July 26, 2023

Precautions for Summer Break

It is safe to assume that Keio students have a range of activities planned over the summer break. However, it is precisely at this time of year, when students feel freer and more relaxed, that they are prone to let their guard down and get into trouble. We strongly encourage all Keio students to heed the following precautions to ensure their break is both safe and fulfilling.

■ Prohibition on unsafe alcohol consumption
It is prohibited for those under the age of 20 to consume alcohol or for anyone to coerce others to drink. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases around Hiyoshi Station in which Keio students are taken to the hospital due to binge drinking. No matter where you are--whether you are outside, in a restaurant, or at home--do not drink to excess. Be mindful that, depending on how it is consumed, alcohol can be life-threatening and carry long-term physical and social consequences.
• Keio University Student Website: Precautions related to alcohol consumption

■ Sexual violence
Keio University strongly condemns any incidents of sexual harassment, lewd behavior, the nonconsensual taking of intimate photos or videos, stalking, and other forms of harmful sexual misconduct. Not only will these acts be subject to criminal and civil liability, but they also represent an affront to the dignity of both the perpetrators and victims, who are left with serious psychological trauma. Such acts will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
You can watch a video series on preventing sexual crimes (created by the Student Affairs Center) via Box at the following link. We urge all Keio students to watch these videos to grasp the gravity of this issue.
https://keio.box.com/s/zrtswmypmym2ocsvsnxopusa18v5rdlg ※keio.jp login required
As of July 13, the penal code was revised so as to make significant changes for crimes pertaining to sexual misconduct.

We have prepared the "yorisoi2022" leaflet which introduces the various consultation services available to anyone who has become a victim of sexual assault or other form of sexual misconduct. We urge you not to deal with this type of situation alone and to make use of the services listed, which include 24-hour-hotlines and multilingual support.

■ Prohibition on illegal acts and acts that violate public order or morals
Students are prohibited from engaging in illegal activities including coercing others to drink, using drugs, violence, fraudulent business practices, or any other activities that run counter to public order or morals. Do NOT neglect the serious social consequences that ill-chosen comments or careless actions carry. The life, wellbeing, property, and dignity of others are respected at Keio University and the community of peers which it encompasses.
• Keio University Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Charter for the Promotion of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

■ Prohibition of drug abuse
The use or possession of illegal substances, such as dangerous drugs (including so-called quasi-legal drugs and herbs), stimulants, and marijuana, is a crime that is severely punishable. Excuses such as "I just tried it on a whim," "I thought I could quit easily," or "It's legal where I'm staying abroad" will not be accepted. Stay away from drugs that endanger your mind and body. In addition, there have been cases at airports in which people traveling overseas were charged with smuggling drugs due to unknowingly accepting a stranger's luggage containing illegal substances. Being a drug courier is a serious offense. Recognize that you may run the risk of unknowingly committing a crime and exercise constant vigilance to avoid such situations.
• On substance abuse
• Carrying illicit drugs

■ Behavior in public and comments on social media platforms
Students must take personal responsibility for their words and actions. Avoid engaging in self-centered behavior that can become a public nuisance. Likewise, avoid making inconsiderate comments on social media or spreading information from unverified or discreditable sources. Keio has particularly observed disruptive behavior by students around Hiyoshi Station which has caused trouble for nearby residents. Consider how your words and actions affect those around you and understand that you must serve as "a source of honorable character and a paragon of intellect and morals."

■ Exercising caution while traveling abroad
When making and carrying out travel plans, please refer to the Overseas Travel Safety Information Homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the link below and try to gather the most up-to-date information regarding your intended destination. Also refer to the "Information for Keio Students Regarding Travel for Study Abroad" section of the Keio University Student Website when deciding where to go. We ask that students refrain from traveling to areas currently engaged in armed conflict or political unrest, regions experiencing a wave of COVID-19, or any areas with a travel advisory.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Overseas Travel Safety Information Homepage
• Information for Keio Students Regarding Travel for Study Abroad

Bear in mind that even if there isn't a travel advisory, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is safe to travel there. Students need to remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution to reduce the risk of theft, injury, or assault while in transit using buses, taxis, etc., when visiting new locations or at nightly accommodations. Please refrain from engaging in activities that may endanger yourself, such as camping out in the wild, or exploring while alone after dark or in unsafe areas. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance when traveling abroad to cover your bases. Before traveling, please be sure to inform your family and other people close to you of the following information: contact information at your destination (cell phone, layover locations, travel agencies), itinerary, lodging, and flight information. In addition, we recommend that you register with the Ministry of Foreign Affair's overseas travel registration system, Tabi Regi（たびレジ）,linked below.
•Tabi Regi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas travel registration system

■ Preventing accidents on mountains, in the water, and in traffic
Mountain-, water-, and traffic-related accidents become more frequent during long breaks. Give utmost attention to avoid causing or becoming involved in such accidents.


Finally, since May 8, Keio has ended university-wide infection prevention measures specific to COVID-19. However, this does not mean that the risk of infection has disappeared. As in the past, it is paramount that every Keio student conduct themselves in a model fashion, maintain self-discipline, and pay attention to their surroundings.
We hope all students have a safe and productive summer break.

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