We’ve all heard about how safe Japan is. But unless you live here, you may not understand why Japan is considered so safe. The uninitiated may presume that safety is enforced through a rigid society that doesn’t allow freedom of expression, that Japanese people are too worried about losing face to commit a crime, or that the government comes down unnecessarily hard on people who step out of line. In reality, none of these rings true.
But we can’t deny that there’s one thing that Japan does better than anyone else. Join us after the jump for some insights and our own observations.

Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Hungry and on the go? Top 10 ranking of ekiben at Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station
After eight years as a NEET, our reporter shares the one thing that helped him escape that life
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Japan’s snack of almonds and whole fish might not be for everyone【Taste test】
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
After eight years as a NEET, our reporter shares the one thing that helped him escape that life
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Japan’s snack of almonds and whole fish might not be for everyone【Taste test】
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Japan’s number-one cosplayer Enako strips away the cosplay for new photo book
7-Eleven Japan now sells…matcha burritos?!?
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Drunk cycling can result in an instantly suspended driver’s license in Japan
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Sushi passed up by ramen in survey of foreign tourists’ favorite thing to eat in Japan, but why?
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Daiso creates its own collectible trading card game, and yes, the packs are just 100 yen【Video】
Naruto ninja village theme park area, Kyubi coaster being added to Parc Spirou Provence【Pics】