Japan introduces stab-proof umbrellas on trains to enhance passenger safety

In response to a series of violent incidents on trains, West Japan Railway Co (JR West) has announced the introduction of stab-proof umbrellas on trains in the Kansai region.

Starting soon, approximately 1,200 of these specially designed umbrellas will be deployed across 600 trains to improve passenger security.

These umbrellas are about 20 centimeters longer than standard versions and feature reinforced canopies and thicker handles, offering an added layer of protection, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.

This initiative follows several knife attacks, including one in July 2023 where three passengers were injured. Another incident in 2022 saw a 37-year-old man stab three people on a train in Osaka. The attacker was arrested shortly after the assault, which left two passengers and a conductor hospitalized.

The new blade-resistant umbrellas are intended to serve as protective shields during attacks, with their extended length providing users extra time to create distance from an assailant and allowing others to escape. JR West officials explained that these umbrellas are a more practical alternative to bulkier protective gear used in the past, such as the traditional Japanese sasumata polearm.

According to JR West president Kazuaki Hasegawa, the umbrellas are durable, lightweight, and designed for easy handling, particularly by female staff. He emphasized that in the event of an emergency, the crew would be able to respond quickly and ensure passengers evacuate safely.

While violent crime rates in Japan remain low, concerns over random knife attacks have led train operators to ramp up security measures. JR West has also increased surveillance cameras and conducted safety drills in preparation for future incidents, with plans to further enhance passenger safety ahead of the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo.