TOKYO GIRLS FACE HIGH RISK OF TRAIN GROPING?

PFMLIT General, INTERNATIONAL, SEX OFFENDERS AND OTHERS COMMITTING RANDOM SEX CRIMES, TOKYO, TRAIN

A survey was conducted of 400 girls at two private high schools in Tokyo by a civic group set up to fight sexual molestation on trains.  The Kyodo news agency reported that more than 70 percent of female students have been groped on trains which has been a problem in Tokyo where rush hour buses and subway trains are often packed with commuters.  Those found guilty of groping can currently be fined up to 50,000 yes ($433) or be held in police custody.  The Keio Electric Railway Company set up female-only carriages to protect women over the year-end holiday season, which sees a peak in molestations by boisterous male passengers on their way home from year-end parties.  If the response is positive, a spokesman for the railway company said the company would look into extending the service.

(Tokyo, Japan)