With citizens paying taxes and having an increased awareness of their rights, more people are of the view that they're entitled to get service from public servants.

Monday 12th May, 05:25 AM JST

Psychiatrist Rika Kayama, suggesting one reason why there has been an increase in frivolous or unnecessary calls to police emergency lines. (Yomiuri Shimbun)

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5 Comments

borscht at 07:48 AM JST - 12th May

Now? people are becoming more aware of their rights? After 65 years of democracy? Either the Japanese people are slow learners or Kayama is barking up the wrong tree. If people are more aware of their rights (and taxes) they would probably be less like to call the police and more likely to call their city councilman, the mayor, or other representative. But my favorite is... "entitled to get service from public servants." Wow. There's a shocker. Servants expected to serve. As always, not enough context to know what Kayama is talking about; a link would be nice.
smartacus at 07:55 AM JST - 12th May

It's not just police calls. People misuse ambulances all the time, calling them for minor ailments.
Coligny at 09:28 AM JST - 12th May

Yeah but in Tokyo they ask not to call ambulance unless you are missing an arm... And honestly, with the (lack of) qualityu of japanese doctors, might as well at least get a cool ride in an ambulance.
KyouNoNippon at 12:00 PM JST - 12th May

I believe this particular quote is in reference to a study done by (I think) the Daily Yomiuri recently of frivolous calls.

Some sample calls:

1) A ride home from the station due to rain.

2) What to do about a keitai phone that will not turn on.

3) A request to bring toilet paper to a public toilet the caller was using but lacked toilet paper.
capone at 06:32 PM JST - 12th May

wait...service, from a public servant ??? get out !!!