Japan has been among the safest countries in the world for 15 years and consistently ranks in the top ten of the Global Peace Index. Peace feels like a rare commodity in 2025 as global wars escalate and tensions mount worldwide. Japan stands out at 9th place on the Global Peace Index for 2025, while Iceland maintains its position as the world's most peaceful nation for the 15th consecutive year.
Safety indexes by country show striking contrasts. Global peace has deteriorated for nine of the past 13 years, but countries like Japan continue to receive high marks for low crime rates, minimal internal conflict, and virtually nonexistent political unrest. Japan's safety ranking goes together with one another with its powerful passport status, which currently holds third place on the Global Passport Index. The Global Peace Index evaluates 163 countries based on 23 indicators to determine each nation's level of safety and provides a complete picture of worldwide security.
Understanding the Global Peace Index
The Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks as the world's leading measure of global peacefulness. Steve Killelea, an Australian technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, created this detailed analysis in 2007. The index has become the gold standard to assess national and regional safety profiles [1]. Killelea's vision aimed to measure peace as a concrete indicator of human wellbeing [2].
What is the Global Peace Index?
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) produces the GPI every year. This independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank works to transform the world's perspective on peace as a positive, achievable measure of progress [2]. The index looks at 163 independent states and territories that represent 99.7% of the world's population [1].
The GPI stands out from other safety metrics. It takes a multi-layered view of peace by analyzing both "negative peace" (the absence of violence) and elements that build peaceful societies. The updated index comes out each June at events hosted in London, Washington D.C., and at the United Nations Secretariat in New York City [1].
How countries are ranked for safety
Countries get scores based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators normalized on a scale of 1-5 [1]. Expert groups place qualitative indicators into five bands. The quantitative indicators receive precise scores to the third decimal point [1].
The GPI groups these indicators into three main areas:
Societal Safety and Security - Looks at internal harmony through eleven indicators like crime rates, terrorist activity, violent demonstrations, and political stability [2]
Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict - Uses six indicators to track involvement in internal and external conflicts, their duration, and intensity [2]
Militarisation - Studies six indicators tied to military spending, weapon capabilities, and armed service personnel [2]
The Economist Intelligence Unit gathers data while working with an international panel of peace experts from various institutes and think tanks [1]. This expert panel reviews the indicators yearly to keep them relevant and accurate.
Key indicators used in the GPI
The most important indicators that determine a country's safety ranking include:
Number and duration of internal conflicts
Deaths from external and internal organized conflict
Relations with neighboring countries
Level of perceived criminality
Number of refugees and displaced persons
Political instability and terror
Homicide rates and violent crime levels
Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP
Nuclear and conventional weapons capability
Access to small arms and light weapons
The GPI also tracks the number of jailed persons, security officers, and police per 100,000 people [1]. It measures financial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions as a percentage of assessed contributions [1].
The 2025 GPI shows troubling trends. The average level of country peacefulness dropped by 0.36% - the sixth straight year of global decline [2]. Eight indicators improved while thirteen got worse and two stayed the same in the last year [2]. The gap between the most and least peaceful nations has reached its highest point in 16 years [3].
Why Japan Tops the Safety Index in 2025
Recent global safety assessments show Japan remains one of the world's safest nations, though its exact ranking varies between reports. The country's steadfast dedication to public safety, low crime rates, and stable social environment have earned it a spot among the safest countries for locals and tourists alike.
Japan's GPI score and global rank
Japan claimed the 12th spot globally in the 2025 Global Peace Index [4]. This impressive ranking makes it the third-safest country in the Asia-Pacific region [4], with only two regional neighbors ahead. Different safety metrics tell slightly different stories about Japan's global position. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's yearly safety report ranks Japan even higher—putting it at 9th globally and naming it Asia's safest destination [1].
The travel safety assessment has tracked safety data since 2016. It combines feedback from American travelers with data from several trusted sources [1]. These sources include the Global Peace Index, Numbeo crime statistics, and GeoSure Global's safety ratings of major cities worldwide [1].
Japan's achievement stands out because we've seen it stay among the top ten countries in the Global Peace Index for 15 straight years [2]. During this time, the country has scored high marks in key safety areas, especially for its low crime rates, minimal internal conflicts, and stable political climate [2].
Comparison with other safest countries in the world
Iceland stands as the world's safest nation—a title it has kept since 2008 [5]. Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Switzerland round out the top five positions in the 2025 GPI [5].
Singapore leads Asia on the global stage, securing 6th place [4]. It's the only Asian country to make it into the Global Peace Index's top 10. Australia, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, and Denmark also rank high in global safety [1].
Safe nations like these stand in sharp contrast to the global average. The worldwide peacefulness score has dropped by about 5.4% since the GPI started in 2008. We've seen 94 countries become less peaceful, while only 66 have improved [5]. This trend makes Japan's steady performance even more remarkable.
Japan safety ranking vs previous years
Japan's safety profile has stayed stable over time, with some positive changes recently. The country jumped from 12th to 9th place globally in the Berkshire Hathaway travel safety rankings between 2024 and 2025 [1]. This rise shows that international travelers trust Japan's safety measures more than ever.
Local opinions paint a different picture. A 2024 National Police Agency survey revealed that only 56.4% of Japanese residents believed their country "has good public safety"—the lowest figure since the survey began [6]. About 76.6% felt public safety had gotten worse over the past decade [6].
Japanese citizens worry more about new threats than traditional crimes. Scams (69.0%) and personal data breaches (58.3%) top their list of concerns [6]. Traditional safety measures look good, but digital threats are changing how locals view their security.
From a global perspective, Japan's safety record shines bright. Among the seven most populous nations that make up half the world's population and GDP, none rank higher than Indonesia at 48th on the Global Peace Index [7].
Key Factors Behind Japan’s High Safety Score
Image Source: The Economist
Several key factors work together to make Japan one of the world's most secure societies. Let's get into the specific elements that make Japan's safety profile exceptional.
Low crime and homicide rates
Japan stands out as one of the safest countries in the world because of its remarkably low crime numbers. The country has one of the lowest homicide rates worldwide at 0.3 per 100,000 people. This is nowhere near the global average of 6.1. These numbers show that violent crime rarely happens in Japanese society.
Property crimes and theft happen much less often compared to other developed nations. You can safely walk alone at night in Japanese cities. This holds true even in big metropolitan areas that would be risky in other countries.
Strict gun control laws
Japanese gun laws rank among the strictest in the world. People who want a gun license must pass extensive background checks, mental health screenings, and complete tough training courses. The law completely bans handguns for civilians. Only shotguns and air rifles are allowed under tight restrictions.
These tough rules show in Japan's safety numbers. The country sees fewer than 10 gun deaths each year - a stark difference from countries with looser gun laws.
Efficient law enforcement and justice system
Japanese police work through koban (neighborhood police boxes) that create a visible and available law enforcement presence in urban areas. Police officers build personal connections with community members as they patrol neighborhoods on foot or bicycle.
The criminal justice system has a conviction rate over 99%, which creates a strong deterrent. While this high rate sometimes raises questions about due process, it helps keep the nation safe.
Cultural emphasis on harmony and order
Japan's impressive safety record comes from deep-rooted cultural values. The concept of "wa" (harmony) spreads through Japanese society and promotes conflict avoidance and mutual respect. Social conformity and shared responsibility create strong community bonds that discourage crime.
Schools teach proper behavior, responsibility, and respect for others early on. These cultural foundations build a society where everyone, not just law enforcement, helps maintain public order.
How Japan Compares to Other Safe Nations
Safety indexes around the world rank Japan differently, but the country remains among the world's safest nations. Let's get into how Japan matches up against other safe places worldwide.
Japan vs Iceland, New Zealand, and Singapore
The safest country in the world rankings show Japan (9th/12th) slightly behind several top performers [3]. Iceland stands out as the world's most peaceful nation and has held this position since 2008 [8]. New Zealand takes fourth place globally thanks to its low violent crime rates [9]. Singapore holds the sixth spot with one of the world's lowest homicide rates - just 0.2 per 100,000 people [10].
The difference in law enforcement approaches tells an interesting story. Police officers in Iceland and New Zealand patrol without firearms [2], while Japanese officers carry guns under strict rules. Each country has fostered its own safety culture, yet they all share remarkably low crime rates.
Regional safety trends in Asia
Asia shows dramatic variations in safety conditions. Japan and Singapore shine as safety leaders, with Malaysia close behind at 13th globally [8]. The region faces serious challenges though. Asian roads account for more than 60% of global traffic deaths [11], with one death happening every minute [12].
Rich and developing Asian nations show a stark safety gap. Wealthy Asian countries cut their road deaths by 46% between 2010-2021. Lower and middle-income countries only managed a 4% reduction in the same timeframe [12].
What makes Japan unique among top-ranked countries
Japan stands out as the only top-ranked safe nation that deals with challenging geopolitical neighbors [2]. The country has stayed in the top ten safest list for 15 years straight - a sign of incredible stability [2].
Tokyo once claimed the title of world's safest city. The city scored high marks in cybersecurity, health systems, and reliable security [2]. Japan's achievement becomes even more impressive given its population size. Most other top-ranked countries like Iceland have much smaller populations, which might make it easier to keep society running smoothly.
What Japan’s Safety Means for Residents and Visitors
Image Source: Nomad Veronica
Living in Japan shows you why it's one of the safest countries in the world. The benefits of this safety culture become clear from day one, and they make a real difference in daily life.
Public transportation and urban safety
The Japanese rail system proves its safety record with pride. No passengers have died in train accidents for more than ten years. Tokyo, despite being the world's biggest city, lets people use public transport safely at any time. Crime barely exists on trains and busses. People often get their lost items back untouched - even their money.
Safety for solo travelers and women
Japan gives solo travelers, especially women, a rare sense of freedom. The country leads the world in women's safety. About 87% of women travelers say they feel very safe walking alone at night. This safety blanket covers all city areas, and basic safety steps are enough to stay secure, no matter your gender.
Natural disaster preparedness and response
Japan faces earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, but it has created leading-edge disaster response systems. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns people seconds before earthquakes hit. Detailed evacuation plans and regular drills keep citizens ready. Buildings built after 1981 use advanced earthquake-proof technology. This makes Japanese cities some of the toughest in the world against natural disasters.
Conclusion
Japan ranks among the world's safest nations, which tells us a lot about its society's foundations. The country's place in the top ten for the past fifteen years comes from cultural values, good governance, and practical safety measures that work together perfectly. Iceland still holds the title of most peaceful nation. Yet Japan's achievement stands out even more when you look at its size, dense population, and complex relationships with neighboring countries.
Japan sets itself apart from other safe countries through a special mix of elements. The country's low crime rates, strict gun laws, neighborhood police boxes (koban), and culture of social harmony create a place where safety feels natural. The country also combines excellent public safety with state-of-the-art disaster readiness, even while facing some of the toughest natural challenges worldwide.
This safety brings real benefits beyond just numbers. Women feel confident traveling alone at any time. People who lose valuable items on trains usually get them back. Families can explore big cities without the constant alertness needed in other places. These freedoms make living and traveling in Japan a truly unmatched experience.
A fascinating contrast exists in how Japanese people view safety. The country ranks among global leaders in safety measures. Still, recent surveys show Japanese citizens worry more about scams and data theft - maybe this is just how safety concerns change in our increasingly digital world.
Japan shows other nations valuable lessons about improving safety. The country proves how cultural values, good governance, and community participation can build remarkable security even in crowded cities. While global peace keeps declining, Japan shows that lasting safety is possible through complete societal dedication, whatever the size or complexity.
FAQs
Q1. What is Japan's current ranking in global safety indexes? Japan consistently ranks among the top safest countries globally. In recent assessments, Japan secured the 9th position in the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's annual travel safety report and 12th place in the Global Peace Index for 2025.
Q2. How does Japan compare to other safe nations like Iceland and New Zealand? While Japan ranks highly, it sits slightly behind countries like Iceland (1st) and New Zealand (4th) in global safety rankings. However, Japan's achievement is particularly impressive given its larger population and more complex geopolitical environment.
Q3. What factors contribute to Japan's high safety score? Japan's safety is attributed to several factors, including extremely low crime rates, strict gun control laws, an efficient law enforcement system, and a cultural emphasis on social harmony and order.
Q4. Is Japan safe for solo travelers and women? Yes, Japan is considered exceptionally safe for solo travelers and women. It ranks first globally for women's safety, with 87% of female travelers reporting feeling extremely secure even when walking alone at night.
Q5. How does Japan handle natural disaster risks? Despite its vulnerability to natural disasters, Japan has developed world-leading preparedness and response systems. These include advanced early warning systems, comprehensive evacuation plans, and earthquake-resistant building technologies, making it one of the most resilient countries in facing natural risks.
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