- Runaways living in Japan can be divided into two types based on the challenges they would meet: There are runaways who were raised in countries outside of Japan and those who were raised in Japan. Japan's being an island nation, its language, and its strict immigration controls all act as impediments to runaways finding their way into the country. However, it is not safe to assume that the number of non-Japanese runaways is fewer than those raised in Japan. The number of foreign-born runaways who have received illegal assistance to enter the country has never been accurately documented. Also, there are a number of significant social and cultural pressures at work in Japan that may inhibit Japanese children from considering running away from their homes.
- Many of Japanese runaways receive money from concerned parents, family members or sympathetic friends. The situation for runaways from other countries is quite different.
In general, money is difficult to obtain. For minors lacking certain documents, educational degrees, permanent addresses and/or personal references, employment opportunities are extremely limited, usually of an illegal or quasi-legal nature, and tightly controlled by organized crime. In recent years, however, the number of underaged girls who use their private cellphones to advertise themselves as call girls on various websites has increased significantly, so such activities do provide opportunities for runaways to work outside yakuza-controlled networks.
There are several reasons runaways may choose to work within a yakuza business. Such businesses are already established, provide a level of shelter and protection, and may be able to assist in getting required documents and alibis. One such business that has recently begun employing underaged girls are the "deri-health" services--another name for delivery sex services. These businesses are highly organized and very effective at avoiding police scrutiny. - There are a wide variety of places for runaways to find shelter and/or accommodation other than the street. Of course, the availability of these options depends on the economic resources of the runaway.
Aside from a variety of hotels (the cheapest being about $35 USD per night), there are a large number of Internet cafes that offer private booths with fold-out beds. These booths can be rented overnight for as little as $15 USD, and offer food and drink, books and magazines, and of course, Internet connectivity.
Many runaways shelter at "game centers" (arcades), some of which may stay open all night.
Runaways choosing to remain in school often stay at a friend or relative's house. - Persons lacking a high school degree, proof of residence and personal recommendations usually can not find legitimate employment in Japan. Runaways entering Japan from other countries without assistance or sponsorship will almost certainly be unable to find legitimate sources of revenue.
The requirement that students wear their school uniforms enables easy identification and area of residence. A child not wearing a school uniform seen in public during school hours may be reported to proper officials.
Children in Japan are constantly warned not to do anything that might embarrass their families. As such, the idea of abandoning one's responsibilities and bringing public scrutiny to one's family will almost certainly be accompanied by a deep sense of shame; unfortunately, this may also push children to runaway.
Japanese children spend a relatively limited amount of time at home with family. Teenagers will leave for school before 7:30 a.m. and, after attending school, club activities and private cram schools, might return home as late as 10 p.m. While this may limit inner-family frustrations, it may also lead to communication breakdowns. - Given that the internal problems of families are considered a taboo subject in Japan, the situation for runaways living in Japan is largely absent from public discourse.
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