Is Japan Really a Safe Country? Let's Take a Look at How Their Crime Rate Compares to the Rest of the World! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide (2024)

FAQs

Is Japan really a safe country? ›

It comes as no surprise that Japan is ranked as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world.

So, violence against figures representing the state is deeply ingrained in Japanese political history. In respect of Japan's apparent success in preventing and controlling crime, Japan is famed as a “low-crime nation”.

While Japan sits at the top of many general safety rankings, travelers to the country still need to be aware of potential dangers and how best to react to them. Japan is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

By international standards, everyone is jealous.

Remember your question “Is Japan safe?” Yes. Japan overall is an extremely safe country, in many respects actually far safer than the United States. So safe, that in fact it was ranked the “safest country in the world.” Why?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. While one should always use common sense and be aware, it's quite safe to walk around, even at night. Nevertheless, it's always important to take normal precautions in crowds and nightspots and to avoid areas where one may be isolated and feel unsafe.

Despite being a global superpower, the United States ranks near the bottom of the list in regard to safety—in 2022, its GPI earned the US 129th place out of 163 countries.

The cultural explanation is simplistic. Explaining low crime with culture is to say that collectivist traits like group-orientation, inclination towards harmony, and high self-control are why the Japanese do not murder, assault, and steal from each other as much as others in different countries.

Can an American move to Japan? Yes. You can move to Japan from the US. You'll need to apply for the relevant visa for your situation, at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate² which is closest to your home.

Japan. According to the Global Peace Index, Japan is the 10th safest country in the world. There are a number of reasons why Japan is such a safe place to live. For one, the country has a very low crime rate.

Everybody knows Japan is in crisis. The biggest problems it faces – sinking economy, aging society, sinking birthrate, radiation, unpopular and seemingly powerless government – present an overwhelming challenge and possibly an existential threat.

Is it safe to walk at night in Japan? ›

As mentioned above, Tokyo is generally a safe city to walk around - even late at night - and most visitors experience minimal (if any) hassle by locals. You should nevertheless maintain a certain degree of street sense and awareness around you, particularly if you are a female walking alone later in the evening.

If a nation plans to attack Japan, the attacker must be prepared to confront not only the defense capability of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), but also the overwhelming military strength of the United States, due to the U.S. obligation to defend Japan in the event of an armed attack.

Though Japan is not ranked as the safest country in the world, it always ranks among the top 10 safest countries. Considering its population, Tokyo is perhaps the safest city among metropolitan cities with a large population. Japan is a much safer place to live than America.

One of the most important elements to consider when choosing a car to buy is safety. Generally speaking, Japanese cars have the upper hand in this department due to their standards and technologies approved by the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), but this doesn't mean American cars are not as safe.

Japan is one of the most expensive countries for expats, although most agree that the price is worth it. Likewise, other benefits of moving to Japan include superb healthcare, high performing schools, and, last but not least, delicious ramen on nearly every corner.

Individual tourists may visit Japan starting October 11, 2022, subject to vaccine or testing requirements as further described in the U.S. Embassy's “Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Japan” webpage. Tourists with U.S. passports no longer need a visa to stay up to three months.

Japan's largest wild mammal comes in two colors: the Ussuri (or Ezo) brown bear and the Asian black bear. Native to Hokkaido, the Ussuri brown bear is considered the most ferocious of the pair.

The United States ranks at 129th with a score of 2.44, marking the country's score "low." Just above the U.S. is Azerbaijan, and just below is Brazil.

Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, especially after dark. Murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping are high risks. These crimes can occur at tourist spots and resorts. Criminals posing as police officers have committed sexual assault, extortion and robbery.

In 2021, Canada ranked as the 4th safest country in the world by U.S. News. Canada's high position on the index sits alongside Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway. Canada's ranking is 14 spots before the United Kingdom, and 34 spots ahead of the United States.

Is Japan very clean? ›

Wherever you travel around Japan, from big cities to the countryside, you will be amazed by how Japanese people keep their community beautiful. Traditionally, cleanliness has been a big part of Japanese culture, and Japanese people unconsciously make an effort in many aspects every day to keep the country clean.

OVERALL, THE JAPANESE CRIME RATE IS ONE-FOURTH THE RATE IN THE U.S.: THERE ARE 10 TIMES MORE MURDERS IN THE U.S. THAN IN JAPAN, 13 TIMES MORE RAPES PER CAPITA, AND 208 TIMES MORE ROBBERIES.

Since 2000, 98 inmates have been executed in Japan, with the most recent being the execution of Tomohiro Katō, the perpetrator of the Akihabara massacre in 2008, who was executed on 26 July 2022. There are currently 106 death row inmates awaiting execution.

If you will be staying longer than 90 days with an appropriate visa, you must register your address with your residence's municipal office and obtain a Resident Card (“Zairyu Card”) from regional immigration offices.

Bottom Line. Japan is a stunning destination and highly sought after by Americans who want to retire abroad. It is very difficult to gain residency in Japan, but if you do, it can be a great place to retire. The healthcare system is one of the best in the world.

Virtually all US citizens are required to file an annual US Federal Tax Return no matter where they live. On top of this, most expats living in Japan will also have to file taxes to the Japanese government as well.

Kyoto is one of the most beautiful and safest places to live in. It is the capital of Kyoto prefecture in Japan. It is located in the Kansai region on the main island of Honshu. Out of 1.5 Million people, 21,000 crimes were reported, which makes the crime rate about 1.45%.

Frisco, TX

With just over 200,000 residents, Frisco is the safest city in America according to our metrics. Located approximately 30 miles north of Dallas, Frisco has the fifth-lowest violent crime rate across our study, with 86 violent crimes reported per 100,000 residents.

New Zealand

New Zealand is the second-safest country in the world. Like Iceland, New Zealand has a very low crime rate, and violent crime is especially rare.

Is Japan Safe? Japan is quite safe — one of the safer countries on the planet. Japan is the kind of place where you can leave your purse on a park bench, come back an hour later, and it will be in the same place. (Don't test that theory out, though.)

Why is Japan the safest country in the world? ›

For one, the country has a very low crime rate. In 2019, there were only 2.3 murders per 100,000 people in Japan, compared to 5 per 100,000 people in the United States. Japan has strict gun control laws that make it difficult for criminals to obtain firearms.

Crime against foreigners is generally low. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs from time to time. Be cautious in entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially in these four in Tokyo: Kabukicho.

Japan has a strong tradition of women being housewives after marriage. When mothers do work, they often pick up part-time, low-paying jobs based on their children's or husband's schedule. Taking care of the family and household is seen as a predominately female role, and working women are expected to fulfill it.

Is it safe to walk around Tokyo at night? The short answer is a solid Yes. Generally, Tokyo is safe to walk around, even very late into the night. Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world for a reason, more often or not you should be more concerned about missing the last train in Tokyo rather than getting mugged.