In Japan, a disturbing phenomenon known as "butsukari otoko" has recently emerged, characterized by men deliberately pushing and shoving women in crowded public spaces. This act, often disguised as a simple accident, is primarily intended to intimidate women and vulnerable individuals, raising growing concerns about safety in urban areas.
A rapidly growing and well-documented phenomenon
This aggressive (and sexist) behavior gained widespread attention on social media with the circulation of videos showing a man repeatedly shoving women in a Tokyo train station. Since then, the frequency of these incidents has increased: a 2024 survey in Japan revealed that nearly 14% of respondents had been victims, while 6% had witnessed such behavior. These aggressors, often middle-aged men, find in these acts "a way to express frustration and deep anger."
@sandyinjapannn Replying to @mango donut ♬ original sound - Sandy in Japannn 🇹🇼🇦🇺🇯🇵
Diverse profiles of aggressors
Four main types of attackers have been identified:
- The stalkers who methodically choose their targets (often women).
- The vigilantes who claim to be acting "in self-defense".
- The aggressors who express "their anger through violent gestures".
- The "free electrons" who refuse the slightest constraint in pedestrian traffic and deliberately collide with others.
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Anger rooted in social tensions
According to victims, this phenomenon is part of a broader context of patriarchy and toxic masculinity in Japan. The frustration felt by some middle-aged men, linked to social and cultural issues where men remain predominantly privileged, could explain the origin of these targeted attacks against women.
It is crucial to emphasize that this sociological explanation can in no way justify these acts. The fact that women once again feel unsafe in public spaces underscores the persistent scale of the problem: they experience violence and intimidation simply by going about their daily lives. This reveals not only a lack of protection and prevention, but also the urgent need to rethink the social norms that perpetuate these inequalities and endanger women's safety. Every woman should be able to move about freely, without fearing for her physical integrity or psychological well-being.
In summary, "butsukari otoko" illustrates a form of insidious urban violence that threatens the safety of many individuals, particularly women. As Japanese society continues to grapple with gender inequality, this phenomenon underscores the urgent need to strengthen awareness and protective measures to ensure safe and respectful public spaces for everyone.
