Tokyo Tackles Crime Prevention with Creativity

An impartial and consistent enforcement of the law allows cities not only to improve safety, but also to protect citizens’ fundamental rights—a strong indicator of fairness. This Tokyo case study is an example of a creative approach to crime prevention that improves the rule of law, one of the indicators tracked by the Dynamic Cities Dashboard.

What was the challenge?

The Adachi Ward, located in northeastern central Tokyo, faced several interconnected challenges. One of its primary issues was a negative public image associated with high crime rates. The Adachi Ward held the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of recorded crimes in central Tokyo for four consecutive years from 2006 to 2009. This perception of being a “dangerous town” had a detrimental impact on its reputation and economic prospects. Many people viewed it as unsafe, even if they had never visited the ward.

Additionally, the Adachi Ward had a demographic composition that contributed to its challenges. It had a high proportion of elderly residents, individuals relying on welfare, and public housing occupants. The ward’s aging population was increasing at a faster rate than the Tokyo average, and the concentration of public housing was double the average of the 23 central Tokyo wards. These demographic factors, along with a relatively low financial strength index and a small number of ward officials, likely contributed to the negative image of the area.

What action was taken?

Since 2008, the Adachi Ward government, in collaboration with local communities, law enforcement, and other relevant organizations, has undertaken significant efforts to enhance public safety and reduce crime through the implementation of the “Beautiful Windows Movement” (BWM). This initiative draws inspiration from the Broken Windows Theory, famously applied in New York City, but it takes a unique approach aimed at not only neutralizing but also promoting a positive image of the city.

The BWM strategy incorporates principles from Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), emphasizing the importance of maintaining the overall built environment—not only windows—to transmit positive signals and enhance territoriality. In this context, “broken windows” symbolize low territoriality and are believed to attract criminal activity.

BWM focused on various crime prevention measures such as the formation of crime prevention volunteer groups consisting of local residents, schools, and shop owners’ associations, in addition to collaboration with the local police stations. Notably, Neighborhood Home Associations (NHAs) play a pivotal role in the BWM, with a significant proportion of households belonging to NHAs in Adachi Ward.

What changed?

Through crime prevention measures across wards, such as the BMW adopted by the Adachi Ward, Tokyo has been ranked as the world’s safest city multiple times in row, with nationwide crime rates reaching new lows in 2019. While reported crimes have picked up post-pandemic, citizen perception of the rule of law in Tokyo remains relatively high with a score of .79 out of a 0-1 range, per the 2023 WJP Rule of Law Index.