Police in Hyogo Prefecture are reporting the arrest of a man suspected of being a chikan, Japans embarrassing subclass of perverts that grope unsuspecting women on crowded trains. The suspects capture wasnt the result of a sophisticated sting or surveillance operation, though. As a matter of fact, the arresting officer didnt even have to chase the man down, as the police claim he was caught red, and butt, handed when he grabbed the behind of a fellow passenger whos also a policewoman.
Part of the reason some chikan get away with their crimes is that Japans packed commuter trains can be crowded enough to make identifying and physically apprehending them difficult. On top of that, whether theyre conscious of it or not, the offenders are often exploiting Japanese societal values.
Since conflict is to be avoided, many people wont raise a ruckus unless theyre absolutely sure someone just copped a feel, and theyre also 100-percent confident who it was. At the same time, Japanese cultures emphasis on not causing trouble for others often manifests as not sticking your nose into their disputes, so a woman who decides to confront a chikan cant always count on her fellow passengers to lend a hand.
A 21-year-old policewoman with Hyogos Kawanishi Precinct, however, is no stranger to conflict, and she can call on the whole prefectural police force for backup. Not that she needed it, though. According to the arrest report, at around 7:55 in the morning on December 3, the woman was riding a limited express train on her way to start her shift. Somewhere between Kobe and Sannomiya Stations, two of the busiest stops on the Kobe Line section of the JR Tokkaido Line, the officer felt someone touch her behind.
Following the hand to its owner, the officer claims she found 35-year-old Masaaki Ukai, a resident of Himeji City. Youre a chikan, arent you? she asked Ukai, and concluded that if he couldnt restrain himself, she would be happy to, taking him into custody before he was booked by the prefectures Fukiai Precinct.
Media outlets report that upon learning the woman was a police officer, Ukais spirits sank. A trial date is yet to be set, but in the meantime, this serves a solemn reminder that if youre going to grab a womans butt, you should always ask, Are you a cop? first.
Oh, and dont forget, Is it OK if I grab your butt? Thats another good one to know the answer to.
