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Kotaku
Nerd haven Akihabara is dangerous! Compared with other countries, Japan has a reputation of being fairly safe. At fast food restaurants, people don't think twice about leaving their purses and bags on their chairs while going to the restroom. Pick-pocketing on crowded trains is almost unheard of, and violent crime is rare. The Yomiuri Shinbun reports:
- Between January 1st and May 31st, there were 29 reported bag thefts of customers who were playing video games or sleeping. (No sleeping in Akiba!) Compare that to 22 total cases of theft last year.
- 225 shoplifters were caught in 2006 compared to 118 in 2005. The shoplifters were apprehended stealing games and DVDs with the intent of reselling them to raise money.
- Last year, 259 individuals were caught carrying knife "without proper reason." That is a chargeable offense and violates the Minor Offenses Law. In 2004, there were only 39 violations.
The increase petty crime is most likely due to the increased popularity of the area. Last year, there were a few incidents of "otaku hunting," in which dorks were targeted for robbery. Compared to the States, crime like this is small potatoes. That doesn't make it any less real or threatening. So don't forget to wear your "scary face" when shopping in Akihabara for games!
The Yomiuri Shinbun [Official Site]
