Realizing the Safety of Japan

At family restaurants or cafes, do you leave your belongings at your seat when you get up to go to the drink bar or the restroom?

I was curious, so I observed a bit. I wonder if it differs between being alone or in a group. When people are in groups, they leave their things behind 100% of the time. Even in a group of four, all four of them will get up and leave their seats.

Even people who come alone, most of them leave their things behind when they get up. They leave their coats 100% of the time, and their larger bags 100% of the time. They even leave their PCs and iPhones right there on the table and get up without a care.

☕️　☕️　☕️

I stayed in Cebu, Philippines, for about a month. Compared to Japan, it is not a country you could call safe. The place I stayed was in an urban area, so it wasn't an area where you needed to be overly sensitive.

Even so, the crime I heard about often was theft. Theft is the crime of secretly stealing someone's property. Sometimes, things are stolen right before your eyes.

During my stay, I spent time with Filipinos. I often went to local restaurants (called carinderias) rather than trendy cafes.

I was often on my own, so I had to be careful about managing my valuables, especially my iPhone. When eating or shopping, I acted with a sense of tension different from that in Japan.

For transportation, I used jeepneys (shared taxis with open windows: 30 yen). This is not a vehicle I can recommend to tourists. That is because things can be stolen inside these cramped vehicles, or because the windows are open, items can be snatched from outside.

I have been to Cebu several times, so I knew the risks, but the locals told me repeatedly, "Avoid jeepneys." This time, I made sure to use Grab taxis frequently.

☕️　☕️　☕️

Now, let's return the topic to Japan. Immediately after returning home, I had lunch with friends (three beautiful women). The restaurant where we met was at Yamatoyagi Station in Nara Prefecture.

The restaurant was located in a quiet, peaceful residential area. It was a place where time flowed slowly, unique to an ancient capital, and the gentleness of people's smiles relaxed my heart. It was a place filled with rich music and the aroma of delicious food.

Naturally, it was a safe atmosphere where one wouldn't even think of elements of crime.

It was the moment we four were about to get up to go to the drink bar together. I couldn't leave my belongings behind.

Huh? What is this feeling??

Looking closely, I discovered other tables here and there where coats and bags were left at the seats. Ah, that's right, this is Japan!

For some reason, my heart was pounding, and as I headed to the drink bar leaving my bag behind, I found myself repeatedly looking back to check on the presence of my bag.

Just one month in Cebu. Can it really change you this much?

☕️　☕️　☕️

When Japanese people get robbed immediately while sightseeing in the Philippines, where the theft rate is high, I felt that the problem lies with the Japanese people themselves for acting in a way that invites theft.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
I want Japanese people who act in ways that leave them vulnerable to danger to thoroughly grasp local information before they go sightseeing.

Now, I am Japanese, and I am staying in Japan. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Taking advantage of Japan's safety, from now on, I will leave my belongings behind when I get up from my seat.