BEIJING — The Chinese embassy in Japan has issued a warning to Chinese nationals residing in or traveling to the country, citing a recent surge in incidents involving a group known as “bumpers.”
The embassy communicated the alert via its official WeChat account on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, urging caution as these individuals reportedly target foreign tourists and others with intentional physical contact. This comes as videos circulate on social media showing apparent assaults on visitors in popular areas.
According to reports, the “bumpers” – who appear as ordinary pedestrians – are active in crowded locations such as Shibuya in Tokyo, and the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts of Osaka. They allegedly bump into people, often tourists, and quickly disappear into the crowds. The Chinese embassy describes the actions as deliberate elbowing or body-checking, sometimes resulting in injury.
The warning advises Chinese citizens in Japan to maintain a safe distance from others in crowded areas and to avoid using mobile phones while walking in busy locations like train stations, escalators, and crosswalks. Those who encounter these individuals are encouraged to document the incident with photos, note the location of any security cameras, and file a report with the local police as soon as possible. The embassy also suggests seeking assistance from witnesses.
Recent footage shared online depicts a woman in Shibuya bumping into a young girl taking a photo, sparking public discussion. The incident has drawn attention to the issue and prompted the embassy’s advisory. The case highlights growing concerns about safety for tourists in popular Japanese cities.
The embassy’s statement follows similar reports in Japanese media, including coverage from Yahoo! News Japan and The Chugoku Shimbun.
