Upskirting Crimes in Japan: A Shift from Adults to Minors
Sandego.net – Japan has long grappled with upskirting as a pervasive sex crime. Now, a new trend is emerging—children are not only victims but also perpetrators. Ayaka’s story exemplifies this alarming shift, revealing how young girls are being targeted by adults, and in turn, some children are committing similar acts. At six, she became the subject of illicit photos and videos taken by a swimming instructor who preyed on children for over a decade. These images were shared in a Telegram group, where fellow pedophiles hailed him as a “god” for his content. Ayaka’s father, Suzuki, only discovered the abuse after police contacted him two years ago. The presence of her face and name in some of the photos made her easily identifiable, a detail that haunts him deeply.
“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.”
The issue has persisted for years, with warning posters commonly displayed in public spaces and smartphones mandated to emit a shutter sound to prevent covert filming. Despite these precautions, Japan’s legal system faced challenges in addressing the evolving nature of digital sexual abuse. In 2023, the country introduced a nationwide law against “photo voyeurism” as part of broader reforms to its sex crime statutes. Prior to this, cases were handled under inconsistent local regulations, creating confusion and loopholes. The new law, however, has led to a surge in arrests, with 9,237 convictions recorded in 2025—the highest number ever documented.
The Rise of Minors in Voyeuristic Offenses
Yet, the most significant change is the rising number of child offenders. Police data shows reported voyeurism cases involving minors increased nearly sixfold in 2024 compared to the previous year, and the trend continued into 2025. This shift has experts like cybersecurity specialist Sumire Nagamori questioning how the crime is spreading within educational environments. “I was shocked to learn this was happening in schools,” she said. “The perpetrator can be a classmate, and the images can end up online.”
Nagamori points to the ubiquity of smartphones as a key factor. These devices, which are now essential tools for daily communication, have made it easier for young people to engage in voyeuristic behavior. “Smartphones have given young children constant access to cameras and online content,” she explained. “This constant exposure makes it simpler for copycat behavior to flourish.” The proliferation of digital technology in classrooms and social spaces has accelerated this phenomenon, allowing minors to capture and share intimate moments without immediate consequences.
Platforms and the Dark Side of Digital Sharing
Social media platforms like Telegram and Discord have become breeding grounds for voyeuristic content. CNN observed chatrooms where users post “teasers” of child sexual abuse materials, often luring others with promises of explicit footage. One such video, shared in a Telegram group, advertised a longer clip of a toddler being abused for less than three dollars. Some participants claim they are in middle or junior high school, yet they willingly take photos of classmates or siblings, blurring the line between childhood innocence and predatory behavior.
When CNN reached out to Discord and Telegram for a statement, the former did not respond. Telegram, however, emphasized its commitment to tackling harmful content. “Our moderation systems remove millions of harmful items each month, including non-consensual pornography,” a spokesperson said. “We also take significant steps to combat child sexual abuse material, eliminating over 260,000 related groups and channels in 2026 alone.” Despite these efforts, the ease of sharing content online continues to fuel the crisis.
Legal Challenges in Combating the Crime
At Daisuke Nakamura’s clinic, where individuals convicted of voyeurism are treated, the patient demographic has shifted dramatically. Fifteen years ago, most clients were middle-aged men; today, the majority are junior high school, high school, and even university students. Some are as young as 13 or 14, with elementary schoolers occasionally appearing. “This is a stark contrast to the past,” Nakamura noted. “The offenders are now children themselves, and the legal system is still catching up.”
Experts argue that Japan’s legal framework has struggled to keep pace with the realities of digital abuse. The Child Pornography Law, which governs such cases, only applies when a child’s genitalia are visible. This limitation means some forms of sexual content—such as blurred or partially exposed images—can fall outside the law’s scope. Critics say this gap allows offenders to receive lighter sentences, undermining justice for victims. “The law is not comprehensive enough,” said one legal analyst. “It fails to address all manifestations of sexual abuse, leaving room for exploitation.”
While the law aims to standardize prosecution, its implementation has exposed weaknesses. For instance, the requirement for a smartphone shutter sound is a small measure in a world where silent cameras and hidden apps can bypass such restrictions. The convenience of modern technology has made it possible for minors to capture and distribute intimate content without detection. “Children are now equipped with tools that enable them to commit crimes they may not fully comprehend,” Nagamori added. “The digital age has transformed how these offenses occur, and the legal system must adapt to this reality.”
Despite increased arrests, the trend of minors as offenders suggests the problem is far from resolved. Nakamura’s clinic highlights the growing urgency: “We see more cases each year, and many of the children are still in their formative years. Their actions can shape their understanding of privacy and consent.” The rise in cases involving young offenders underscores the need for updated laws that address both the perpetrators and the platforms facilitating their actions. As Japan continues to refine its legal approach, the challenge remains to protect children from both adult predators and their peers in an increasingly connected world.
Consequences for the Future
For Ayaka, the experience has left lasting emotional scars. She now looks back on her time at the swimming school with a mix of fear and confusion. “I didn’t understand what was happening,” she said. “But I remember feeling uncomfortable when he touched me.” Her story is a reminder that the consequences of voyeuristic offenses extend beyond immediate harm. The psychological impact on victims, particularly children, can be profound, influencing their relationships and trust in others.
As the legal framework evolves, the focus must remain on preventing such crimes. Nagamori advocates for education programs that teach digital literacy to young users. “If children are aware of the consequences of their actions, they may be less likely to engage in voyeurism,” she suggested. Meanwhile, Nakamura emphasizes the importance of early intervention. “Treating offenders at a young age can help them understand their behavior and prevent
