Police made a record 9,237 arrests for voyeurism offenses nationwide in 2025, with minors committing an increasing number of these crimes. According to police data, reported cases involving minors surged nearly sixfold in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Experts attribute this trend to the widespread use of smartphones and social media platforms such as Telegram and Discord, which have made it easier for young people to access cameras and online content. Cybersecurity expert Sumire Nagamori notes that children are gaining access to digital devices before they can distinguish right from wrong, making them vulnerable to copycat behavior.
The Japanese government introduced a nationwide law against "photo voyeurism" in 2023 as part of an overhaul of its sex crime legislation. However, critics say the law has gaps, particularly when it comes to prosecuting child sexual abuse material that does not involve visible genitalia.
A new sex offender registry is being rolled out, which will allow employers in child-facing professions to check whether prospective employees have been convicted of child sexual abuse offenses. However, unlike in the United States, this database will be inaccessible to the public.
**Background**
Upskirting has long plagued Japan, with warning posters frequently lining train stations and public buildings. The country's upskirting crisis is not limited to adults; minors are increasingly committing these crimes. According to Nagamori, offenders can be classmates or siblings of their victims, and images can end up online.
In 2026 alone, Telegram removed over 260,000 related groups and channels containing child sexual abuse material. Discord did not respond to CNN's request for a statement on the issue.
**Local Reaction**
The rise in upskirting cases has sparked concern among experts and parents alike. Nagamori notes that young children are being exposed to digital devices before they can learn ethics or digital literacy, making them vulnerable to harm others.
A court-appointed psychotherapist at Daisuke Nakamura's clinic reports seeing an increasing number of minor patients convicted of voyeurism offenses. Some as young as 13 years old have been treated for these crimes.