Job Discussion Forums

[Betty Lou Jones]

Hello everyone! I am new to Japan and to this forum. I have a question to the ladies! I am a high school assistant language teacher (ALT). I've been commuting early to avoid rush hour, because of being warned by many sources about men groping women on the crowded train. However every morning when the alarm clock goes off, I think of how I could sleep another hour and commute during rush hour. My question is should I continue to wake up early? Is commuting during rush hour as bad as they say it is?

[JimDunlop2]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=12140

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=20492

[Big John Stud]

I don't think it is as bad as discribed on those threads but then again, I could be wrong.

[nonsmoker]

If you're next to Yawarakaijin, you don't have to worry - he only gropes boys.

[wabisabi365]

Hi Betty Lou,

Where I live, there are women's cars on the train. Although I don't think it's the solution to the groping problem, it has made the mornings a little less uncomfortable. That isn't to say the car isn't crowded; it is. But, even when you're with your butt pressed against someone, you know they aren't going to grab it. Oh, and it smells very nice on the "pink" car too.

A harsh tactic I've heard of...

Carry a small thumbtack when you know you'll be in the sardine can. Keep your hands to your sides. Feel a grope on your a**? Pri*ck the pri*k.

I'm a pacifist... really!

There are arguments against the women only cars. Some men feel women are receiving special treatement when only a small portion of the male population create the problem. Some feel it's ignoring the real problem (the gropers) and segregating the victims. Why aren't the gropers being penalized more heavily?

A difficult one, really. But, for the time being, I stand on the cramped and crowded women's car, knowing I won't be surprised by a wandering hand while I try to catch a 10-minute cat nap. And did I mention it smells good?

I was groped once last year. He grabbed my waist with both hands from behind and squeezed. It scared the crap out of me, but I did manage to grab both of his hands and hold on for dear life. I exited the car still holding his hands (he was still behind me) and we were pushed out onto the platform with the momentum of the crowd behind us. He managed to pull his arms free and take off. I didn't even get to see his face. I still wonder now why I didn't just yell. Perhaps it's the pervasive silence on the train that inhibited me at the time. I don't know. I've read that women are becoming more vocal and yelling out when it happens. More gropers were reported last year than ever before. I do remember adreneline pumping through me right afterwards. I'm not sure what I would have done if I'd had the chance to confront him face on.

So, it does happen whether foreign or not. I suppose gropers don't discriminate.

Take care,
ws365

[Apsara]

I have lived in Japan 9 years and have not been groped on the train during rush hour, and I don't think it's as common as some people believe, but I have had my butt grabbed as I was walking along the platform once. With so many people around me (it was the last station so everybody got off at once) there's no way in the world I could have identified who it was. I would want to be very sure I knew who had done it before I accused someone.

What keeps me off rush hour trains is not the fear of being groped, (again , it's not the kind of thing that happens every day) but the general unpleasantness of a rush hour train- even though I'm tall and can breathe it's just a not-nice experience in general being smashed up against people- especially in summer- unable to move my feet, then jostled as people try to cram on and off at each station.

[Sour Grape]

[bailemos]

In my years in country, Ive not been groped on a train (as such.. stray hands notwithstanding ...?) though I do try to avoid rush-hour trains and esp. Yamanote sen !!

I think appearing assertive helps. I would probably yell quite a loud, expletive containing deterant should it happen.

I avoid rush hour trains because they are just uncomfortable more than anything else .. Im just not into getting that close to people Im not in a relationship with !!

[Eva Pilot]

I know a big tall Canadian guy that got his butt groped outside the train station once, on his first day in town.

What a story to tell the folks back home.

[Apsara]

There was an article in one of the English magazines not too long ago, can't remember which one, about a guy who had his um, manhood, groped on a crowded train. The guy was really blatant about it too apparently. Women are not the only victims of this crime!

[gaijin4life]

[quote=]I know a big tall Canadian guy that got his butt groped outside the train station once, on his first day in town.

What a story to tell the folks back home.[/quote]

- I would only hope it happened in Tokyo, rather than somewhere like .. Nagoya or Okayama !!!

[JonnyB61]

I think this constitutes judgement for the plaintiff.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6740381.stm

[Betty Lou Jones]

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for taking their time and consideration! And a special thanks for all those who warned me.
I decided to experience rush hour for myself. In a way I am happy I did! From now on when the alarm clock rings, all I have to do is think of being on that crowded train, and I will jump out of bed!
I don't see how anyone could grope someone! Seriously, I had trouble breathing because people were up against me! I could smell what people had for breakfast. And those who just had a cigarette!
I guess rush hour is something that takes getting use to!

[Eva Pilot]