Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2010

Julio Shiiki

Stress, alcohol and a duff economy have apparently led to a rash of rowdiness at train stations around the country. Private railway operators reported 869 attacks on conductors and station attendants nationwide during fiscal 2009, an increase of 117 from the previous year. In response, train companies are implementing a variety of measures to keep their staff safe. JR East is hoping that filing complaints with police will discourage offenders, while JR Central is doling out pepper spray to female conductors. Over in Kansai, Nankai Railways has added security cameras at stations, and Hankyu Railways has introduced monthly “danger prediction training” for staff. JR West was way ahead of the curve on this one, though: in 2005 the company installed sasumata—a Japanese “man catcher” used during the Edo period—at staffed stations. After all, nothing keeps passengers in line like a pitchfork.

Source: The Asahi Shimbun