Reality checks for home security in Japan

Japan has a reputation for being a safe country, and it's pretty easy to get comfortable with that. However, a new survey suggests people are becoming more conscious about home security, and it's a useful reminder for us as expats, too.

A July 2026 Macromill survey of 3,000 people found that 39.3% felt their awareness of crime prevention had increased over the past year, and that figure was even higher among people living in detached houses, at 44.8%, compared with 32.5% of apartment residents. The biggest reasons were seeing news about things like robberies, burglaries, and fraud, but in saying that, only 24.7% said they were already taking concrete home security measures. Cost was the biggest barrier, followed by not knowing which measures were effective.

Interestingly, the most common security measure was also one of the simplest, which was locking the door even while at home. Still, around 30% said they don't always do this. Other popular measures included not answering the door to unfamiliar visitors and using an intercom with a recording function.

For us as expats, these basics can be particularly useful. Language barriers can make unexpected visitors or suspicious calls harder to assess, so a camera-equipped intercom and a habit of keeping doors locked can provide some extra peace of mind. Also, security isn't all about gadgets. More than half of respondents said regular communication with neighbors is one of the best forms of crime prevention, and I would wholeheartedly agree with that!

Do you take any specific measures to keep your home safe here? Do you know your neighbors?