FIFA World Cup: Japan Warns Brazil-Bound Fans of Kidnappers

Japanese visitors to the World Cup in Brazil have been told by their government to guard against crimes there such as robbery, kidnapping and credit card skimming.

In a safety advisory to overseas travellers, the Japanese foreign ministry warned: "Crimes occur in Brazil at a very high frequency by world standards, including many organised crimes involving narcotics."

Japan will play Ivory Coast on June 14 in Recife; Greece on June 19 in Natal, and Colombia on June 24 in Cuiaba.

The notice said that the number of murders occurring in Recife's state is 43 times higher than in Japan, while there are about 200 times as many robberies. The frequency of crimes is also high in the other areas.

'Move in groups'

It advised Japanese visitors to move in groups, refrain from going out at night, avoid deserted places, dress modestly and keep cameras and smart phones out of sight.

The ministry will set up temporary offices in the three cities to help Japanese travellers in trouble.