Source: Bet On It
by Theo Jaffe
“Anyone who’s been to Japan will tell you about its incredible levels of public order, safety, and cleanliness. When I went to Japan for the first time this summer, I assumed the Japanophiles were exaggerating, but I was blown away. From the remotest villages to the centers of the densest cities, every single street was immaculately clean, every public bathroom in perfect condition, every convenience store well-stocked and staffed by happy, smiling employees. There wasn’t a hint of danger or sketchiness even in the middle of the night, and not a single homeless person to be seen anywhere. I couldn’t believe how nice it was everywhere, so I resolved to see if I could find anywhere in Japan that wasn’t perfect. When I Googled ‘worst neighborhood in Japan,’ one result popped up more than any other: Kamagasaki, Osaka. When I went to Osaka, I had to check it out for myself.” (02/25/25)