Railway operators in and around Tokyo have jointly launched a campaign warning people accused of groping not to flee by running along the railway tracks.
19 operators in the Tokyo metropolitan area and police say they are stepping up vigilance against groping inside trains and stations. The initiative began Monday and will continue for 12 days.
In Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, the busiest in Japan, station officials have put up posters calling on passengers to speak up when groped, or when witnessing a groping incident.
The campaign comes after passengers accused of groping have managed to escape by jumping off a platform and running along the railway tracks.
East Japan Railway Company says nine such incidents have occurred in its stations in Tokyo since March.
A man who jumped on the tracks last month died after being hit by an approaching train.
Groping is criminal offence and entry onto railway tracks is also illegal in Japan. Intruders may pay a large fine for stopping a train.
An official says the purpose of the campaign is to discourage groping. But he also warns against anyone entering the tracks. He says it is extremely dangerous and inconveniences many passengers.
Source and image: NHK
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