Security cameras to be introduced on JR Yamanote Line trains

Riding a train during the morning commute in Tokyo can be quite the eye opening experience given the sheer volume of those using the system.  Occasionally stories will be published about the worst commutes in the world and Tokyo is always on that list. Accompanying the story will be a picture of train company employee pushing riders onto the train.  That isn't done to maximise the number of people in each carriage.  It's done because while the trains doors remain open (out safety for all concerned.) the train is incapable of operating which then causes delays.  Another effect of overcrowding is that people are pushed against each other. With so little space it's inevitable that you'll touch a fellow commuter.

Because of this close proximity there are those who'll take advantage of the situation. Known in Japanese as chikan  which is slang for groping on trains. This problem is especially acute on this train line.

The Saikyō Line was notorious for having the highest reported number of groping-related incidents (known as chikan incidents) in the Greater Tokyo area.^[5] This problem was directly addressed by introducing women-only passenger cars during rush hours, and indirectly addressed by reducing overcrowding problems as a whole.

 East Japan Railway Co (JR East) said Tuesday it will introduce security cameras on trains running on Tokyo's Yamanote loop line to enhance security.

The railway operator will introduce the cameras on 550 train cars starting in the spring of 2018, completing installation by 2020 in time for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, it said.

The installment of the cameras is expected to cost around 2 billion yen ($18 million), according to the company.

"Crimes and nuisance are becoming noticeable on trains. (Security cameras are) necessary to prevent terrorism as well," President Tetsuro Tomita said at a press conference, adding train cars on other JR East lines are planned to be equipped with surveillance cameras.

The cameras will be placed near display panels above doors. JR East said it will take necessary measures in accordance with its company codes and relevant laws to protect the privacy of passengers.