Phone-Fu

More Modern Japanese Self-Defense Techniques...

TOKYO — Did you just grope me? Shall we head to the police?

That's the message women are flashing on their cell phones with a popular program designed to ward off wandering hands in Japan's congested commuter trains.

Although "Anti-Groping Appli" was released in late 2005 by games developer Takahashi, it has only recently climbed up popularity rankings, reaching No. 7 in this week's top 10 list of cell phone applications, compiled by Web-based publisher Spicy Soft Corp.

The application flashes increasingly threatening messages in bold print on the phone's screen, which the person groped can show to the offender: "Excuse me, did you just grope me?" "Groping is a crime," and finally, "Shall we head to the police?"

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Users press an "Anger" icon in the program to progress to the next threat. A warning chime accompanies the messages.

The application, which can be downloaded for free on Web-enabled phones, is for women who want to scare away perverts with minimum hassle and without attracting attention, according to Takahashi's Web site.

"I first downloaded this as a joke," Spicy Soft official Michika Izumi said. "But I think it could be a lifesaver if I get groped."

Izumi said more users appeared to have recently discovered Takahashi's "Anti-Groping Appli" because of a series of new applications unveiled by the creator this year, including a popular number game, horoscope and blogging program.

According to Tokyo Metropolitan Police, 1,853 people were arrested for groping passengers on trains in Tokyo in 2005. Experts say harassment may be more widespread, but women are often too embarrassed to report it.

But technology taketh away as well as giveth. Free-fingered-feelers have begun downloading their own cell-phone replies to the Anti-Groping Appli.

"No you ugly witch I wouldn't touch you if you paid me," has been flashing on many a male subway rider's cell screen, and "Gag me with a spoon you're a dog!" is quite popular as well.

"Sometimes we men must fight back when slandered by these lonely women who's only excitement in life is blaming men for everything," software developer Tushi Takeahickey said, "and tossing it right back in their face can make a pushy broad embarrassed enough to leave you alone."