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

Upskirting Crimes and the Emerging Trend of Child Offenders

Upskirting crimes have long plagued Japan – Japan has long grappled with upskirting offenses, a practice where individuals capture intimate images of someone’s private areas without their consent. Recently, the focus has shifted as children are increasingly becoming both victims and perpetrators of these crimes. The country’s legal and social frameworks, once focused on adult offenders, now face new challenges as younger individuals exploit digital tools to engage in voyeuristic behavior. This trend highlights a growing concern about the intersection of technology, childhood, and sexual misconduct.

A Case in Focus: Ayaka’s Experience

Ayaka, a six-year-old girl, became the first in a series of victims when her swimming teacher, a man who targeted children for over a decade, secretly recorded her genitalia. He uploaded the footage to a Telegram group, where other pedophiles praised his actions, dubbing him a “god” for the content he shared. Ayaka’s father, Suzuki (names altered for privacy), only discovered the abuse after police contacted him two years later. “We encouraged her to join the swimming school, believing it would be a fun activity,” he explained to CNN. “Now, I’m filled with shame for putting her in that situation and anger toward the man who violated her trust. I’ll never forgive him.”

Legal Measures and the Rise in Arrests

Upskirting has been a persistent issue in Japan, with warning posters now commonly displayed at train stations and public buildings. To combat covert photography, all smartphones sold in the country are required to emit a shutter sound, a measure intended to alert others when a photo is being taken. In 2023, Japan expanded its efforts by introducing a nationwide law targeting “photo voyeurism,” part of a broader overhaul of sex crime legislation. Prior to this, such cases were handled under inconsistent local rules, leading to variability in how offenders were prosecuted.

Despite these measures, upskirting remains one of Japan’s most frequent sexual offenses. In 2025, authorities reported 9,237 arrests for voyeurism-related crimes—a record high. Officials credit the surge partly to the new law, which broadened the definition of offenses. However, the rise also reflects the ease with which smartphones enable repeated, hidden captures. The ubiquity of these devices has turned voyeurism into a near-constant activity, making it difficult to track or prevent.

Children as Perpetrators: A Shifting Dynamic

What has changed most dramatically is the demographic of offenders. While adults have traditionally been the main culprits, a growing number of children are now committing these acts. Police data reveals that reported cases involving minors increased nearly sixfold in 2024 compared to the prior year, and continued to climb in 2025. Cybersecurity expert and child rights advocate Sumire Nagamori told CNN that this shift is alarming. “I was shocked to learn this is happening in schools,” she said. “A classmate could be the perpetrator, and the images might end up online within hours.”

Chatrooms on platforms like Telegram and Discord have become hubs for sharing child sexual abuse materials. One video, shared on a Telegram channel, offers a short preview of a toddler being abused for less than three dollars. Some users claim they are in middle or high school, yet they express willingness to take photos of peers or siblings. The ease of access to digital tools has normalized the behavior, according to Nagamori, who warns that young children are often unaware of the ethical implications of their actions.

Industry Responses and Platform Accountability

CNN reached out to Discord and Telegram for comment on the proliferation of voyeuristic content. Telegram responded by stating that its moderation systems remove millions of harmful materials monthly, including non-consensual pornography. The company highlighted its “significant efforts” in 2026, with over 260,000 groups and channels related to child sexual abuse being deleted. Discord, however, did not provide a statement. These responses underscore the role of social media in both enabling and addressing the issue, though critics argue more needs to be done to monitor content targeting minors.

Expert Insights on the Growing Issue

Experts attribute the rise in child-perpetrated voyeurism to several factors. The widespread availability of smartphones has made it simpler for young people to record and share intimate content, often without realizing the harm they are causing. Nagamori emphasized that children’s exposure to digital devices comes before they are taught about ethical behavior or digital literacy. “Before they can understand the difference between right and wrong, they already have the tools to harm others,” she noted. This lack of awareness, combined with peer influence, creates an environment where such acts are normalized.

Clinic Data Reflects the Changing Demographics

At Daisuke Nakamura’s clinic, which provides therapy to individuals convicted of voyeurism offenses, the patient profile is evolving. Fifteen years ago, the majority of clients were middle-aged men. Today, a significant portion are teenagers and university students. “I see more students in junior high and high school, and even younger children occasionally,” Nakamura said. This trend indicates that the problem is no longer confined to adults, but has permeated all age groups. The clinic’s observations align with broader societal data, highlighting a new generation of offenders.

Legal Gaps and the Challenge of Prosecution

Japan’s legal framework is still adapting to the realities of digital sexual abuse. The Child Pornography Law typically governs cases involving child sexual abuse materials, but it applies only when a child’s genitalia are visible. This limitation means some forms of abuse, such as intimate photos of children in non-exposed contexts, may fall outside the law’s scope. As a result, offenders can receive lighter sentences, prompting calls for more comprehensive legislation. Experts warn that current laws are insufficient to address the full range of digital misconduct, especially when minors are involved. The new sex offender registry, recently introduced, aims to improve tracking, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.

The case of Ayaka and the increasing number of child offenders reveal a deeper societal issue. While Japan has made strides in combating upskirting, the rise of minors as perpetrators underscores the need for ongoing education and stricter regulations. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the measures to protect children from both harm and the temptation to exploit them. The story of Ayaka is a reminder that these crimes affect not just individuals but the entire community, demanding a collective response to ensure safety in both physical and digital spaces.