Crime in Japan: Foreigners vs. Japanese, What the Data Shows

Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. But in 2022, something changed: recorded crime rose for the first time in nearly two decades, and it has kept climbing since. That shift has fueled a heated online debate, and one claim comes up again and again, that foreigners are behind the increase. This article checks that claim against the official numbers from Japan’s National Police Agency and Ministry of Justice, so you can see what the data actually says.

This study provides an evidence-based analysis of crime trends in Japan from 2021 to 2024, using verified reports from the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Justice. By focusing on documented patterns rather than assumptions, the research aims to clarify recent changes and offer a clear understanding of how crime is distributed across different categories and demographics.

Publishing accurate crime data is important for public transparency. It helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the impact of narratives that rely on isolated figures. This is particularly relevant in conversations influenced by political groups such as Sanseito and certain online nationalist communities often referred to as netto uyoku. These groups frequently engage in discussions about public safety and immigration, and their arguments can appear convincing when readers do not have access to complete statistical context. Presenting the full scope of official data supports a more balanced and informed public conversation.

The goal of this study is to strengthen understanding through clear, verifiable information. When readers have access to reliable data, they are better equipped to evaluate claims that might be repeated in political messaging or online commentary. Comprehensive crime statistics help create a factual foundation for discussion, which is essential in a climate where public perception can be shaped by incomplete or emotionally framed narratives.

• How has crime changed in Japan between 2021 and 2024?
• What are the most common crimes in Japan?
• Are foreigners responsible for a significant share of crimes?
• Are foreign tourists more likely to commit crimes than foreign residents?

By analyzing crime statistics (Japanese crime statistics), this study separates facts from misconceptions regarding crime trends, Japanese vs. foreign crime rates, and how public perception aligns with data from official sources.

1. Introduction: The Reality of Crime in Japan

1.1. Japan’s Global Reputation for Low Crime

Japan has long been known for its low crime rates, high levels of public trust in law enforcement, and social expectations that discourage overt criminal behavior (Statistics Bureau of Japan, 2022). These characteristics have shaped both domestic policy and international perceptions of Japanese society. After almost twenty years of steady decline, however, crime rates began to rise again in 2022, which has prompted renewed discussion about what might be driving this shift (NPA, 2023b). According to Nippon.com (2023a), reported crimes increased for the first time in two decades, showing a 5.9 percent rise in total offenses. The upward trajectory did not end there. Nippon.com (2023b) notes that crime levels in 2023 surpassed 700,000 cases, representing a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year.

This change has naturally led to debates about possible causes. One of the most prominent points of discussion concerns the role of foreign nationals. Some commentators argue that foreigners commit crimes at a rate disproportionate to their share of the population, while others point out that these claims often rely on selective or incomplete data (Japan Times, 2024). Nippon.com (2023a) contributes additional context by showing that most of the rise in overall crime can be attributed to increases in theft and fraud. These offenses are committed primarily by Japanese nationals, which challenges simplified narratives that place responsibility on foreign residents.

Given how easily crime statistics can be misinterpreted or used to support preconceived arguments, a careful and transparent examination of official data is essential. For this reason, the present study offers a comprehensive analysis of Japan’s crime patterns, comparing crime rates among Japanese and foreign nationals using verified information from the National Police Agency (NPA) and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). By grounding the discussion in a full range of available evidence, the study aims to clarify the realities behind recent crime trends and provide readers with a more accurate understanding of how crime is distributed across different demographic groups.

2. Crime in Japan: An Overview of Trends (2021-2024)

Crime in Japan declined for nearly two decades, steadily falling year after year and reaching its lowest recorded level in 2021 before shifting direction. Beginning in 2022, the long downward trend reversed, and crime numbers began to rise once again. This upward movement continued through 2023 and into 2024, marking the first sustained increase in criminal activity in many years and prompting closer examination of the underlying factors driving this change (NPA, 2023a).

2.1. Total Crime Reported in Japan (2020-2024)

Key insights:

• Crime in Japan hit a record low in 2021 but has risen since 2022 (NPA, 2023).
• In 2023, crime rose about 17%, passing 700,000 cases for the first time in years (MOJ, 2023).
• Theft and fraud are the main drivers of the increase.

3. What Crimes Are Most Common in Japan?

Crime in Japan is predominantly non-violent, reflecting long-standing social norms and effective community-based policing practices. Even incidents that receive periodic media attention, such as deliberate bumping behavior known as ぶつかり男 in crowded urban spaces, remain statistically rare compared to property and fraud-related offenses. The majority of reported offenses involve property-related or financially motivated crimes, such as theft, fraud, and an increasing number of cybercrime incidents. The majority of reported offenses involve property-related or financially motivated crimes, such as theft, fraud, and an increasing number of cybercrime incidents. These categories consistently make up the bulk of Japan’s criminal cases, underscoring that most offenses do not involve physical harm and instead stem from opportunistic or economic motivations (MOJ, 2023).

3.1. Breakdown of Crimes by Type (2023 Data)

Key findings:

• Theft makes up nearly 70% of all crime, mostly shoplifting and burglary (NPA, 2024).
• Fraud, especially online scams targeting the elderly, has surged (MOJ, 2023).
• Cybercrime rose sharply, with online banking fraud up around 387% in 2023 (NPA, 2023).

Note for Travelers: While tourists are responsible for a small fraction of serious crime, being aware of your surroundings in busy districts like Shinjuku or Roppongi is still essential. If you ever feel unsafe, lose your belongings, or need assistance, look for a kōban (交番), the small, neighborhood police boxes located near almost every major station exit. Officers there are readily available to help travelers handle minor emergencies safely.

4. Are Foreigners Responsible for the Increase in Crime?

A common claim is that foreign nationals are disproportionately responsible for crime in Japan. This idea is often repeated in public debates and online discussions, yet it does not align with the evidence. Official police data shows that foreign residents account for only a small share of overall offenses, and their involvement does not match the scale suggested by these claims. When the full dataset is examined, the perception of disproportionate criminality is not supported by actual trends, highlighting the need to rely on comprehensive statistics rather than assumptions or selective examples (NPA, 2023a).

4.1. Total Arrests by Nationality (2022-2023)

Key insights:

• Foreign nationals committed only about 6% of crimes in Japan in 2023 (MOJ, 2023).
• Japanese citizens were responsible for over 93% of all arrests (NPA, 2023).
• The rise in crime since 2022 is driven mainly by Japanese offenders, not foreigners.

5. Are Foreign Tourists Responsible for Crime?

5.1. Comparison of Foreign Resident vs. Tourist Crime Rates

Key findings:

• Most foreign offenses are visa violations rather than serious crimes (MOJ, 2023).
• Among foreign nationals, tourists account for a notable share of theft.
• Foreign residents have a lower crime rate than tourists.

Crime in Japan: FAQ

Conclusion: Is Japan Still Safe?

Final Takeaways:

• Crime in Japan remains low, despite recent increases.
• Foreigners commit only 6% of all crimes, mostly visa violations and theft.
• The recent increase in crime since 2022 is driven by Japanese offenders.
• Japan is still one of the safest countries in the world.

A careful review of Japan’s official crime data makes one point clear. The evidence does not support arguments that blame foreign nationals for rising crime and often arise from misunderstandings or selective use of statistics. Because of this, it is important not to accept claims promoted by certain far-right groups in Japan, especially when those claims disregard verified data in favor of fear-based narratives. Public discussions are healthier and more accurate when grounded in comprehensive, transparent information.

For foreign residents and visitors, relying on factual analysis rather than online rhetoric is essential. There is no benefit in echoing narratives rooted in xenophobia, and being a “pick me” voice that repeats unverified claims only contributes to misinformation. Standing by the facts strengthens public understanding and helps shift conversations toward reality rather than speculation.

The data also shows that concerns about widespread hostility toward foreigners are often overstated. Most people in Japan do not oppose tourism, and the idea that tourism is “destroying” the country does not match available evidence. Tourism brings economic and cultural benefits, and although it requires thoughtful management, it is not the cause of Japan’s broader social or demographic challenges.

In the end, the numbers tell a clearer story than any slogan. Crime trends should be examined through reliable sources rather than assumptions, and the available data does not support narratives that promote fear of foreign residents or visitors. A fact-based approach creates space for a more honest, informed, and respectful conversation about safety, society, and Japan’s future.

It is also important to recognize that tourism in Japan is expected to increase in the coming years as global travel rebounds and interest in Japan continues to grow. This growth will bring changes, but those changes should be understood through evidence and thoughtful planning, not through claims that suggest tourism is harmful by default. When discussions about safety and tourism remain grounded in data, it becomes easier to address real challenges without feeding misconceptions or fostering unnecessary division.

Official Sources & References

Government Reports:

1. National Police Agency (NPA). (2023, March 15). Crime in Japan, 2022 (Annual crime statistics report). https://www.npa.go.jp/english/crime_situation_in_2022_en.pdf
2. National Police Agency (NPA). (2023, July 20). Police White Paper 2023, Statistics on crimes by foreigners (by nationality) (Japanese). https://www.npa.go.jp/hakusyo/r06/honbun/html/aa4432000.html
3. Ministry of Justice (MOJ). (2023, September 5). White Paper on Crime 2023 (Part 4, Chapter 9), Analysis of foreign national offender trends. https://www.npa.go.jp/hakusyo/r05/honbun/html/z4432000.html
4. Ministry of Justice (MOJ). (2023, November 2). White Paper on Crime 2023 (Full Report). https://www.moj.go.jp/content/001416537.pdf
5. Statistics Bureau of Japan. (2022, December 10). Statistical Handbook of Japan 2022, Chapter 14 (Crime and Justice). https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/pdf/2022all.pdf

Media & News Reports:

6. Nippon.com. (2023, February 20). Annual Crime Figures in Japan Rise for First Time in 20 Years (2023). https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01860/
7. Nippon.com. (2023, August 12). Annual Crime Figures in Japan Rise. https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02253/
8. Japan Times. (2024, February 25). Concern Over Crime Grows as Cases Rise for Third Straight Year. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/02/25/national/crime-safety-rates-japan-rise/