In Japan, People Are Randomly Shoving Other People
A video taken at Tokyo’s famous Shibuya crossing has sparked renewed concern in Japan about a troubling public behavior known as deliberate “bumping.” The footage, recorded Feb. 25, shows a young girl visiting from Taiwan smiling for a photo when a masked woman suddenly runs into her from behind, knocking her to the ground before continuing to walk away. Authorities have not said whether the incident is under investigation, but the video has drawn attention to a pattern of similar acts in crowded public places.
In Japan, people who intentionally collide with strangers in busy areas are sometimes referred to as “butsukari otoko,” which translates to “bumping man.” The issue first gained widespread attention in 2018 after video surfaced of a man deliberately crashing into several women at Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station.
Hard data on the problem is limited, but a 2024 survey of about 21,000 adults found that 14 percent said they had been targeted by someone intentionally bumping into them, while 6 percent reported witnessing such incidents. Some cases have involved individuals using bags to strike passersby. In Fukuoka, an associate professor was accused of hitting people with his bag while walking. In another case near Tokyo’s Tamachi Station, a woman was reportedly struck with enough force to break her ribs. The station later installed bollards to guide pedestrians into lanes and reduce collisions.
Videos circulating on social media show both men and women deliberately shoulder-checking strangers in crowded areas. Sociologist Kiriu Masayuki of Toyo University says the behavior reflects social pressures in modern Japan. He suggests some men may be acting out frustration tied to economic stress and changing gender dynamics, with women often seen as less likely to report the incidents.
Heavy tourism may also be contributing to tensions. Popular spots such as Shibuya crossing attract large numbers of visitors hoping to capture photos or videos for social media, adding to already dense pedestrian traffic and sometimes frustrating local residents.
After the Shibuya video spread online, the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo advised its citizens to stay alert in crowded areas and avoid looking at their phones while walking. The girl’s mother later said her daughter was not injured but described the moment as frightening. She also said she faced criticism online after people noticed she had been taking photos of her child in the busy crosswalk when the incident occurred.
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