I’m really uncomfortable right now. I tried to get rid of him by changing trains and he has followed me and started walking up and down the train. I’m worried that when I arrive at the station and get of the train he’ll spot me again.
He tried to invite himself on my day and to my hotel (I gave him some fake info to shut him up).
I’m pretty sure he isn’t from Hiroshima himself as earlier, before he became creepy he was talking about his son in Okayama.
I should probably tell security or something but I’m feeling really uncomfortable about it. Especially not speaking Japanese. Maybe the man is just over enthusiastic or something.
Am I overreacting? I think I won’t do anything now as he hasn’t found me yet, but if he does again I guess I’m gonna have to get help..
Very thankful for all the security on board of these trains right now! At least that makes me feel a little better.
I’m a solo female traveller btw.
7 comments
Stay near security and notify them if you feel threatened. Good luck.
You should have pointed him to the station attendants or to policeman in a *koban* located at a major station.
As much as I do not recommend experiencing contact with Japanese police – this is one case, where you actually should do seek out their attention.
IMO, go out of train (preferably big station), and go out of the station, go back in. Walk a bit, then go out again. At this time, your card will not be able to bring you out and you will be forced to go to officer near the gate to open it for you. if he really follow you, go back in again, walk a bit, then go out again, do this another 2-3 times. at this point the officer will notice and ask you.
Use google translate that this person behind me followed me for few hours.
Good news. I think I managed to lose him. I’m shaking up my itinerary a bit so it’s less likely to run into him as I am far away haha.
I managed to get on a different train to visit Itsukushima (it was scheduled for tomorrow morning before the closing due to the g6). I saw him on the platform, but he didn’t manage to follow me.
I’m definitely keeping my guard up though. If he does manage to find me I’ll be sure to run to the police.
Thanks all! I think this is the end of it.
G7 happening now, I can assure you are secure now. Much more police presence in the area.
Stay safe and take a selfie while the guy follows you , that will scare him a bit .
We get drunk Japanese guys that try to follow the Soldiers on base here all the time. Sometimes they’re just super drunk and don’t know what they’re doing, other times they think they’re trying to be friendly, or so they think.
The point is, even though they are in the military, they still report these to the Military Police or the Japanese Police. I know you might feel uncomfortable, but your best course of action is to report it. Even if he’s just drunk, either the station staff or police can handle him. It could be something as simple as the staff talking to him and letting you walk off, so he can’t follow where you go.
If you see/recognize him again and he follows you, I’d definitely find someone to report it too.
Trust your instincts.
In Hiroshima, you can currently throw a stick in any direction and you’ll hit a police officer. They are everywhere due to the G7 Summit. Use your common sense and stick to well lit paths and mingle with crowds where possible. Report if necessary or just shout ‘no’ very loudly. That will draw attention to his behaviour.
Enjoy Hiroshima…