Groping on trains has long been a problem in Japan, and in a desperate attempt to curb such behaviour, some train companies have introduced female only carriages. Victims have also been encouraged to speak out more, and not shirk from identifying the perpetrators. But whether this will completely eradicate the problem is doubtful, as some gropers it would appear are very dedicated.
As an example, I came across a story in the Mainichi Daily News Yesterday. How much of it is true I really don’t know. Probably not much to be honest. But either way, it makes for an entertaining and at times bizarre read.
According to the article, some groping fanatics formed the Chikan Tomo-no-Kai (The Gropers Brotherhood). At meetings, the members apparently discuss various techniques, and revel in retelling their favourite groping stories. They are even said to have a ranking system based on their level of perverted proficiency. For instance, a good performance (if that’s the right description) in front of the chairman, could earn a member the exalted rank of black belt.
Each rank has certain requirements, and the higher up the scale, the more demanding they are. Those who manage to attain the dizzy height of 5th dan black belt are expected to maintain their rank by fondling the buttocks of at least 100 women a month. Now I’m no expert on this, but I’m guessing you’d need a pretty long commute to sustain those mighty figures. If Saturdays and Sundays are counted as holidays, that works out at about 5 gropes a day. A feat of almost Olympic proportions!
But like I said earlier, how much truth there is in the article is highly debatable. If you want to read it in full and make your own mind up, all you need to do is click here. Although I should warn you that it does go into considerably more detail. I have merely touched on a few specifics.
