
Maternal retribution is swift and merciless, chikan learns.
In Japan, chikan (gropers) are most often encountered on trains, where they take advantage of the crowded conditions to obscure what they’re doing and then hop off at the next station for a quick getaway once they’ve been found out. That doesn’t mean chikan incidents only occur on public transportation, though.
Last Friday a 16-year-old high school girl living in Yokohama’s Tsuzuki Ward was the victim of a chikan while out and about in her own neighborhood. The incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m., with the attacker touching her butt while she was standing on the sidewalk.
However, justice was on the way. It turned out that the girl had been waiting for someone: her mom. The incident occurred just as the mother was arriving at the meeting spot she and her daughter had agreed upon, and Mom sprang into action, grabbing the chikan, a 25-year-old man, and physically restraining him until the police arrived and took over.
The man, a medical researcher for the Omihachiman Community Medical Center in Shiga Prefecture, half-way across the country, was arrested and has since admitted to the charges. The incident follows a previous chikan attack in Tsuzuki Ward that took place late on the night of June 11, and in which the chikan was not apprehended. It’s unknown if the same man was behind both attacks, but thanks to the mother’s quick response in defending her daughter, there’s at least one less chikan out on the streets.
Sources: Kanagawa Shimbun via Livedoor News via Hachima Kiko, Kiji
Top image: Pakutaso
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Japanese schoolgirl seeking crowdfunding, art submissions to produce anti-train groper pins
Japanese bus driver chases down groper who targeted 18-year-old girl on his vehicle
Japanese woman publishes book about being groped on the train for six years, from age 12 to 18
Amazing anime-style artist mom transforms daughter’s character designs into gorgeous illustration
Social media users boast of plans to grope schoolgirls on day of Japan’s most important test
Japan’s most popular curry rice restaurant chain, Coco Ichibanya, might be for sale
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Finally! Japan’s big three convenience store chains announce rice ball price reductions
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Man spotted on train near Tokyo Disneyland with sticker saying he gropes women every day
Mom in Japan finds notebook filled with messages of love from schoolgirl daughter who passed away
Plus-size Japanese model lets her anger fly in new-type anti-train groper posters
Brazilian man acquitted of sexual assault after kissing Japanese woman on Nagoya train
Man arrested for pretending to be blind so he could grope woman’s chest in Tokyo
Evangelion anime voice actress says gay man grabbed her chest in Tokyo bar district
Japanese woman finds a depressing way to prevent train gropers from targeting her
Chikan molester runs away from Japanese schoolgirls at train station in Japan【Video】
Japanese schoolgirl struggles to comprehend the shocking truth that her mom is Kamen Rider
Hokkaido police searching for naked man in glasses who groped woman in sub-zero weather
Tokyo man arrested after telling woman he wanted to rub “just” her breasts
Shonen Jump manga artist arrested for ride-by groping two junior high girls in Tokyo
Japanese man arrested for groping woman in station says he’ll only talk to female police officers
All Japan Railway Tokyo trains to finally get security cameras starting this summer