The Dark Side of the Commute: Understanding Chikan in Japan

Japan is known for being one of the safest countries in the world, but there is one issue that many women face every single day: Chikan (痴漢), or train groping. This week on Spill the Matcha, Misato and Cherine have a serious and necessary conversation about the reality of navigating Japan's crowded public transport.From the "Women Only" carriages to the viral safety apps, the girls discuss the cultural and social factors that make this issue so persistent and what is being done to stop it.This episode aims to break the silence on a difficult topic while providing support and information for our listeners. We’re spilling the matcha on the parts of Japanese life that aren't always easy to talk about, but are vital to understand.Stay Safe on Your Commute: If you or someone you know has been affected by chikan, please know there is support. Download the Digi Police app for a silent way to call for help on crowded trains. For professional support, call the nationwide sexual crime hotline at #8103 or the Yorisoi Hotline for English support at 0120-279-338. Your safety matters!