I’d like to think this is due to the diligence of the Korea National Police, but it seems the Chosun Ilbo thinks it reflects differing levels of respect for social order:
In the case of neighborhood disturbances, which are offenses in both countries, Korea saw 46,955 cases last year but Japan a mere 25. For garbage dumping, Japan punished 98 people and Korea 60,940, and for urinating in public, Japan booked 191 people but Korea 11,535. “The number of minor offense cases was 622 per 100,000 people in Korea, 44.4 times more than Japan’s 14 per 100,000 people,” An said.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, you don’t need those numbers to know that Japan is an exceptionally orderly country.
I’ve seen far more public urination in Japan than here. What this tells me is that they are a lot more non-confrontational across the Sea of Japan.
I find these numbers astonishing, because I see these sorts of quality life “crimes” several times a day, and I’ve never seen anyone apprehended. It gives one pause to project from the arrest rate what the actual scope of such behaviour is
I’m with sperwer – how often something happens versus how often someone is arrested / taken away for it would be a much more interesting number to learn. Since no such number could ever be compiled correctly, it goes to show one of two things: Japanese police would rather be non-confrontational than arrest / fine someone for a crime, or Korean police are too busy arresting / fining people for minor crimes, although some are likely to be pardoned anyway…
FWIW, I have YET to see a policeman pass by an illegal DVD seller and take any sort of action.
I’m a little mixed on the public disturbances. In Japan, there are relatively few disturbances compared to what I saw in Korea. Most disturbances went unchecked by police in both countries. In Japan, disturbances were reported to mothers/ schools/ relatives quite frequently, never to police unless it required police action. Police seemed more attentive to disturbances in Korea, but usually didn’t actually do anything.
Garbage dumping? Come on! Korea beats Japan hands down in that sector! The koreans in my neighborhood would throw garbage in the street with exaggerated motions, seemingly bragging about it. Japanese rarely litter, especially where somebody can see them do it. Cigarette butts being the exception and even then most people will complain directly to the litterer, not the police.
Ok, public urination is actually a problem in Japan, but the police seem to think it’s a nuisance that is best dealt with by a simple warning. I’ve seen it a lot in both countries, but I must admit mostly in Japan.
Not really sure these are the best indicators of crime. I’ve been caught speeding 3 times at less than 10 KPH over the limit. One time I was doing 33 on a scooter, the limit being 30. Had to pay 100$! I’ve seen a lot worse traffic violations right in front of traffic police in Korea, and absolutely nothing happened.
Some crimes seem to be a bigger social and political issue in each country. These may not be such a good sample.
i don’t know whether the japanese have a strict rule regarding this but the management of their construction sites (all cleanly laid out, covered up, very meticulous, no dust particles) and roof of the buildings (again, clean and tidy) are amazing. i know that they also enforce the bike parking rules etc.
enforcement of the rules only works when the majority of people actually feel like it will come back bite them in the ass if they commit it, but a considerable number of koreans have not got this in their heads yet – it’s the sign of still a backward nation.
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