Bouhan Machizukuri is a general term for activities conducted by the cooperation between residents and administrations, etc., with the purpose of preventing crime by producing environments and situations in which crime is less likely to occur. The important keywords here are "prevention" and "cooperation." The thinking behind "prevention" is the exact opposite of post-crime support through the correction in prison of criminals by means of the criminal justice system. "Cooperation" is based on the thinking that various countermeasures will become possible by the joining of various agents' forces. Other important requirements of "Bouhan Machizukuri" include a combination of software such as residents' patrols and improved hardware in buildings and public spaces. Needless to say, the prevention of crime itself is not the most urgent goal but is rather nothing more than one factor in improving quality of life. In recognition of this, it is the essential to promote "Bouhan Machizukuri" from a comprehensive outlook, combining wide-ranging purposes such as townscape, welfare and regional revitalization.