Guys, keep out - women only

I refuse to understand why something like this would be necessary in a civilized country. I haven't seen or heard of it in other countries I've visited (except where they keep men and women separate for religious reasons) but here in Japan it's just one of those things that people seem to accept as normal.

 

To me, the idea of having "women only" cars on the train for the main reason of preventing (some) men from groping or sexually harassing them is very far from normal and a clear sign that there's something seriously wrong in the Japanese society. So is having signs on the walls of the stations stating that "groping is a criminal offense". To me, it all points to a bigger issue that needs to be addressed.

 

I remember a few years ago when I was on the train home from work and I started discussing this issue with some female colleagues. I told them how I found it bizarre, almost funny how clearly the point was made but at the same time how obvious it must be to the common man that this is something you just don't do. I couldn't believe it when all four of them answered that they had experienced older men trying to touch or grab them on a train or bus (!) . . .

 

Done