In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about child safety, two elementary school teachers in Japan have been arrested for allegedly taking and sharing upskirt photographs of young girls. The teachers, aged 37 and 42, reportedly distributed these inappropriate images in a group chat that included nearly ten other educators, as reported by various news outlets including AFP and The Japan Times.
The suspects, who are employed at elementary schools in Yokohama and Nagoya, have confessed to capturing upskirt images of girls under the age of 13 in their respective prefectures of Kanagawa and Aichi. Authorities have indicated that the older of the two men is believed to be the administrator of the group chat where these images were shared.
Investigation Unfolds
The investigation into this disturbing case began after another member of the group was arrested in March for a separate incident involving inappropriate behaviour towards a child at a train station in Nagoya. Reports indicate that approximately 70 clips were exchanged within the group, which included not only upskirt photographs but also videos of girls changing clothes and manipulated images created using “deepfake” technology. Some of these images were reportedly taken during school hours or at extracurricular activities, raising further alarm among parents and educators alike.
Japan’s Education Minister, Toshiko Abe, expressed her outrage over the situation, stating, “I feel really angry. This can never be tolerated.” In response to these incidents, the Ministry of Education plans to convene a meeting with local education board leaders to discuss measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Legal Context and Future Measures
Upskirting was criminalised in Japan as part of a broader reform of sex crime laws in 2023. This legislation not only banned the act but also made it illegal to film children in a sexual manner without a valid justification. Additionally, the reforms expanded the definition of rape and raised the age of consent from 13 to 16 years.
Looking ahead, Japan is set to implement its first national background check system for individuals seeking or holding jobs that involve contact with children. This initiative, scheduled for 2026, aims to enhance child protection measures and ensure that those in positions of trust are thoroughly vetted.
The recent arrests have sparked a nationwide conversation about the safety of children in educational environments and the responsibilities of educators. As the investigation continues, many are calling for stricter regulations and more robust safeguards to protect the most vulnerable members of society.Bookmark messageCopy messageExport