According to the official WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, there has been a recent surge in 'bumping incidents' (“撞人族”) in Japan, drawing much public attention. The so-called 'bumping group' dress and look like ordinary pedestrians, often appearing in crowded areas such as Ikebukuro and Shibuya in Tokyo, and Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori in Osaka. They deliberately elbow or maliciously collide into vulnerable groups, such as foreign tourists, women, children, and the elderly, when passing by, causing injury before quickly disappearing into the crowd. The Chinese Embassy in Japan reminds Chinese citizens in Japan to be vigilant against Japan's 'bumping group':
1. Keep Your Distance and Heighten Awareness
Fellow compatriots in Japan should raise their safety awareness and avoid going to areas with complex crowds and poor security. When passing through crowded and busy areas, stay alert and try to maintain a safe distance from others, keeping watch over elderly or young companions. Pay particular attention during morning and evening rush hours and in crowded spots such as station corridors and entrances/exits, escalators, stairs, and pedestrian crossings. Refrain from looking at your phone while walking and stay aware of your surroundings.
2. Remain Calm and Report to the Police Immediately
If you encounter members of the 'bumping group', it is recommended to preserve evidence (such as keeping on-site pictures, finding surveillance locations, seeking help from passersby, etc.) and go to the nearest police station to report the incident as soon as possible, submitting a victim report (Japanese: “被害届”). According to Japanese law, assaulting another person without causing injury constitutes the crime of violence (暴行罪), punishable by up to 2 years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen (approximately 5,000 Malaysian ringgit). Causing injury constitutes the crime of bodily harm (伤害罪), punishable by up to 15 years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen (approximately 12,500 Malaysian ringgit).
3. Confirm Any Injuries and Consider Seeking Compensation
If you are maliciously bumped, you may dial Japan's emergency number 119 or go to the hospital for an injury assessment and obtain diagnostic certificates, medical fee receipts, and other related documents. These materials can serve as evidence for civil compensation claims. It is recommended that short-term visitors to Japan proactively consider purchasing insurance before traveling. Those without Japan's National Health Insurance may face expensive medical fees if receiving treatment in an emergency. Some hospitals may charge foreign patients not enrolled in Japanese health insurance 2 to 3 times the out-of-pocket price paid by Japanese nationals.
The Chinese Embassy in Japan reminds Chinese citizens in Japan to strengthen safety awareness and self-protection. In case of emergency, please report to the police promptly and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in Japan for assistance.
Fellow compatriots in Japan should raise their safety awareness and avoid going to areas with complex crowds and poor security. When passing through crowded and busy areas, stay alert and try to maintain a safe distance from others, keeping watch over elderly or young companions. Pay particular attention during morning and evening rush hours and in crowded spots such as station corridors and entrances/exits, escalators, stairs, and pedestrian crossings. Refrain from looking at your phone while walking and stay aware of your surroundings.
2. Remain Calm and Report to the Police Immediately
If you encounter members of the 'bumping group', it is recommended to preserve evidence (such as keeping on-site pictures, finding surveillance locations, seeking help from passersby, etc.) and go to the nearest police station to report the incident as soon as possible, submitting a victim report (Japanese: “被害届”). According to Japanese law, assaulting another person without causing injury constitutes the crime of violence (暴行罪), punishable by up to 2 years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen (approximately 5,000 Malaysian ringgit). Causing injury constitutes the crime of bodily harm (伤害罪), punishable by up to 15 years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen (approximately 12,500 Malaysian ringgit).
3. Confirm Any Injuries and Consider Seeking Compensation
If you are maliciously bumped, you may dial Japan's emergency number 119 or go to the hospital for an injury assessment and obtain diagnostic certificates, medical fee receipts, and other related documents. These materials can serve as evidence for civil compensation claims. It is recommended that short-term visitors to Japan proactively consider purchasing insurance before traveling. Those without Japan's National Health Insurance may face expensive medical fees if receiving treatment in an emergency. Some hospitals may charge foreign patients not enrolled in Japanese health insurance 2 to 3 times the out-of-pocket price paid by Japanese nationals.
The Chinese Embassy in Japan reminds Chinese citizens in Japan to strengthen safety awareness and self-protection. In case of emergency, please report to the police promptly and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in Japan for assistance.