Japan is grappling with a noticeable increase in incidents of upskirting, a form of covert photography where individuals secretly capture images or videos under the clothing of unsuspecting victims, typically women and girls in public spaces such as trains, streets, and schools. This practice has sparked widespread national concern, prompting discussions on privacy, public safety, and the effectiveness of recent legal measures.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem

Upskirting involves the unauthorized recording of intimate areas without consent, often facilitated by smartphones or hidden cameras. In Japan, such acts fall under broader categories of voyeurism and sexual image recording offenses. Public spaces like crowded commuter trains have long been associated with related issues, including groping, but upskirting represents a distinct technological evolution of these crimes.

Recent reports highlight how these incidents are not isolated but part of a larger trend in sexual offenses. Authorities note that improved reporting mechanisms have contributed to higher visibility of these cases, allowing for better tracking and response.

Recent Crime Statistics from Official Sources

Data released by Japan's National Police Agency indicates that the total number of reported criminal offenses reached 774,142 in 2025, marking a 4.9 percent rise from the previous year and the fourth consecutive annual increase. Within this, cases involving voyeuristic images numbered 9,962. Separate figures show 4,177 instances of non-consensual sexual intercourse and 7,193 cases of non-consensual indecent assault.

Violations related to the surreptitious photography of sexual images climbed notably, with some categories seeing an 18.1 percent increase. These numbers reflect both a potential rise in occurrences and greater willingness among victims to come forward following legislative changes that have made reporting more accessible.

Legal Developments and Penalties

In 2023, Japan enacted comprehensive reforms to its sex crime laws, introducing specific prohibitions against photo voyeurism. The new legislation explicitly bans the secret filming of sexual acts or intimate areas without consent, including upskirting. Offenders face imprisonment of up to three years or fines reaching three million yen. Additional penalties apply for distributing or possessing such images, with maximum sentences extending to five years in certain cases.

Prior to these reforms, prosecutions often relied on local nuisance ordinances or general voyeurism provisions, which provided less uniform protection nationwide. The updated framework aims to address gaps in the previous system and deter perpetrators more effectively. Further details on the 2023 reforms are available from BBC reporting.

Photo by Atul Vinayak on Unsplash

The Troubling Trend of Minor Perpetrators

A particularly alarming aspect of the recent surge involves the involvement of children and teenagers as offenders. Investigations have revealed cases where individuals as young as 16 have engaged in repeated upskirting, with one documented example of a minor admitting to filming approximately 30 girls before apprehension. Therapy sessions later helped the individual recognize the criminal nature of the acts and the harm inflicted on victims.

National Police Agency figures for 2025 also recorded a record 4,858 sexual assault cases involving victims under 18, underscoring broader vulnerabilities. Social media platforms have been identified as a contributing factor in some encounters, facilitating initial contacts that escalate into offenses.

A CNN investigation from June 2026 explores this shift toward younger perpetrators in depth.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

Social media platforms frequently feature videos of suspected perpetrators being pursued through city streets, highlighting community vigilance. Discussions often reference longstanding measures such as the mandatory camera shutter sound on Japanese smartphones, introduced years ago specifically to combat upskirting. Public sentiment emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement and cultural shifts around consent and privacy.

Women’s safety advocates point to the persistence of these crimes despite legal progress, calling for enhanced education and support systems. Concerns extend to the psychological impact on victims, who may experience lasting trauma from violations of personal boundaries in everyday settings.

Challenges in Detection and Prevention

Detecting upskirting remains difficult due to its covert nature and the ubiquity of smartphones. Crowded environments like public transportation provide cover for offenders, while the rapid sharing of images online complicates efforts to contain damage. Law enforcement faces resource constraints in monitoring digital spaces and pursuing leads from victim reports.

Experts note that while legal reforms have improved the framework, cultural factors and the normalization of certain behaviors in media can influence offender motivations. Addressing root causes requires coordinated efforts across education, technology companies, and community organizations.

Government and Police Initiatives

The National Police Agency has emphasized the role of recent legal changes in encouraging reports and has increased public awareness campaigns. Police data attributes part of the statistical rise to these positive developments in victim support. Ongoing training for officers focuses on sensitive handling of sexual offense cases to build trust in the reporting process.

Broader governmental responses include collaborations with technology firms to explore detection tools and restrictions on certain devices or apps. International comparisons sometimes arise in policy discussions, though Japan’s approach remains tailored to domestic contexts.

Photo by Manuel Cosentino on Unsplash

Societal Impacts and Victim Perspectives

The rise in these crimes affects daily life for many, particularly women navigating public spaces. Victims often report feelings of violation, anxiety, and reluctance to use certain transportation or attend events. Support networks and counseling services have seen increased demand as awareness grows.

Broader societal effects include heightened debates on privacy rights, the balance between security and freedom, and the responsibilities of digital platforms. Economic costs arise from policing, legal proceedings, and lost productivity due to trauma.

Looking Ahead: Potential Solutions and Outlook

Future efforts may focus on expanded education programs in schools addressing consent and digital ethics, alongside technological advancements like improved AI detection of suspicious filming. Strengthening penalties for repeat offenders and enhancing international cooperation on cross-border image sharing could further deter the practice.

Continued monitoring by the National Police Agency will be crucial to assess the long-term impact of the 2023 laws. Public engagement remains vital, with calls for collective responsibility in fostering safer environments. While challenges persist, the combination of legal tools, awareness, and community action offers pathways toward reduction in these incidents.