Upskirting crimes have long plagued Japan, with a growing number of children becoming offenders. According to police data, reported voyeurism cases involving minors surged nearly sixfold in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Victims and Perpetrators

Ayaka, a six-year-old girl, was a victim of upskirting by her swimming teacher, who took illicit photos and videos of her and shared them on a Telegram group with other pedophiles. Her father, Suzuki, only learned about the incident when the police called two years ago.

Experts say that the ubiquity of smartphones has made it easier for perpetrators to commit these crimes. Cybersecurity expert and child rights activist Sumire Nagamori notes that young children are gaining access to digital devices before they are taught ethics or digital literacy, making it easier for copycat behavior to spread.

Consequences and Solutions

Japan has introduced a nationwide law against photo voyeurism, but critics say that gaps remain in the law, and some forms of sexual abuse content can fall outside its scope. A new sex offender registry has been rolled out, but it is not accessible to the public.

Experts are calling for better education and awareness about the dangers of upskirting and voyeurism, particularly among young people. They also emphasize the need for stricter laws and enforcement to protect victims and prevent these crimes.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.