Legal Upskirting banned in sex crime reforms

The bill is part of a wider overhaul of Japan's laws on sex crimes, which will also expand the definition of rape. It explicitly prohibits the taking, distribution and or possession of photographs of someone's genitals without their consent. It also criminalises the act of taking photographs of people being manipulated without their knowledge into sexual positions. Specifically, the bill bans the filming of children "in a sexual manner without justifiable reason". In Japan, child models - mostly girls - are routinely portrayed in sexually provocative ways. For instance, some have been asked to pose in lingerie or swimsuits. Offenders would face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million Japanese yen (£17,500; $22,000). The reforms are expected to be passed in June this year. It comes after growing public outcry for stronger laws criminalising acts facilitated by mobile phone photography.

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