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

Upskirting Crimes in Japan: A Growing Trend Among Minors

Upskirting crimes have long plagued Japan – Japan has long been grappling with upskirting offenses, a practice where individuals capture intimate images of others without their consent. Now, a new and alarming trend is emerging: children are increasingly becoming both victims and perpetrators of these crimes. This shift highlights the evolving nature of sexual misconduct in the country, where technology and societal changes are reshaping how such acts occur and are perceived.

From Teacher to “God”: A Case of Minors as Offenders

Ayaka, a six-year-old girl, became a victim of upskirting when her swimming instructor, a man who preyed on children for over a decade, secretly recorded her genitalia. These images were shared in a Telegram group, where other pedophiles praised him as a “god” for his ability to capture such content. Ayaka’s father, Suzuki, only discovered the abuse after police contacted him two years ago. The images included her face and name, making her easily identifiable. “My wife and I encouraged her to join that swimming school. We thought it would be a fun experience for her,” Suzuki told CNN. “I feel ashamed that I put my daughter in that situation. I feel angry toward the man who committed the crime. I can never forgive him.”

“I feel ashamed that I put my daughter in that situation. I feel angry toward the man who committed the crime. I can never forgive him.” – Ayaka’s father, Suzuki

Ayaka’s story is not an isolated incident. She is one of many victims of upskirting and voyeuristic photography in Japan, a crime that has persisted for years. Despite efforts to address the issue, the problem remains deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural and legal landscape. Warning posters now adorn train stations and public buildings, reminding citizens to be vigilant. Additionally, all smartphones sold in Japan are required to emit a shutter sound when capturing images, a measure aimed at discouraging covert photography.

A Legal Overhaul and Rising Arrests

In 2023, Japan enacted a comprehensive law against “photo voyeurism,” expanding its definition of sexual offenses and standardizing penalties nationwide. Before this, cases were handled under varying local regulations, leading to inconsistencies in how perpetrators were prosecuted. The new legislation has led to a surge in arrests, with police reporting 9,237 convictions for voyeurism offenses in 2025—the highest number on record. Officials attribute this rise to the law’s broader scope, which now covers more forms of covert sexual imagery.

However, the proliferation of smartphones has made the crime more accessible than ever. These devices allow individuals to capture, store, and share intimate content instantly, often without being noticed. The ease of use and widespread availability have contributed to a culture where such acts can occur repeatedly and with minimal effort. “The ubiquity of smartphones has transformed how these crimes are committed,” said cybersecurity expert Sumire Nagamori. “Now, even young children can take and share images of others with just a tap.”

Children as Perpetrators: A New Reality

What’s changing is not just the method of the crime but also who is committing it. Traditionally, adults were the primary offenders, but recent data reveals a significant shift. Police reports show that cases involving minors as perpetrators increased nearly sixfold in 2024 and continued to rise in 2025. “I was shocked to learn this was happening in schools,” Nagamori told CNN. “The perpetrator can be a classmate, and the images can end up online in seconds.”

This trend is evident in the growing number of young patients at Daisuke Nakamura’s clinic, a facility where court-appointed psychotherapists treat individuals convicted of voyeurism. “When I opened this clinic 15 years ago, most of my clients were middle-aged men,” Nakamura explained. “Now, I see more junior high school, high school, and university students.” Some of his youngest clients are even as young as 13 or 14, with occasional cases involving elementary school children. The clinic’s data underscores a concerning pattern: the age of offenders is declining, reflecting a broader societal normalization of voyeurism among the youth.

“I was shocked to learn this was happening in schools. The perpetrator can be a classmate, and the images can end up online.” – Sumire Nagamori, cybersecurity expert and child rights activist

The rise in child-perpetrated upskirting is linked to increased access to digital devices and the internet. Nagamori points to the role of smartphones in enabling young people to engage in this behavior, often without understanding the consequences. “Young children are gaining access to digital devices before they are taught ethics or digital literacy,” she said. “Before they can distinguish right from wrong, they already have tools that can be used to harm others.”

Online Platforms and the Spread of Abuse

Social media platforms like Telegram and Discord have become hotspots for the distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Users in these chatrooms post “teasers” of explicit content, often enticing others with the promise of more intimate videos. One example is a video advertised on these platforms, offering access to a longer clip of a toddler being abused for less than three dollars. Some users claim they are in middle or junior high school, yet they actively participate in sharing such content.

CNN reached out to Discord and Telegram for comment on these findings. Telegram responded by highlighting its moderation systems, which remove millions of harmful pieces of content monthly, including non-consensual pornography. The company also noted its “significant efforts” against child sexual abuse, citing the removal of over 260,000 related groups and channels in 2026 alone. Discord, however, did not provide a statement at the time of the inquiry.

Legal Gaps and the Challenge of Enforcement

Experts warn that Japan’s legal framework has struggled to keep pace with the digital age. While the Child Pornography Law governs the prosecution of child sexual abuse materials, critics argue it has key limitations. The law applies only when a child’s genitalia are visible, leaving room for ambiguity in cases where the content is less explicit. This gap can result in lighter penalties for offenders, as some forms of abuse may not meet the legal threshold.

Nagamori emphasized that these loopholes create a risk for children. “If the law doesn’t cover all forms of sexual abuse, then perpetrators might not face the full consequences of their actions,” she said. “This allows the cycle to continue, with younger victims being targeted by peers who are already exploiting others.”

Japan’s Response and the Future of the Crime

In response to the growing crisis, Japan is rolling out a new sex offender registry that will track individuals convicted of such crimes. This initiative aims to increase transparency and hold offenders accountable. However, experts caution that legal reforms alone may not be enough to address the root causes of the problem. “The law is a necessary step, but it’s not sufficient,” Nagamori stated. “We need to educate children about digital privacy and the importance of consent.”

Meanwhile, the government continues to refine its approach to combating upskirting. While the 2023 law has expanded the definition of voyeurism, challenges remain. The law’s success depends on its enforcement, as well as public awareness. “Even with the new law, many people still don’t understand the severity of these crimes,” Nakamura said. “This lack of awareness can lead to underreporting and a culture of impunity.”

As Japan navigates this complex issue, the focus is shifting toward preventing future cases. The country’s efforts to integrate digital ethics into school curricula and enforce stricter monitoring of online activity are critical steps. Yet, the emotional toll on victims like Ayaka remains profound. Her father’s words reflect the deep shame and anger felt by families when their children are exploited. “This isn’t just about a single act,” he said. “It’s about the lasting damage to a child’s trust and sense of safety.”

The upskirting crisis in Japan serves as a stark reminder of how technology can blur the lines between innocence and guilt. With children now playing a central role in both committing and suffering these crimes, the nation must adapt its laws and educational systems to protect its youngest citizens. As the trend continues, the question remains: how will Japan ensure that the next generation is equipped to resist the lure of voyeurism and digital exploitation?