An interesting article from the NY Times, even though crime rates are declining in Japan there is a growing anxiety about safety and a fashion designer has adapted an old ninja trick and come up with urban camouflage. The article points out an interesting cultural difference between Japan and America:

While Americans want to protect themselves from criminals, or even strike back, the creators say many Japanese favor camouflage and deception, reflecting a culture that abhors self-assertion, even in self-defense.

“It is just easier for Japanese to hide,” Ms. Tsukioka said. “Making a scene would be too embarrassing.”