Staying Grateful but Alert: Thoughts on Safety and Preparedness in Japan

I strive to focus on the beautiful aspects of daily life, even amidst the chaos and stress that seem to surround us. But as much as I try to stay positive, it’s hard to ignore the stream of distressing news that floods in when I look at the world through the lens of the media. Despite that, I’m deeply grateful for the privilege of living in a peaceful and remarkably safe country.

Recently, our home’s sense of security was shaken when the door was damaged during a severe typhoon last month. Initially, I was concerned about the cost of repairs, which my research showed could be quite expensive. Wanting to find a more affordable solution, I sought advice from my coworkers, many of whom have had their fair share of household issues. In one of these conversations, a coworker suggested I check whether our house disaster insurance would cover part of the repair costs. I hadn’t even thought of that! I contacted the insurance company to confirm, and to my surprise, they promised to cover a portion of the expenses, which was such a relief considering the total repair fee is over 60,000 yen. This unexpected financial assistance made a significant difference and reminded me of the importance of staying informed about such policies.

During that same conversation, something else caught me off guard. My coworkers revealed that they always lock their doors—not just when they leave the house but even when they are at home. This seemed foreign to me because I often forget to lock the door, even while we’re sleeping. A recent incident brought this issue to the forefront. Late one night, while we were all asleep, a loud noise jolted me awake. The door had been opened by someone and then quickly shut again. I initially thought my husband had gone outside to grab a snack during his usual self-reflection time, but he came to check on us, thinking the same thing about me. We both realized that neither of us had opened the door. That moment was unsettling and served as a wake-up call—literally—that we needed to be more diligent about locking our door, even though we live in a relatively safe neighborhood.

I’ve always believed that Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and I still hold that belief. Its low crime rate, compared to many other developed nations, is something to be proud of. For a long time, I’ve taken comfort in knowing that even if I leave things unattended or forget to lock my door, the likelihood of theft or danger feels remote. I often think that even if something goes missing, it would likely find its way back to me. This trust in the community has shaped my behavior over the years.

However, I’ve come to realize that this sense of security can’t be taken for granted. In recent years, crime rates in Japan have been on the rise, with consecutive reports of robberies making headlines.As much as I want to continue believing in the inherent safety of this country, I now understand that being complacent isn’t the same as being safe. We must remain vigilant. It’s not about living in fear but about being aware and taking necessary precautions, like locking our doors and staying informed about potential threats.

Living in a peaceful and safe environment is indeed a privilege, but it doesn’t mean we can afford to be careless. We can’t control external circumstances, like natural disasters or unexpected crimes, but we can take steps to protect ourselves and our families. In a world where uncertainty is growing, being cautious doesn’t mean being fearful—it means being prepared. I’ve learned that while Japan’s low crime rate is something to be proud of, it’s also essential to stay aware and take responsibility for our own safety. After all, true peace of mind comes not just from external conditions but from knowing we’ve done everything we can to safeguard our lives.