Japanese statistics indicate that sexual harassment and assault are continuing problems in public transport, especially on the subway, where more than 70% of girls say they have been subjected to sexual sensitization, despite the presence of many banners at stations indicating that this act - called "Japanese" Chikan (Ie Metro harasser) - a crime. There are banners reading "Beware the Czechs," and a fine of up to 500,000 yen (about 4,500 dollars) and six months in jail.
Newsweek noted that some railway lines had carts only for women, but groups of men were riding them in protest, claiming it was gender discrimination. Critics say few women are charged, some because of the social backlash, others not because they do not want to be late for work.
Sachchihata on Tuesday launched an ultraviolet seal device built into a yellow cylinder no longer than a lipstick tube. Colorless ink can be stamped by the harasser and later exposed under UV light. The pipeline costs 2,500 yen ($ 23.5) and the first set of 500 units was sold within an hour.
Although the ink can be removed by washing it with water, the product is meant to be a deterrent as it can be tied in a bag with a visible tape to warn every harasser that its holder can detect it.
There are other products available to tackle the problem of harassment, including DigiPolice, an app that shouts "Whoa!" It sends a warning to other passengers that there is a harasser on the train. The app has been downloaded 237,000 times since its launch in May.