Japan Sees Rise In Upskirting Cases Involving Minors

Authorities in Japan are raising alarm over a growing number of upskirting incidents involving minors, with police reporting a noticeable increase in cases over the past year.

Upskirting , the act of secretly taking photos or videos under someone’s skirt without consent is a criminal offense in Japan, punishable under laws targeting voyeurism and privacy violations. Despite strict penalties, police say more teenagers are now involved, both as victims and as perpetrators.

Experts attribute the rise to smartphone accessibility, peer pressure, and the spread of inappropriate content on social media platforms. Schools and parents have been urged to intensify awareness campaigns, as many minors reportedly do not fully understand the legal and emotional consequences of the act.

Japanese authorities say they are expanding digital monitoring, increasing school outreach, and pushing for stronger preventive education to curb the trend.