Upskirting crimes have long plagued Japan. Now children are becoming offenders

Upskirting Crimes Now Involving Minors in Japan

Upskirting crimes have long plagued Japan, with the practice of covertly capturing images of someone’s genital area without consent becoming a persistent issue. Recently, the situation has shifted as children are increasingly participating in these offenses, marking a concerning trend. Legal experts and child advocates emphasize that the digital age has made it easier for minors to engage in upskirting, often without awareness of the harm they cause. This development has sparked debates about the need for updated laws to address the evolving nature of the crime.

A Six-Year-Old’s Ordeal

Ayaka, a six-year-old girl, became one of the first victims of upskirting in Japan. Her swimming instructor, a man who exploited children for over a decade, secretly filmed her private areas and shared the images in a Telegram group. These videos were praised by other pedophiles as “masterpieces” of covert photography. Ayaka’s father, Suzuki, only learned of the incident when police contacted him two years ago. The images included her face and name, making it easy to identify her.

“We encouraged her to attend the swimming school, believing it would be a fun activity. Now, I feel ashamed for placing her in that situation,” Suzuki said to CNN. “The man who took advantage of her will never be forgiven.”

Japan’s upskirting epidemic has affected thousands of victims, from children to teenagers. While the crime has existed for years, the involvement of minors has intensified in recent years. Authorities and advocacy groups are alarmed by the surge in cases, with police reporting a significant increase in arrests related to voyeurism in 2025.

Japan’s Fight Against Covert Photography

To combat the issue, Japan has introduced measures such as warning posters in public places and requiring smartphones to emit a shutter sound. These steps aim to deter hidden filming. In 2023, the country passed a new law targeting “photo voyeurism,” expanding the definition of voyeurism to include non-consensual photography of children. Despite these efforts, upskirting crimes have long plagued Japan, and the rise of minors as perpetrators continues to challenge the legal system.

Before the 2023 reforms, upskirting cases were handled under inconsistent local laws, making prosecution difficult. The new legislation now allows for uniform handling of such offenses. However, experts argue that the ease of digital tools and internet access has amplified the problem. With smartphones in every pocket, perpetrators can capture, store, and share images instantly, often without detection.

Minors as Perpetrators: A Growing Concern

The demographic shift in upskirting crimes has long plagued Japan, with minors now playing a significant role as offenders. Police data reveals that reported cases involving underage perpetrators increased nearly sixfold in 2024 compared to the previous year. In 2025, the trend continued, with more minors participating in covert photography. School environments are particularly vulnerable, as classmates and siblings are increasingly capturing intimate moments and uploading them online.

Cybersecurity expert Sumire Nagamori, a child rights activist, highlighted the alarming trend. “Children are exposed to digital tools before they grasp ethics or digital literacy,” she explained. Online platforms like Telegram and Discord have become hubs for sharing child sexual abuse materials. One video, seen by CNN, advertised a longer clip of a toddler being abused for less than three dollars. Some contributors claimed to be in middle or high school, indicating they were grooming others to participate in the act.

Legal Gaps and the Need for Reform

Upskirting crimes have long plagued Japan, but the current legal framework is struggling to keep pace with digital sexual abuse. The Child Pornography Law, which governs most cases, only applies when a child’s genitalia are visible. This narrow definition leaves room for loopholes, allowing some perpetrators to avoid harsher penalties. Legal analysts warn that the law doesn’t always cover the full range of abusive content, which has led to calls for stricter legislation.

With the rise of minors as offenders, Japan’s legal system faces new challenges. Advocates argue that the 2023 reforms were a step forward, but further adjustments are needed to address the complexities of modern voyeurism. As the number of cases involving underage perpetrators grows, the need for comprehensive reforms becomes more urgent. Upskirting crimes have long plagued Japan, and without updated laws, the problem may continue to expand.