It’s great that kids feel safe in Tokyo. And I understand the reaction against helicopter parenting generally. But the arguments against helicopter parenting never discuss how safe things really are, or if the rates of child abuse have declined (or are under-reported).

Recently I saw a report on Chikans (gropers on trains in Japan). The report suggested that almost every young woman experienced this (in particular high school girls).

Couldn’t believe it. I essentially thought it was bullshit.

So I asked the Japanese women who I know well enough if this was the case.

They confirmed that it happens to everyone once or twice (though uncommon).

It’s almost never reported to the police.