Japan launches regional safety campaigns to combat rising special fraud

As part of the National Community Safety Campaign running through October 20, various regions across Japan are implementing measures to combat rising special fraud and organized crime.

In Tokyo, Nerima Ward has launched an initiative using buses and taxis as “eyes for crime prevention” to assist the Metropolitan Police Department. Influencer Yuka Chiba served as a one-day police chief in Nerima to raise awareness, noting that fraud damages in the area reached approximately 1 billion yen between January and September 2026.

In Ota Ward, the Ikegami Police Station organized a parade to prevent fraud, involving local businesses acting as “special fraud prevention advisors.” This comes as fraud damages in Tokyo exceeded 48.47 billion yen between January and August, a pace surpassing previous records.

In Hiroshima Prefecture, Fukuyama City held a safety convention featuring local basketball players and rakugo performers to educate the public on scam tactics. Local authorities are encouraging the use of crime prevention apps to block suspicious calls.