacked or raped. This really angers me as does these childish women only carriages forced on us to dehumanise all men and don't forget boys can see this and an image of man= bad is embedded in their brain,

Japan has a liberal attitude to women and it is a safe place compared to most. Women are allowed the same rights as men but that is not good enough for some women. They want to be always painted as a victim, make men look like monsters and get preferential treatment, that is not equality it is facism.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thanks Maria, call me a name without any evidence as you do not like that i know the truth, The carriages are an extention of men being blamed for the worlds woes and women feeling like victims. I don't like this game chosen for us by the elite and i make my posts to the point and try to be as polite to other posters as possible. These type of carriages are to make men live in fear, to take away their masculinaty and to make them more compliant to government orders.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Maria: You are putting your pride above the feelings of women who live every day with the very real concern of being harassed, grabbed, attacked or raped, and prefer to travel in relative safety, and you are ignoring women's requests for a haven for a few minutes.

That's your mischaracterization of my position, which is actually more of an opinion or an attempt to share a man's thoughts that you probably didn't know about otherwise. Apparently I can't say enough that I am not against women-only cars. You give examples of other signs but those apply equally to everyone so I don't think you're getting the point. If you ever see a sign saying that as a women you can't do something but it's OK for men I don't think you'll take it personally but I'm guessing you will think about it in a different way.

Acamer0: I'm not sure about the "murdering kids" part

It's just an example of a situation that involves women being the guilty party most of the time, not that I support such classes. Women are actually more likely to commit child abuse, neglect, etc., perhaps that would have been a more common example to use. So now put yourself in the situation.

I am undoubtably a vulnerable target due to my gender...But I won't, because I understand that the reason behind this measure was simply the numbers. As a woman, I am more likely to be attacked therefore, I should be forced to learn certain skills to protect myself.

Actually men are overwhelming the victim of violent crime, at least in the US. Your class sounds great but I'm not sure why they didn't expand it to include all kids. This kind of brings up the problem....if you want to try to justify women-only classes then people could accuse you of not caring about violence against men, although I'm assuming that won't be the case.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Still not the same. Imagine something where women were statistically proven to be the perpetrator so because of that you are not allowed to do something. The child neglect example is probably more appropriate. An overwhelming majority is done by women. Should women, including you, be forced to take a child rearing class while your husband goes shopping? If you say no, is it because you don't care about children? If you say yes then when can you start?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And that (the theoretical situation in the above post) is also not the same as the women-only carriage. Nobody is forcing you to do anything but follow a request. If you feel the need to ignore that request because you feel it slights you personally, that's entirely your decision.

I'll give you a situation: If women with babies and baby carriages were regularly being subjected to harassment, abuse and physical attacks from both men and women on trains, and were therefore allocated a "Mothers and babies only" car , which people unconnected to those travelling with said baby were asked not to enter, I would acknowledge and agree with the request. Would you? If not, why not?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

male only carriage pls,

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I was trying to put the situation into a non-sex-specific situation. ie. if a particular group (women, men, old, young, disadvantaged) is being attacked, wouldn't we, as a society, support that group being protected?

I would. That's about it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The only problem, if it can be described as a problem, with these cars is that it seems to suggest that society has given up on combatting the problem in favor of avoiding it. People, men or women, should be highly encouraged to report such incidents and the incidents should be investigated seriously. Solutions such as plain-clothes security/officers and cameras should also be used more.

In a sense, by seperating women, there is an implied suggestion that they have done something wrong. They have not and should not have to hide just to use public transportation.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Legalized segregation and sexual discrimination.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

of course this is pure discrimination and sexist. how come they even assume all men are perverts, rapists and ban them all together how about female rapists ,female pedophiles, female perverts? there are a lot of female perverts all over the world. there are perverts in both genders and there are gay perverts too what if a female gay pervert goes into the train and start touching women? see? why they only separate men and women? why the gender is a factor in here? why it's not something else like age, youngers only train , foreigners only train ,hot women only train? because usually hot women are sexually assaulted than ugly women (I meant in the eye of people) it's wrong to categorize like that because still a pervert is the one perverts on people so the better method is finding the pervert and report them in here we have only two kind of people innocents and perverts and pervert can be a man or a woman and innocent can be a man or a woman. there can be low female perverts but japan has a lot of people so proportionally there can be more female perverts in number. so gender segregation doesn't solve issues.

this doesn't solve all issues the only way is educating people that there can be perverts in the train and if you witnessed one report it asap to the train station and they can place some cops in each train station to arrest those bad people (men and women) and they can place CCTV camera in the trains and identify the bad people and arrest them in the next train station .

0 ( +0 / -0 )

i remember when i was in Japan in 2010 with my Friend we were asking for the right train to go in to a train worker which was arround 52 years old. He said to us that this is the train we need go in and he lead us fast to go inside before the doors will be closed. what figure out he put us to go in a women capsule train. OMG!!!! we were mad because we knew about this and we were tricked by the train worker.

everyboyd look us right away even in the other cabine were was very full people were watching... ssoo embarresed, so hatsugashi !!! anyway when we step out the line were woman waiting in the line staring us like hell like we like it to go the woman cabin :(( but after this happend i found funny experience XD

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Here on some Kansai lines the message in English suggests that it is actually forbidden to ride the women-only cars, whereas in Japanese the language is not so strong. I feel it is somehow racist. The implication is that foreigners do not understand subtleties and need strong language.

No. More likely they got some Japanese person who thought they were great at Engrish but couldn't use subtre ranguage and transrated it rearry badry.

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

I've accidentally rushed into women only cars before. In every case, there's not been much fuss; once I realise my mistake, I move quickly through to the next car along, or wait by the door looking out of the window until the next stop if I have to hop across that way. My experience suggests that most women just think "it happens" and roll their eyes when someone makes that honest mistake. It's when some obnoxious jerk or pervert comes in and starts making themselves at home that there's a problem.

I do think they're an important thing to have and to respect, however. For women who have been touched up on the trains, or who have even more traumatic experiences of sexual assault, a train car with several unknown men in tight quarters can be a harrowing experience, and thus prohibitive of taking public transport. Not to mention that in Japan - as in most of the world - the threat of rape and/or sexual assault is ever-present and real.

A society that is permissive of this endemic persecution of women, and with the patriarchal and misogynist attitudes that condone, trivialise, and blame the victims for assault is to blame for the fact that so many women have to feel unsafe in mixed crowds. A women only carriage is only the first and most immediately practical of a long, long chain of redress.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

I wonder how many times a groping victim was asked why she didn't ride the front car.

Exactly this comment has been made a few times on JT on groping-victim related threads.

Im with tmarie - teach the locals to behave and by that I mean the women TOO, and then it wouldnt be an issue at all. the men need to keep their hands off, but Im sure theyd feel much more inclined to do so if there was a high chance theyd get their fingers broken and their crotches kneed if they tried anything.

Personally I think they should reverse the whole thing - have one gropers-only carriage per train. Then the guys can get their fix, the women who get a kick out of it can get their kick, and the rest of us can ride in peace.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Chiba, I believe there is porn like that! Trains could charge more for the "grope" carriage!!

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

It'd be cool to make a habit of riding in the women's only carriage all the time, just to see what kind of reaction you get.

Maria: Yes, if you want to be a dick.

If you want your own car so be it, but sometimes you're probably going to deal with a tiny percentage of men who don't care about it. You'll live.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I also think a man only carriage is needed to balance things out. i am tired of having young women pressed against me in the morning rush.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

NZ2011: Well said, all around. Unfortunately, I think that unless victims feel like the people around them will have their back if they decide to stand up for themselves and call out their assailants, little is going to deter sexual assaults anytime in the near future.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

It's a shame that these cars are considered necessary. But offenders are only charged with being a public nuisance, as if they've played a trumpet in the park at midnight. It's a form of sexual assault and should be treated as such. Yes, men are occasionally felt up, too, by gay men or by women. I've heard this also from other foreign men and never from Japanese, so I assume foreign men are more commonly targeted.

Male-only cars would not protect men from being groped by gay men, but it would protect them from mistakenly being charged. There is no presumption of innocence in Japanese culture and police may hold a suspect for weeks without charge. A mistaken charge or even arrest would likely result the in loss of a job (Check your contracts, mates. In most cases you may be absent only a handful of days without approval before being terminated. Would they approve of your taking leave for being arrested?). This may also mean the loss of a career, as future employment in Japan would be unlikely for someone fired as a groping suspect, and the end of a marriage (and therefore permanent enforced separation from one's children) so I think we blokes, too, should have the choice of a gender segregated car.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

warnerbro: My Japanese female friends have told me that 1) the cars are almost always at the end of the trains and not necessarily where the women need to end up which can be a real hassle on some of the longer trains and 2) since most of them cease being "female only" by 9:00, they are not necessarily helpful for women who go into work a little later or have flex-time schedules.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Increase 24-hr trains, so grope no big deal.

Guys should have grope-only cars where guys are groped by gals.

Everyone leaves happy in the morning.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

It's disgraceful that there's even a need for a women only train car in the first place...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

and have this experience condoned?

What makes you think it's condoned! If it were condoned, there wouldn't be Women Only cars.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

In a world in which men or women are defined not by their sexual organs but by their "sexual orientation", my question is where do the she-men or he-women fit in this?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

tmarieFeb. 28, 2013 - 09:33AM JST

Get rid of these silly cars and teach the locals to behave. It does nothing to help women here. Just continues to make them look weak and helpless.

Yes great idea, and while you are at it lets encourage women all around the world to walk alone at night scantily dressed down dark alleys, we can just tell those bad men that they should behave...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Anyone can ride in any car. It is only a suggestion for "women only"; there is no law that forbids riding in a certain car.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@SuperLib,

I'm going to put this as politely as I can, before someone else comes and rips you to shreds for insinuating that your hurt feelings are more important than women's right to feel safe.

Yes, most men would not hurt women, or at least do not intend to. The problem is that you are assuming that this speaks for every man, and assuming that just because you might walk into a women only carriage and mean no harm, that there aren't many, many other men that go in there who do intend harm. There are several, and we can't tell which ones are bad by sight. An estimated 1 in 6 women will experience sexual assault within her lifetime, and in the overwhelming majority of cases the perpetrators will be men. Given this knowledge, there is a not insignificant risk that one of the men in any social situation will be willing to commit an act of sexual transgression.

You may have thought that you were being patronised by the ladies who ran the seminar on sexual assault for your college club, but there's a good chance that at least one of those men will have committed sexual assault, and it's probable that most of them, you included, have attitudes that would enable this abuse in a social setting (e.g. a girl who's passed out drunk is fair game).

Look at it from our point of view as a guy for a second.

Now that we've looked at it from your view, let's take it back to a woman's perspective, particularly one who has suffered sexual assault. Knowing that there are several predators out there, and that a crowded train carriage offers an easy opportunity for gropers, every train journey becomes a risk. Maybe a 1/8 risk, maybe a 1/15 risk, maybe a 1/100 risk. Doesn't matter - there is a risk that one of those men on the train could grope you, or worse. And you don't know which one it might be, because rapists do not look any different to other people. Could you get on a train and risk that? Could you do that every single day?

That's why women only carriages exist. Because the threat of groping is so great that many women simply feel intolerably unsafe, and thus are constrained in their ability to travel. This is an unfair imposition by society, limiting their daily freedoms. Having a more palpably safe area on public transport mitigates this. It's not the end of the action that must be taken, but it's the most immediately expedient.

See how that harm far outweighs your feeling a bit put out when women see you as a potential threat? The consequences for you when stumbling into a women only carriage is that you feel a bit embarassed and put out that you're not trusted. The consequence for a woman in that car is that someone may or may not have just deliberately and maliciously violated a clearly delineated safe space - and if he's done that, what else might he be willing to do?

This blogpost is well worth reading to understand the logic behind this: http://kateharding.net/2009/10/08/guest-blogger-starling-schrodinger%E2%80%99s-rapist-or-a-guy%E2%80%99s-guide-to-approaching-strange-women-without-being-maced/

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

If you ever see a sign saying that as a women you can't do something but it's OK for men I don't think you'll take it personally but I'm guessing you will think about it in a different way.

See them quite a bit, really. The places that come to mind most readily are those saunas and hotels -not the scuzzy sex/massage ones, just regular ones in central locations, quite reasonably priced. I wish there were some which were as well-located but for women. It's a shame, but I understand the business/security logic behind the management's decision. Do I like it? No. Do I get it? Yes.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Since often the only empty seats in crowded trains are those next to foreigners, more so than Japanese men, is it only a matter of time before there are "Japanese Only Cars"? And will those, like FPSRussia that break these rules get a medal, statue or commemorative day?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Guys get felt up and get accused of being perverts when they haven't done anything. If good for one, should be good for the other so yes, where are the men only cars?! Again, wouldn't it just be better to teach people to behave?

-2 ( +5 / -8 )

False, just because you don't see it doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Yes, little women, go be segregated and be happy. Please.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

kimuzukashiiiii: Groping is one issue, and this is another, but to be honest I think this is much more important, yet entirely overlooked.

First, it's not overlooked. There are designated seats for pregnant women, the elderly, injured and disabled people as well as signs asking people to give up their seats to them. Second, while I'd agree that people should make more of an effort to treat all of the above with respect and to give up seats for them, I'm not sure I'd agree that it "is much more important". Not giving up priority seats to the people mentioned is rude. Sexually assaulting someone is criminal.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

while they're at it, they should make one for the elderly, for the gaijins, for the handicaps, blacks, whites, one for where you are allowed to smoke etc... but seriously speaking, to be fair just make a "male only" carriage, i.e. no females no trannies.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

I have also heard about women falesly accusing men of groping and more serious things to get money and also because some hate men and do not care if a man has his life ruined. We are moving away from equality to a dangerous place where men have to show their hands in fear of being accussed by a nutter or scammer while on the train.

there are obviously perverts in every country, maybe as many women as men, but it is always men who are accussed and it is becoming a trend to dehumanise us and make us act more feminine.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Can we get a "Baby stroller" car where they can ride and stay out of the remainder of the cars?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

There is little compliance for the women only cars on the Yamanote loop, particularly at Jiyugaoka where I'd usually get on. I didn't see many women getting visibly upset when guys would board -- quite often they were full, like any car, with a fairly even ratio. It's hard to adhere to the rule when, as others have pointed out, the rest of the cars are bursting at the seams.

I don't disagree with the principle and the sentiment at all, but in practice it's not that pragmatic (particularly at peak times).

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Great post Juan and a good place for female sex offenders to hang out,. Saw recently that it is getting more common for paedophiles to get jobs in day care places so they can take indecent photos of the kids in the toilets and share online. Many of these offenders are women yet we mostly only here of males doing this. Same as spouse abuse, nearly always the poor woman, the world has gone mad.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Absolutely have female only cars.. is that such a problem for a society where men are gentlemen and have a little class especially for women with children and school girls.. what if you are gay? Maybe there should be a couple cars one PInk.. one Purple another with trance music.. another with TV screens .. in turn there should also be a Asahi sponsored bar car in the back with sports on high tech Sony screens . where you can have a beer and smell like a bar and no one cares.. there no need be seats.. just leaning rails.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

pratikpanchal:

" We have such trains in Mumbai, India. "

You also have a horrific problem with violence and discrimination against females in India. The reason that many of us object to the "women only" compartments is precisely because many of us consider Japan a first-world country where measures like in India are not necessary,

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

All, I guess you'd rather have them all in Burkas and only going out with male relatives while teaching the men that women are mere possessions and should be controlled?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Can we have an "exhausted people-only" car? Oh, that's right, we have that now - it's called the Green Car, it justs costs several times as much to ride as the cattle cars, lol.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Lady only train car is good idea but next step would be to introduce G cars for same-s couples and individuals and rest of commuters can mixed up as they wish.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

How is it a punishment to men, to maintain a women-only carriage? Men don't rail about women having their own toilets, do they? Why not? Because men's loos have quicker turnover (as it were). Those who want to abolish the women-only carriage simply because they're not allowed on it are reacting like children - they want preferential treatment 100% all the time, and if they don't get their way they throw a tantrum.

The women-only carriage is not a perfect solution. As the article says:

we ought to restore trust and put emphasis on the moral obligation that both men and women have to help prevent and refuse to permit such abhorrent behaviour as groping? -

But that requires a lot more changes, which may take years if not decades.

So, until things do change, the women-only carriage is good enough for now, as an acknowledgment that women are regularly being mistreated. And since a lot of female passengers want the carriage, as opposed to some male passengers, aren't the women the customers to listen to?

-3 ( +11 / -14 )

I ride the Women Only car all the time! Once I'm plugged into my iPad the women in the carriage realize that I don't care anything about them at all and thus say nothing to me.

My two cents are very simple. I paid the same money as a female passenger so if there's a seat available its open to me. If I have to pull a Rosa Parks I will. I won't be told where I can or cannot sit based on the color of my skin, gender, or age.

If I can be courteous I will. But when I see this kind of discrimination courtesy goes right out the window

I know you want to say its not discrimination but that's the misunderstanding. It always under a different pretense. Always under the banner of good intentions. Oh how misguided we can be.

Just to show respect to other bloggers. It's perfectly okay if you disagree with me. Just warning you, here in Japan they chip away at your rights. The sledgehammer is too obvious.

-3 ( +12 / -16 )

I hate the women's only are. A parade of women doing their hair and make up. Tend to find it stinks of perfume. Have always found the cars next to the women's only to be less crowded and comfortable.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

There should be a man only carriage, for equality.

Are men equally likely to be sexually assaulted and have this experience condoned?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

probie: Did you wag your finger when you wrote that? ;) The reporter/TV station obviously thought it was funny, because out of all the people they could have interviewed, they chose her. Choose a regular looking woman and they'd have got a more balanced reception from the viewer

Great, so you and the reporter are immature. My apologies. You've made it clear you're not capable of better.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Nothing wrong with the companies providing women only carriages for the men haters and irrationally paranoid, i think it is a kind gesture.

Yes, being grope or knowing someone who has been is an being irrationally paranoid. Riding in them makes one a man hater. What colour is the sky in your world? Green?

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

They do this to make men feel guilty for no reason and make women think all men are sexual deviants. you can see in Japan and also other plaes the blokes turning asexual, getting phyically weedier on the whole.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Segregation because of Race, Gender or Social status is WRONG! The excuse doesn't justify the means. This society is too easily influenced to Segregate, discriminate and bully each other simply because of some claims. Trains are too small to start with, which I am sure contributes to the 'Cropping' incidents.Separate cars is foolish, more security cameras are more sensible as they do in other countries.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Here on some Kansai lines the message in English suggests that it is actually forbidden to ride the women-only cars, whereas in Japanese the language is not so strong. I feel it is somehow racist. The implication is that foreigners do not understand subtleties and need strong language.

The system itself is a typically unsatisfactory measure that fails to address the real problem of gropers and I for one feel it is an affront to be classified as suspicious and "denied" access when I am not.

-4 ( +13 / -17 )

Sorry, Probie I know you're only trying to be funny

No. I'm being truthful

You have no idea and shame on you for being so shallow and judgmental

Did you wag your finger when you wrote that? ;)

The reporter/TV station obviously thought it was funny, because out of all the people they could have interviewed, they chose her. Choose a regular looking woman and they'd have got a more balanced reception from the viewer.

Look, I get what you're trying to do but for far too many women this is a serious, frightening thing so maybe try and look at it in less of an immature manner. I know you're capable of better.

I'm not making fun of chikan, I just thought it was a hilarious choice of person to interview.

Anyway, women only carriages are stupid. As someone said earlier in the comments, put up signs in the cars that say "5 years for chikan".

Also, If there was a men only carriage, I'd ride in that. I'm sick of having to always have my arms up holding the straps or rails because some stupid woman might accuse me of groping her. It's sexual harrassment.

-4 ( +7 / -12 )

I laugh at those who think Japanese should learn to behave better when their own countries have far higher crime rates. There are perverts everywhere and that need to be dealt with. In Japan the major train crime is sexual assault in the west robbery and violence. I have seen violence and robbery/attempted robberies at least 10 times in the UK yet in my time in Japan have not known anyone to be groped. Seems like it is the usual moaners going on again. There is a women' onky carriage, go in there, be quiet and stop moaning, lol.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Pontepilate:

" In a world in which men or women are defined not by their sexual organs but by their "sexual orientation", my question is where do the she-men or he-women fit in this? "

In yet more separate cars, according to the logic of the "women only" ones...

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I have talked with my Japanese female friends. They told me a different story. They told me there a successful money scam when accusing men of being chikan. They can get 300,000¥ easily. In some cases more.

Do not focus on one side of the story. There are women who are out to get fast money. Police simply want to process the individual. For most men it's better to make this go away if falsely accused.

This is happening in Japan more often than most of you may know. Segregated trains is not the solution.

The solution is making more space on the train. The solution is building the economy in more places than Tokyo.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Just a load of old misery guts women who are seeking attention. possibly a tiny amount have had a bad encounter but a similar amount or more have likely wrongly accused a man. It is always men who are the bad ones, not the delicate women who go on about equality but demand preferential treatment,

It doesn't work with me, i'm not turning into a girly man to satisfy these loons and neither is my son.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

It's funny when changing trains in the morning at some stations, when a train pulls up that is shorter than the one opposite and you get women running (which is hilarious to begin with) in their heels to get to the women only carriage, and it make this clippy cloppy noise.

Do they have no shame? It sounds like market day.

I also remember something on the news about the women only carriages a few years ago. They had interviews with women passengers, and they interviewed a woman who was about 50 years old, old-looking, short, and about 100kg. She was talking about how scary chikan was, and saying that she felt safer in women only carriages. I remember thinking that she would be the last person who needed to worry about being groped.

-7 ( +7 / -16 )

It'd be cool to make a habit of riding in the women's only carriage all the time, just to see what kind of reaction you get.

-11 ( +3 / -15 )

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