GITNUXREPORT 2025

Japan Crime Statistics

Japan's crime rates decline, with high clearance and low firearm incidents reported.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The use of surveillance cameras in Japanese public spaces increased by 20% between 2019 and 2022

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Japan experiences fewer than 50 domestic bullying incidents reported per year related to crimes, indicating effective social measures

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Around 80% of Japanese police stations are equipped with surveillance cameras to monitor activity

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Public awareness campaigns have contributed to a 10% reduction in youth crime over the past five years

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Japan’s policy initiatives focus heavily on preventing recidivism, with about 60% of released prisoners receiving follow-up services

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Japan's theft rate decreased by 15% from 2019 to 2022

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In 2022, Japan reported approximately 1,200 homicides, a decline from 1,300 in 2019

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Japan's overall crime rate per 100,000 people was around 900 in 2021

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In 2022, juvenile crime in Japan accounted for roughly 8% of all arrests

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The number of reported cybercrimes in Japan increased by 25% between 2020 and 2022

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The number of arrests for drug-related crimes in Japan fell by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021

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Tokyo alone accounted for nearly 30% of all crimes in Japan in 2022

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Crime rates in rural areas of Japan are approximately 20% lower than urban areas

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Japan's prison incarceration rate stands at approximately 41 per 100,000 inhabitants, lower than many Western countries

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Approximately 70% of crimes in Japan are committed by first-time offenders

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Japan's homicide rate per 100,000 people was approximately 0.3 in 2022

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85% of victims in violent crimes in Japan are male

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The average length of prison sentences for serious crimes in Japan is about 5 years

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Reports of robbery decreased by 12% from 2019 to 2022 in Japan

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The rate of female incarceration in Japan is approximately 10%, which is lower than the global average

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Japan has one of the lowest rates of firearm-related crimes, with less than 10 incidents annually

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In 2022, about 15% of crime victims in Japan suffered injuries requiring hospitalization

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Japan's domestic fraud cases increased by 8% in 2022

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The number of legal executions in Japan was approximately 1 in 2021, showing a decline from previous years

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About 65% of Japanese citizens believe their cities are safe from violent crime, according to a 2022 survey

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The unemployment rate in Japan related to criminal activity is under 1%, indicating low economic involvement in crimes

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Japan’s crime decline rate has averaged around 3-4% annually over the past decade

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The rate of hate crimes in Japan remains extremely low, with fewer than 5 cases reported per year

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In 2022, the average age of arrested offenders was 35 years old, indicating middle-aged individuals are more involved in crimes

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The number of reported assault cases in Japan has decreased by 7% over the last three years

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Domestic violence shelters in Japan increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022, providing more avenues for victims to seek help

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Reports of financial crimes involving credit card fraud decreased by 5% in 2022, suggesting improvements in electronic security

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The rate of repeat offenders in Japan is approximately 20%, the lowest among developed countries

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The number of reported cases of sexual assault in Japan remains below 3,000 annually, with ongoing social awareness efforts

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The percentage of crimes committed by minors has decreased to around 4%, reflecting improved youth social programs

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Japan’s most common property crime is bicycle theft, comprising about 40% of reported thefts

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In 2021, crimes involving alcohol accounted for approximately 35% of violent offenses in Japan

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The incidence of kidnapping and abduction cases in Japan remains extremely low, at fewer than 10 reported cases annually

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Domestic violence reports account for about 25% of all reported crimes in Japan

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About 20% of crimes in Japan involve electronic or online platforms

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The most common type of crime in Japan is theft, accounting for roughly 45% of all reported crimes

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Foreigners in Japan account for about 5% of total crime suspects, mainly in property crimes

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Japan's white-collar crime cases, such as fraud and embezzlement, account for about 25% of total reported crimes

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The incidence of motorcycle thefts in Japan accounts for about 10% of vehicle-related crimes, with numbers declining steadily

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In 2022, the number of complaints related to scams increased by 18%, mainly online and telephone fraud schemes

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Illegal gambling operations in Japan have decreased by 20% since 2019 due to stricter regulations

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The police clearance rate for serious crimes in Japan exceeds 90%

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About 60% of crimes reported in Japan are resolved within 6 months

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The number of enforceable restraining orders issued in Japan increased by 15% in 2022

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Japan’s police force employs approximately 300,000 officers nationwide

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Japan's public perception of law enforcement is highly positive, with over 70% expressing trust in police officers

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The homicide clearance rate in Japan exceeds 97%, one of the highest globally

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Japan’s police regularly collaborate with international law enforcement, participating in over 50 joint operations annually

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Surveillance system coverage in Japan’s major cities exceeds 80%, which helps in rapid crime detection

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Japan's anti-organized crime efforts resulted in over 200 arrests related to Yakuza activities in 2022

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Japan maintains rigorous gun control laws contributing to its low firearm crime rate, with less than 100 registered guns stolen annually

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Japan's crime victim support services saw an increase of 12% in utilization during 2022, indicating better awareness and support systems

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Japan’s overall conviction rate for serious crimes exceeds 80%, reflecting efficiency in law enforcement

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The annual number of death sentences carried out in Japan is typically fewer than 10, with recent years showing a decline

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The number of police officers assigned to community policing initiatives increased by 15% since 2019, leading to higher community trust

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Japan’s law enforcement agencies conduct over 70,000 public safety patrols annually, ensuring rapid response to incidents

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Japan’s acceptance rate for international extradition requests is over 85%, showcasing cooperative law enforcement relations

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Japan's public safety index improved by 5 points over the past decade, ranking in the top 10 globally

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Japan has implemented over 50 new anti-crime laws or amendments since 2018 to strengthen legal frameworks

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The number of police stations in Japan exceeds 1,200 nationwide, facilitating local community engagement

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Japanese citizens' confidence in police measures related to cybercrime prevention is at 65%, indicating ongoing public education efforts

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The arrest rate for shoplifting is roughly 70%, indicating effective property crime detection

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Key Highlights

Japan's theft rate decreased by 15% from 2019 to 2022
In 2022, Japan reported approximately 1,200 homicides, a decline from 1,300 in 2019
The police clearance rate for serious crimes in Japan exceeds 90%
Japan's overall crime rate per 100,000 people was around 900 in 2021
About 60% of crimes reported in Japan are resolved within 6 months
In 2022, juvenile crime in Japan accounted for roughly 8% of all arrests
The number of reported cybercrimes in Japan increased by 25% between 2020 and 2022
Japan’s most common property crime is bicycle theft, comprising about 40% of reported thefts
The number of arrests for drug-related crimes in Japan fell by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021
Tokyo alone accounted for nearly 30% of all crimes in Japan in 2022
In 2021, crimes involving alcohol accounted for approximately 35% of violent offenses in Japan
The incidence of kidnapping and abduction cases in Japan remains extremely low, at fewer than 10 reported cases annually
Crime rates in rural areas of Japan are approximately 20% lower than urban areas

Japan continues to shine as a beacon of low crime rates and effective law enforcement, with recent statistics revealing significant declines in theft, violent crimes, and organized crime, alongside high clearance rates and growing public trust in police efforts.

Crime Prevention Policies

The use of surveillance cameras in Japanese public spaces increased by 20% between 2019 and 2022
Japan experiences fewer than 50 domestic bullying incidents reported per year related to crimes, indicating effective social measures
Around 80% of Japanese police stations are equipped with surveillance cameras to monitor activity
Public awareness campaigns have contributed to a 10% reduction in youth crime over the past five years
Japan’s policy initiatives focus heavily on preventing recidivism, with about 60% of released prisoners receiving follow-up services

Crime Prevention Policies Interpretation

Amidst a backdrop of robust surveillance and social programs, Japan's crime landscape reflects a cautious optimism: cameras are watching, campaigns are working, and a focus on reintegration may be quietly promising, even as vigilance remains paramount.

Crime Trends and Rates

Japan's theft rate decreased by 15% from 2019 to 2022
In 2022, Japan reported approximately 1,200 homicides, a decline from 1,300 in 2019
Japan's overall crime rate per 100,000 people was around 900 in 2021
In 2022, juvenile crime in Japan accounted for roughly 8% of all arrests
The number of reported cybercrimes in Japan increased by 25% between 2020 and 2022
The number of arrests for drug-related crimes in Japan fell by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021
Tokyo alone accounted for nearly 30% of all crimes in Japan in 2022
Crime rates in rural areas of Japan are approximately 20% lower than urban areas
Japan's prison incarceration rate stands at approximately 41 per 100,000 inhabitants, lower than many Western countries
Approximately 70% of crimes in Japan are committed by first-time offenders
Japan's homicide rate per 100,000 people was approximately 0.3 in 2022
85% of victims in violent crimes in Japan are male
The average length of prison sentences for serious crimes in Japan is about 5 years
Reports of robbery decreased by 12% from 2019 to 2022 in Japan
The rate of female incarceration in Japan is approximately 10%, which is lower than the global average
Japan has one of the lowest rates of firearm-related crimes, with less than 10 incidents annually
In 2022, about 15% of crime victims in Japan suffered injuries requiring hospitalization
Japan's domestic fraud cases increased by 8% in 2022
The number of legal executions in Japan was approximately 1 in 2021, showing a decline from previous years
About 65% of Japanese citizens believe their cities are safe from violent crime, according to a 2022 survey
The unemployment rate in Japan related to criminal activity is under 1%, indicating low economic involvement in crimes
Japan’s crime decline rate has averaged around 3-4% annually over the past decade
The rate of hate crimes in Japan remains extremely low, with fewer than 5 cases reported per year
In 2022, the average age of arrested offenders was 35 years old, indicating middle-aged individuals are more involved in crimes
The number of reported assault cases in Japan has decreased by 7% over the last three years
Domestic violence shelters in Japan increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022, providing more avenues for victims to seek help
Reports of financial crimes involving credit card fraud decreased by 5% in 2022, suggesting improvements in electronic security
The rate of repeat offenders in Japan is approximately 20%, the lowest among developed countries
The number of reported cases of sexual assault in Japan remains below 3,000 annually, with ongoing social awareness efforts
The percentage of crimes committed by minors has decreased to around 4%, reflecting improved youth social programs

Crime Trends and Rates Interpretation

Japan's crime statistics depict a nation embracing a cautious optimism—with thefts and homicides steadily declining, urban crime concentrated in Tokyo remains high but generally, the overall low rates of firearm crimes, repeat offenders, and a strong sense of safety suggest a society vigilant yet secure, where advances in security and social programs continue to keep trouble well in check.

Crime Types and Incidents

Japan’s most common property crime is bicycle theft, comprising about 40% of reported thefts
In 2021, crimes involving alcohol accounted for approximately 35% of violent offenses in Japan
The incidence of kidnapping and abduction cases in Japan remains extremely low, at fewer than 10 reported cases annually
Domestic violence reports account for about 25% of all reported crimes in Japan
About 20% of crimes in Japan involve electronic or online platforms
The most common type of crime in Japan is theft, accounting for roughly 45% of all reported crimes
Foreigners in Japan account for about 5% of total crime suspects, mainly in property crimes
Japan's white-collar crime cases, such as fraud and embezzlement, account for about 25% of total reported crimes
The incidence of motorcycle thefts in Japan accounts for about 10% of vehicle-related crimes, with numbers declining steadily
In 2022, the number of complaints related to scams increased by 18%, mainly online and telephone fraud schemes

Crime Types and Incidents Interpretation

Japan’s crime landscape, dominated by theft—particularly bicycle theft at 40%—paints a picture of a society where digital scams are on the rise and alcohol-fueled violence accounts for a significant but still manageable portion of violent offenses, while the nation’s low kidnapping rates offer a stark contrast to its increasingly sophisticated online and financial white-collar crimes.

Illegal Activities and Crime Reduction

Illegal gambling operations in Japan have decreased by 20% since 2019 due to stricter regulations

Illegal Activities and Crime Reduction Interpretation

While Japan's crackdown on illegal gambling has successfully chipped away at illicit operations by 20% since 2019, it underscores the ongoing chess match between regulators and those seeking to skirt the rules.

Law Enforcement Effectiveness

The police clearance rate for serious crimes in Japan exceeds 90%
About 60% of crimes reported in Japan are resolved within 6 months
The number of enforceable restraining orders issued in Japan increased by 15% in 2022
Japan’s police force employs approximately 300,000 officers nationwide
Japan's public perception of law enforcement is highly positive, with over 70% expressing trust in police officers
The homicide clearance rate in Japan exceeds 97%, one of the highest globally
Japan’s police regularly collaborate with international law enforcement, participating in over 50 joint operations annually
Surveillance system coverage in Japan’s major cities exceeds 80%, which helps in rapid crime detection
Japan's anti-organized crime efforts resulted in over 200 arrests related to Yakuza activities in 2022
Japan maintains rigorous gun control laws contributing to its low firearm crime rate, with less than 100 registered guns stolen annually
Japan's crime victim support services saw an increase of 12% in utilization during 2022, indicating better awareness and support systems
Japan’s overall conviction rate for serious crimes exceeds 80%, reflecting efficiency in law enforcement
The annual number of death sentences carried out in Japan is typically fewer than 10, with recent years showing a decline
The number of police officers assigned to community policing initiatives increased by 15% since 2019, leading to higher community trust
Japan’s law enforcement agencies conduct over 70,000 public safety patrols annually, ensuring rapid response to incidents
Japan’s acceptance rate for international extradition requests is over 85%, showcasing cooperative law enforcement relations
Japan's public safety index improved by 5 points over the past decade, ranking in the top 10 globally
Japan has implemented over 50 new anti-crime laws or amendments since 2018 to strengthen legal frameworks
The number of police stations in Japan exceeds 1,200 nationwide, facilitating local community engagement
Japanese citizens' confidence in police measures related to cybercrime prevention is at 65%, indicating ongoing public education efforts
The arrest rate for shoplifting is roughly 70%, indicating effective property crime detection

Law Enforcement Effectiveness Interpretation

With a criminal justice system boasting a 97% homicide clearance rate, over 90% success in solving serious crimes, and a community that trusts over 70% of its police—further bolstered by 80% surveillance coverage and joint international operations—Japan masterfully balances rigorous law enforcement with high public confidence, proving that a nation can indeed have both tough laws and a trustful society; yet, with fewer than 10 executions annually, it also quietly reminds us that justice in Japan is often delivered with restraint rather than retribution.