I must respectfully disagree with Rebecca's comments.
I am half Brit, half Japns and look very foreign. I speak, read and write both languages fluently and lived in both countries for 15 years. The koban (police station) that Rebecca is talking about, the "beware of foreigners" sign is in fact meant towards the Chinese/Koreans. It's clear if you read the Japanese newspapers. Everyday I read something new: tons and tons of crime done by the Chinese and Koreans who are 'smuggled' in illegally. With the Japanese being abducted by N. Koreans (a big national problem here) and Chinese criminals coming here as hitmen, stealing Japanese metal worth thousands of dollars, and drug dealing, it is no wonder the Japanese are a little more cautious of their surroundings than before and towards 'foreigners'.
The "kawaii" (cute) statement. There are vast meanings to that term. It's the same as the term "that's hot" that western countries overuse.We also overuse cute: he's cute, don't be so cute, etc

Chelsea, Saitama, Japan

While rereading the article I recalled something that I forgot, and rereading the comments I must say I agree very much with g s from england, who writes about people blaming changes in Japan on advent of western values - do these people mean sexual culture? It has been extremely developped in Japan for ages - just try to read the Genji monogatari, it's basically the stories of love affairs at the court of a ruler, but it was all widespread around the country, long before any foreign influence had a chance to appear.
But what I meant to say is that upon my arrival to study at a UNiversity here I was told, by one of the professors at the university, not officially, but in a private talk, that "Japanese men are like wolves when they see a woman, they cannot control themselves (do not wish, maybe? but the result is the same) and it's up to the woman to take care of herself if she wishes to stay safe." Now, I cannot judge whether this says something about the culture of the country, BUT.

Elena, Fukuoka, Japan

No society is safe from murderers. Wish I could say it was different. And it seens every year it gets worse. No matter where you travel in your own town, city or country you must be aware of your surroundings. I believe she should have been suspicious of a man who talked to her on a train and then ran along beind her bike. Seems a little extreme to me, My condolances to the family and friends.

Joyce, Lafayette, Ameica

If you've lived in Japan, it's easy to see how Lindsay could have been taken in by this man and believed him to be harmless, even if he did seem a little eccentric. I lived in Japan for five years and met many young Japanese men who tried to engage me in conversation - they were generally shy, earnest, extremely polite and respectful, and there was usually something endearing about their struggle to communicate. (Older men are a different story). She would have felt even more secure if he was a student at her school. Although Ichihashi looks menacing in his photo, he probably appeared anything but in real life and I doubt anyone, let alone someone as young as Lindsay, would have been able to tell how deeply disturbed he was. This is a real tragedy in the true sense of the word, and my heart goes out to Lindsay's family. No doubt it will also contribute to a lot of inaccurate drivel being written about Japan in the UK media too. Keep reading Richard LP, he knows what he's talking about.

Penny, London,

I must respectfully disagree with Chelsea when she says the Japanese love foreigners and are eager to learn our language and culture. I felt the same way she does while working at a language school, a 'western island' so to speak. Then I got a job in a JHS and my perceptions changed. Being a part of a Japanese environment showed me that foreigners are still viewed with great contempt and skepticism. Being ignored is the rule of the day.

It seems to me that the Japanese will shower visitors with acts of kindness as long visitors return home within a set time. Attitudes towards visitors will change if the visitor attempts to make a life here. These foreign residents will now be viewed with skepticism. It's little wonder that two of the most common questions Japanese ask foreigners is 'Why did you come to Japan?' and 'When are you going back to your home country?'

Sorry folks but I'm just not convinced that the Japanese love foreigners.

Foreign Resident, Aichi, Japan

I have lived in Japan for the past 3 years and have enjoyed my time very much. That being said, one of the things that has been hard to get used to is the not-so-subtle presence of both racism and sexism that exist here. I actually saw a poster on a Koban (police box) bulletin board which warned people to "watch out for foreigners." Another annoying thing is how women (Japanese & foreign) tend to be treated as 2nd-class citizens. Women are expected to act "kawaii" (cute) and defer to men in many situations. I have had many Japanese friends put off getting pregnant because they are expected to quit their jobs once they are pregnant. I, too have been "groped" on the train and when I mentioned the incident to a Japanese male aquaintance, he actually told me that I should feel "privileged" that someone thought I was attractive! Yikes. Bottom line, though I love Japan and living here, it's the same as anywhere else in the world--you have to be vigilant and watch out for yourself.

Rebecca, Yokosuka, Japan

Let's get this in perspective. Murder's take place all over the world - they are tragic events, but inherent to human nature.

Nobody here has mentioned that, along with Norway, Japan has the lowest crime rate in the western world - that includes for homicide.

So to suddenly say Japan is unsafe, or not as safe as it used to be, is ludacris - its as safe as each person makes it. No where on earth is 100% safe, and so one should never let their guard down.

On the other hand, Japan is amoungst the safest places and shouldn't, because of this one unfortunate incident, be suddenly painted by the fickle media as a country full of rapists and murderers, when it's everything but.

Alan, Manchester, United Kingdom

Japan isn't all Pokemon and Pikachu. There is a violent, thriving underworld in Japan. The Yakuza or Japanese mafia extorts money from, or controls almost every snack bar, pachinko parlour and busy nightclub in Japan. What is most frustrating is that Yakuza businesses openly identify themselves as such with plaques they post outside their buildings. The lucrative pornography business is completely Yakuza controlled. And the police do nothing. However in my 2 years in Japan, I was stopped and questioned by police FOUR(4) times simply for being a foreigner walking down the street.

Although any nation needs to be concerned with threats from without, the most dangerous threats of all can also come from within.

James, Ottawa, Canada

Visitors to Japan should not be overconfident of their abilities and securities in Japan. Although Japan is still a relatively safe country than many others, it does not mean it is safe everywhere. Living long in Japan, people are sure to know what is okay and what is not. Perhaps the images spread through some pop culture, like manga, may give people outside Japan simplified, distorted, and somewhat stupid image of the country, but people should take reality as reality, not the world in animation, which domestic Japanese understand well. Japan may appear "a strange country" in somewhat peaceful ways, but don't get confused. It is quite wrong that this kind of incident makes a country bad and horrible as a whole, but over-confidence will cause serious consequences. This is advice from a Japanese male who have stayed in the US for several years.

Japanese man, Now in USA,

The people in the photo are the murdered woman, Lindsay Hawker, and her boyfriend, Ryan Garside. Mr Garside flew to Japan with her father and spoke at the press conference yesterday.

LW, London,

It is sad to see how some of the comments coming from Japan blaming Western values for the crime. Stalking women in Japan is quite common and many Japanese women had suffered such incidents. There are also quite a few cases of such stalking resaulting in the death of the victims. Japan is only protrayed as safe for women but it was never trully so. Rape rate is high in Japan yet undealt with as harshly as it is in the west. Women don't complain out of fear and social shame. Such crimes are a local illneses due to the social isolation of individual in Japan. It has little to do with the west.

g s, rickmansworth, england

Deepest sympathies to Lindsay Hawker's family.
May justice prevail in this sad situation.

karl anglin, northridge/los angeles, unitedstates/california

The father of the victim says: "This was a loner, a social outcast, who targeted my daughter and must be caught. I don’t want any other family to go through what my family is going through.” However, as the Japanese reader Motomi from Chiba, Japan, mentioned, I would say that nowadays many things seem to have gone wrong in Japan, and people like this person, who assaulted Lindsay, is in no way an outcast, there are so many young people like this! Look well at the expression on his face, I have to say I notice it so much often now than before... I thought I should write this so that other people were aware of potential danger - Japan is no longer the safe place as it used to be even several years ago... Let's hope the police will do its job this time.

Elena, Fukuoka, Japan

I went to work in Tokyo 28 years ago as a TEFL teacher ,at the same age as Lindsay, and feel particularly saddened by her death. I feel for her parents, too, as I have a daughter currently travelling on a gap year. One can never be too cautious but young people need to experience life at the same time. The only innocent mistake Lindsay made was going to this guy's apartment. Her parents and sisters must remain proud of her achievements and strong in the days ahead. So many people must be thinking of them right now.

Claire Thompson, Cambridge,

My daughter has done a lot of ESL tutoring and now works for NOVA in Japan. Each time she was hired and each company she worked for in her home country and in others, including the current one, it was stressed to herto have no lessons in the pupils or your own home, always a public place for a private lesson. Why would someone ignore this most basic of rules which applies in any country especially if the person you are meeting has been stalking you? Hopefully htis will serve as a lesson to other teachers in any country to think twice about what you are going to do.

Anna, Hamilton, Canada

It is a very sad story, but perhaps it will convince those who come here to use the same caution that they would in their own country. I actually have known non-Japanese who don't even lock their doors despite the fact that as far back as the early 80s, Tokyo had one of the world's highest burglary rates---and that was before they could blame it on foreigners.

One of the posters, Seiich (sic?) of Chiba, Japan said:

"However, since the Asian economic crisis a decade ago, Japan was enforced to be the Western style of economy and the competitions became harsh. Then, the gap between rich and poor are widened and the crimes became savage and vicious as much as Europe and the US. "

In other words, pure, innocent Japan has been perverted by the evil West. It's all the fault of foreigners, not Japan. I don't find it surprising that at a time when the Japanese police, media, and government do their best to blame the rising crime rate on non-Japanese that Japanese believe it.

David, Tokyo, Japan

The main thing is regardless of which country you are posted in, be safe. Never have private lessons with strangers (regardless of how much money you think you will receive) and always tell friends and colleagues were you are going.

sagat, Leeds, UK

Motomi san, this is... the Western value system (or the lack of it)... coming to Japan. Japan is probably the only developed place in the entire world where women can safely walk at night... but it may not be for long. Tony

Tony, Kawasaki,

My deepest sympathy goes out to Lindsay Hawker's family and friends. I hope justice is served and you find comfort for your sad loss.

PS: Who are the people in the photo?

Rebecca, London

Rebecca , London, UK

Let's hope the Japanese police are a bit more tenacious about apprehending the offender than they were the last time a Western women were killed. Their Keystone cops attitude, and deference to rich businessmen, did not to much to inspire confidence. Could a British police officer not be sent over to supervise the investigation?

kerry livermore, London, England,

What on earth were the Japanese detectives doing to allow this dangerous man to flee from his flat during questioning?

Ali, London, UK

What I don't understand as an English teacher living in Japan is WHY would she go to this man's house after being followed and meeting this man only one time? I keep asking myself this. This is so surprising to me and to my fellow colleagues, as we all have private lessons and we all know that private lessons are done in a public place, especially since we are women. It is common sense: it protects us and our clients legally. Public lessons are done all the time, it would be virtually unrealisic if my student were to claim that I had assaulted him/her or vice versa.
So for all you teachers all over the world, please take good care!
We are all praying that this man will be caught as soon as possible and that justice will be served. Lindsay, God bless.

Nina, Chiba, Japan

I would like to express my sorrow at this tragic loss of life.
I felt odd about the Japanese media about how they report about this case, even though I am a Japanese. They are treating this painful case as some kind of show.
Recently, Japanese media are making so many fabricated stories like natto story (you can find about this in Nature 445, 804-805 (22 February 2007)), and the news they report are always like gossip show, so I do not trust Japanese media anymore.
Please be reminded that many Japanese people are feeling sorrow for this tragic murder, and hoping the murderer to get caught soon and be punished.

When I was a child, I did not mind about locking the door when I go out, but I cannot leave it left open anymore... The sad thing is, it was only about 10 years ago!
Nowadays Japan is something wrong. I cannot say exactly what is wrong, but I fell something is very, very wrong.
(Sorry for my poor writing, I am not good at writing in English)

Motomi, Chiba, Japan

I lived in Japan for 5 years before coming to London and am fluent in the language. I was always shocked at the level of leniency shown by the police toward stalkers in general. I could write a book about some of the accounts I came across while living in Japan. In most cases the police do nothing and the women are basically on their own. The system actually allows this kind of behavior to continue. Add the general boyish immaturity of Japanese males and you get scenarios like you have here. Just talk to some of the foreign hostesses in Tokyo and they will tell you all about it. Japan is a beautiful country with some of the most decent people I have ever met but looking at it from this angle is very telling indeed.

Bijan , London, U.K.

I taught English in Japan, and although many male students I had were genuinely interested in learning, there were always some who appeared more interested in the opportunity to get close to a young Western woman, whose comments in an out of class would veer towards personal and inappropriate. Western women are often stared at and objectified by Japanese men. For this reason I would NEVER have entered any space alone in the company of a Japanese man, and I believe Nova has a duty to educate all their teachers on how they may be viewed by the Japanese, and how to minise danger. Certainly, teaching a private lesson in a student's apartment is never a good idea. 22 years old is not old enough to make effective judgement calls in a completely different culture. My heart goes out to Lindsay's family and friends.

Jess, Leamington Spa,

I was surprised the Britons still have believed the Japan is so called a ‘safe’ country. There are stalkers, paedophiles and murderers even in Japan.

However, since the Asian economic crisis a decade ago, Japan was enforced to be the Western style of economy and the competitions became harsh. Then, the gap between rich and poor are widened and the crimes became savage and vicious as much as Europe and the US.

The family of the suspect was elite and rich but the sons and daughters are under strong pressure to be success in the society. They are enforced to study until their brains are broken. The crimes, which are committed by the elites, has been increasing.

I am very sad about this incident as a Japanese citizen. When I was in England, some of the teachers taught me earnestly. I still remember the Ladies’ compassionate nature and I imagine the victim was too. We do not let the murderer escape. Many people angered with the guy.He will be arrested with their co-operation.

Seiich, Chiba, Japan

I think people need a bit of perspective here. Sure she was murdered by a psycopath (deepest sympathies to her family & friends), but this sort of thing happens to foreigners in every country. The UK has had its fair share of murdered foreigners. In fact, some years ago, a US gang's initiation rite was for potential members to murder tourists. I remember American, Dutch, and German tourists being murdered in cold blood at Gas Stations, by the road and in shops.

Japan without a doubt has its fair share of psychopaths and perverts, but let us not let this isolated incident skewer our perception of the country.

"Western" women will continue to go to Japan, and I am sure that Lindsay Hawker will be ever so slightly comforted by the fact that her passing will surely serve as a reminder to young girls that they should be more vigilant and take no risks in a foreign country.

Pete, Cov,

This guy shouldn't be on the streets if he's had a history of drug dealing and stealing. At least not without severe restrictions to his movements. Modern society is very soft on crime. Let's get zero tolerance and three-strikes-and- you're-out policies in once and for all.

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

I have been living in Tokyo for 18 years.
I don't necessarily think that Japan is the one that creates the false sense of security, but the foreigners that come to Japan are the ones that create this security. This is because we tend to come from countries which are full of crime, and compared to our own countries, Japan is definitely safer. Because of this, we feel so much safer while we reside in Japan and may become a little too naive, trusting, and relaxed of our surroundings.
Watching the news here in Japan, it is clear that what happened to Lindsay is very upsetting for foreigners and Japanese alike. It is a tragedy for both countries.
May she rest in peace.

Charlotte, Tokyo, Japan

As a bilingual, from the media reports, I can tell you that this tragic loss is being shared by BOTH countries. They are doing their best to try and catch this crazy man. My Japanese friends here are utterly saddened with what had happened and their hearts go to Lindsay's family and friends. Japanese people love foreigners and are very enthusiastic about learning our language and culture. I truly hope people do not get the wrong impression of this beautiful country.
I also believe that we need to do our part as foreigners to be a little more careful in whatever country we are in.

Chelsea, Saitama, Japan

This story has definately made me more aware as a western woman in Japan. I've already had my share of train perverts and general weirdos but it will definately make me think twice about my safety here and be more vigilant every day. It also really upsets me the way the Japanese media is handling this case. This girl was viciously killed through no fault of her own, remember that.. and it was a Japanese citizen who did it. All societies have their share of crazies and I would argue that while most crazies here in Japan are harmless their is definately more of them as seen by how common (and oddly accepted) train perverts are. In my country, if a woman was assaulted on a train (that's what it is, assault) he would make the 6pm news and a warning would go out to all the women in the city.
I'm deeply saddened and dismayed by not only the crime but how Japan (and the media) is quick to defend the guilty because he is Japanese. How this is being dealt with is changing my view of Japan.

Gaijin woman, Tokyo, Japan

Who are the people in the photo?

inigo, Gerberoy, France

I lived in japan for 5 months now , and I can see how japan creates a false sense of security. This, is an exception to a normally safer society created by a psychopath but i agree with the families sentiment, vigilence needs to be improved. Many 'gaijin' leave their houses unlocked , a delusional practice caused by a belief that nothing will ever happen. deepest sympathies.

Jer, tokyo, japan