Japan is arguably the safest country in the world; at least in terms of day to day public safety. There is very little violent crime and very little crime against property, even in big metropolises like Tokyo and Osaka. This is not to say however that exchange students should not take care and show caution when in surroundings they are unfamiliar with. Most Japanese people though will go out of their way to try and help lost and/or confused ‘gaijin’ (foreigners).
Exchange students should be aware of earthquake drills practised at school and of what to do in the unlikely event they experience a large earthquake. As a resident of Japan for over ten months students will undoubtedly feel a number of tremors’ and will get used to them; but if there is a large movement students should follow classmates or host family as they will know exactly where to go and what to do.