Two primary school teachers have been arrested for taking and sharing indecent images of young girls in an online chat group. The arrests come just a year after Japan banned upskirting and secret filming of sexual acts as part of major sex crime reforms.
The two teachers a 42-year-old from Nagoya and a 37-year-old from Yokohama admitted to photographing and filming girls under 13, including taking upskirt images. These photos and videos were shared in a private online group of 10 primary and junior high school teachers, allegedly managed by one of the suspects.
The group was uncovered after one member was arrested for allegedly ejaculating on a 15-year-old girl’s backpack. A forensic examination of his phone revealed the disturbing chat group, which contained not only upskirt photos but also footage of girls changing and possibly AI-generated “deepfake” images made from their headshots.
For years, Japan’s outdated sex crime laws lagged behind global standards, but public outrage over multiple high-profile rape acquittals in 2019 forced change. In May 2023, the government enacted sweeping reforms, including:
- Banning upskirting and non-consensual sexual filming (punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a ¥3 million fine).
- Redefining rape to include non-consensual intercourse (previously, prosecutors had to prove violence or intimidation).
- Raising the age of consent from 13 to 16.
Despite these reforms, enforcement remains inconsistent, and cultural attitudes often discourage victims from reporting abuse. The involvement of educators in this case has sparked particular outrage, raising concerns about child safety in schools.
While Japan’s legal changes mark progress, this case underscores the need for stricter monitoring of school staff and stronger protections for minors. Activists argue that societal attitudes must shift further to ensure victims are heard—and predators face justice.
For now, the arrests serve as a grim reminder that even with new laws, the fight against sexual exploitation is far from over.
