Butsukari otoko
Butsukari otoko is a Japanese term for a type of violence against women and sexual assault in a crowded public space, such as a train station. A man intending to perform chikan deliberately rams into a woman in a manner that appears accidental or to be the woman's fault.
In May 2018, a video of a butsukari otoko at Shinjuku Station was disseminated on Twitter, YouTube, etc. In the wake of this, similar victim reports occurred. JR East, in response, labelled such attacks as disruptive behaviour and increased monitoring by security guards and station staff.
The purpose of relieving sexual frustration has been cited as a reason for butsukari otoko attacks, as well as a warped sense of justice for inattentive smartphone users.
Etymology
Butsukari otoko have been alternatively called Takkuru otoko, Taiatari otoko and Butsukari ojisan.Types
According to a special feature on which aired in May 2018, butsukari otoko are mainly classified into 5 patterns.- A butsukari otoko of the "following type" follows a woman that he has targeted and bumps into her.
- The "pick-a-fight" butsukari otoko stands firm with his feet set apart when a woman turns around.
- A butsukari otoko of the "my-own-way type" ignores the flow of people.
- A butsukari otoko of the "attacking type" sticks his leg out, among other actions.
- A butsukari otoko of the "slugger type" punches unsuspecting women in the eye.
Arrests
- September 26, 2019, Nijūbashimae Station, 49-year-old man, 3 women injured.
- July 10, 2020, Kamata Station, 45-year-old man, 6 women harmed.
Law
In the event that they deliberately launched a ramming attack against passers-by, etc., there is a possibility that they will be charged with the following crimes.- Battery – For the act of ramming itself.
- Bodily harm – In cases where they have wounded the other party.
- Anti-nuisance ordinance violation – In cases where molestation is the purpose.
- Deception – In cases where they pretended that their smartphones, glasses, laptops, tablet devices, luxury watches and luxury bags were damaged or got scratched, or their brand-name luxury suits and coats got a stain or were torn, pressed them for a cleaning fee, repair bill, compensation for items and payment of settlement money, and swindled them out of their cash.