This year Japan plays host to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, seeing countries from both northern and southern hemispheres battling out to win the rugby world cup trophy.

Although Japan has been voted and reported as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, it is still important to remain vigilant.

So, what should you do to keep yourself safe?

Keep your belongings with you at all times

Although Japan is one of the safest countries in the world in terms of criminal activity, there are still pickpocketers. If you are in crowded places such as public transport or moving around a stadium, pickpocketers will see this as an easy opportunity to steal mobile phones, wallets and purses. To ensure that you aren’t targeted by pickpocketers ensure that your mobile phone or wallet is in the front pocket of your trousers and your hand is on top of it. If you have a backpack or handbag, make sure that it is in front of you and you have your hand on the zip or clasp – ensuring that no one can open your bag and reach in.

Scams

It’s important to avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you in any public areas. In neighbourhoods of Roppongi and Kabuki-Cho in Tokyo, there are known reports of fraudulent credit card charges. To avoid charges don’t allow waiters or vendors to make any transactions with your credit card on their own as they can copy information. Keep an eye on your credit card all the time, especially when paying at restaurants, shops and especially in bars.

Watch your drink

Although you are least likely to get kidnapped or mugged, there is that potential risk that someone will try to harm you while visiting a bar or club. If you are visiting a local bar or club or buying a drink at a stadium, ensure that your drink is covered and with you at all times so that it is not spiked. If you are leaving to use the toilet – make sure that your group keep an eye on your drink at all times. If you are getting a new drink, make sure that to watch the bartender – if you see any suspicious activity with your drink leave it and report it to security or other bar staff. Also, if a stranger offers you a drink, kindly decline.

Sexual Harassment

When travelling on public transport between towns and cities during rush hour, there have been noted incidents of men groping women on trains (however, they usually target local women) If you feel that you are being harassed, move to another part of the train or bus. If you still feel unsafe – alight at a station and report it to local authorities.  If you witness any sexual harassment do not ignore it. Report it!

Terrorism

Japan has the lowest risk of terrorism in the world, but it is still important to remain vigilant. If you see any unattended bags in suspicious areas within a stadium, neighbourhood or on public transport move away from it and report it to security or local authorities.

Here are some other tips to keep yourself safe when visiting japan.

• Ensure your card details are covered –  when taking money out an international ATM it is important your card PIN details are covered so that they aren’t stolen to perform fraudulent charges.
• If you’re lost ask for directions – if you are unsure of where you are or lost ask either the local police or shop owners for directions. Even though smartphones and tablets are great for downloading map directions, if these get stolen you might want to keep a physical copy of directions to places of safety.
• Stay up-to-date – When walking around and visiting cities between matches it is important to know what is going on. If you are in a city it’s important to know if any rallies or large events are going on.
• Take a portable charger – if you’re walking around Japans many attractions or watching a rugby match, it is advisable to take a portable charger with you to avoid having a flat phone battery and being uncontactable if you get separated from your friends.

A&R Security Services has over 40 years of experience in providing professional security solutions in Cardiff. We are professional in what we do and provide SIA trained guards and have a customer-orientated approach to each client. If you would like to find out more about our security solution get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.