"Is the Number of 'Colliding Old Men' Increasing? — Why Middle-Aged Men Intentionally Bump into Pedestrians"

In recent years, the nuisance behavior known as "butsukari ojisan" (butsukari otoko) has once again drawn attention in urban areas of Japan. This involves intentionally bumping into people with shoulders or elbows in crowded places like train stations and busy streets, while making it appear "accidental," often leaving victims reluctant to report the incident. Since footage from Shinjuku Station went viral in 2018, there have been ongoing reports and consultations, and articles and features on the phenomenon continue to appear in 2025. JR East has issued warnings about this nuisance behavior, highlighting that many victims are women or individuals with smaller builds, who are seen as "less likely to retaliate." Legally, this can constitute **assault (Article 208 of the Penal Code)**, and if injuries occur, it may also be considered a case of bodily harm. Furthermore, in 2025, legal reforms have been implemented, such as unifying penal terminology to "imprisonment." This article aims to provide practical guidance for foreign residents and travelers by explaining: ① the reality of the phenomenon, ② Japan's legal system, ③ steps to take if encountered, ④ walking techniques to reduce the likelihood of being targeted, and ⑤ procedures to follow after being victimized (with Japanese phrases included), while avoiding stereotypes. It is important to note that these incidents are caused by a small number of perpetrators and do not represent middle-aged men as a whole.