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Japan arrests primary school teachers for sharing upskirt photos
Japan Shocked by Arrest of Primary School Teachers for Sharing Indecent Photos of Students
Tokyo, June 27, 2025 – Japan is reeling from a disturbing scandal involving the arrest of two primary school teachers accused of taking and sharing indecent photographs, including so-called “upskirt” images, of young girls under the age of 13. The arrests, which took place on June 24, 2025, in Nagoya and Yokohama, have sparked widespread outrage, prompting reactions from parents, educators, and government officials. The case has also highlighted Japan’s recent efforts to strengthen laws against sexual exploitation and raised questions about the safety of children in schools.
The two teachers, identified as Yuji Moriyama, 42, from Kosaka Elementary School in Nagoya’s Tenpaku Ward, and Fumiya Kosemura, 37, from Hongodai Elementary School in Yokohama’s Totsuka Ward, were apprehended by Aichi Prefectural Police on charges of violating Japan’s law against the creation and distribution of sexual images. The allegations center around their participation in a private online group chat involving approximately 10 educators from elementary and junior high schools across the country. This group, reportedly administered by Moriyama, is said to have circulated nearly 70 images and videos, including upskirt photographs and covert footage of girls changing clothes, some of which were taken during school activities or extracurricular events.
The Investigation: How the Case Unfolded
The investigation began in March 2025, when Aichi police arrested a different elementary school teacher in his 30s on suspicion of vandalism. This individual was accused of depositing bodily fluids on a 15-year-old girl’s backpack at a train station in Nagoya’s Atsuta Ward. A forensic review of the suspect’s mobile phone revealed his involvement in the illicit group chat, which was hosted on an unnamed social media platform. The discovery of the chat group and its disturbing content led authorities to Moriyama and Kosemura, who have both admitted to the allegations against them.
According to police reports, Moriyama took photographs of a schoolgirl’s underwear in Aichi Prefecture around September 2024, while Kosemura is suspected of engaging in similar acts in Kanagawa Prefecture around January 2025. The images were then shared within the group chat, where members, operating under pseudonyms to conceal their identities, allegedly exchanged comments praising the material. Some of the shared content included deepfake images created using schoolgirls’ headshots, further amplifying the severity of the offenses.
The coordinated nature of the group’s activities has shocked authorities and the public alike. “What was different this time was that it wasn’t an individual—it was a group of teachers acting together,” a forensic psychiatrist commented in an interview with a Japanese media outlet. “That makes it much more serious—both in terms of intent and the degree to which it undermines the ethical standards expected of teachers.”
Japan’s Legal Reforms and the Context of the Case
The arrests come in the wake of Japan’s 2023 legal reforms aimed at addressing sexual crimes, particularly those involving minors. These reforms, prompted by public outcry over multiple rape acquittals in 2019, introduced the country’s first national law against nonconsensual capture of sexually exploitative images or videos, commonly referred to as “photo voyeurism.” The legislation specifically bans upskirting and covert recordings of sexual activity, with offenders facing up to three years in prison or fines of up to 3 million yen (approximately $21,000 USD).
Additionally, the 2023 reforms expanded the definition of rape and raised the age of consent from 13 to 16, reflecting a broader effort to protect minors from sexual exploitation. The timing of these arrests underscores the importance of these legal changes, as upskirting was only recently criminalized in Japan. However, the case has also raised concerns about whether these measures are sufficient to deter such behavior, particularly among individuals in positions of trust like teachers.
Japan has long faced criticism for cultural practices that some argue normalize the sexualization of minors, such as the portrayal of young girls in provocative poses in certain media or the availability of products like used school uniforms in niche markets. While these issues are complex and often debated, the current case has reignited discussions about the need for stricter oversight and cultural shifts to protect children.
Public and Official Reactions
The arrests have elicited strong reactions across Japan, with Education Minister Toshiko Abe expressing profound anger during a press conference on June 27. “I feel really angry. This can never be tolerated,” she stated, emphasizing the betrayal of trust inherent in the teachers’ actions. The Ministry of Education has announced plans to hold an online meeting with heads of local education boards to discuss preventive measures and ensure such incidents do not recur.
At Kosaka Elementary School in Nagoya, where Moriyama was employed, school authorities organized a meeting with over 270 anxious parents on the evening of June 26. The atmosphere was tense, with parents voicing fear and disbelief. “It’s scary and creepy,” a mother in her 30s told NHK. “I’d like to know whether my child was one of the victims.” Several students who had interacted with Moriyama have reportedly shown signs of emotional distress, prompting the school to offer counseling support.
The coordinated voyeurism has undermined public confidence in educators, a role traditionally held in high esteem in Japan. “There have been isolated cases reported in the past of one teacher or a cram school teacher engaging in such acts, but a case of teachers doing so in a group is particularly shocking,” noted a report by The Japan Times. The group nature of the offense, coupled with the use of pseudonyms to obscure identities, suggests a deliberate attempt to evade accountability, further fueling public outrage.
Impact on the Community and Schools
The arrests have had a profound impact on the communities in Nagoya and Yokohama. At Kosaka Elementary School, where Moriyama held a position of responsibility as third-in-command and was involved in school photography, parents are grappling with the revelation that his role may have facilitated his offenses. The school has been thrust into the spotlight, with administrators facing pressure to address parental concerns and restore trust.
Similarly, Hongodai Elementary School in Yokohama has been affected, with parents questioning how such behavior went undetected. The fact that some images were reportedly taken during school hours or extracurricular activities has heightened fears about the safety of school environments. “It’s unthinkable that teachers, who are supposed to protect our children, could do something like this,” said a parent at a community meeting in Nagoya.
The case has also prompted broader discussions about the vetting and oversight of educators. Japan is set to launch its first national background check system for sex offenses in 2026, targeting individuals seeking or holding jobs that involve contact with children. The timing of this initiative, just a year away, underscores the urgency of addressing vulnerabilities in the education system. Experts argue that while background checks are a step forward, they must be accompanied by robust training, reporting mechanisms, and cultural changes to prevent abuse.
The Role of Technology and Social Media
The use of a private social media group to share illicit content highlights the role of technology in facilitating such crimes. The anonymity provided by pseudonyms and the ease of sharing digital media have created new challenges for law enforcement. Aichi Prefectural Police are currently analyzing seized devices to uncover the full extent of the group’s activities and identify other potential members. The investigation is also exploring how the group was formed and whether additional educators or individuals are involved.
The case has drawn comparisons to broader global concerns about online platforms being used to share exploitative content. Social media companies face increasing pressure to monitor and regulate private groups, particularly those that may harbor illegal activities. In Japan, where privacy laws and cultural attitudes toward surveillance can complicate such efforts, authorities are navigating a delicate balance between respecting individual rights and protecting vulnerable populations.
Cultural and Ethical Implications
The scandal has prompted soul-searching within Japan about the ethical standards expected of educators and the societal factors that may contribute to such behavior. While Japan is often regarded as a safe and orderly society, incidents like this expose underlying issues that challenge this perception. The group nature of the offense, involving nearly 10 teachers, suggests a disturbing subculture among some educators, raising questions about how such attitudes develop and go unchecked.
Public sentiment on platforms like X reflects a mix of shock, anger, and sadness. One user noted, “You know it was really bad because they couldn’t keep it under a rug. Stuff like this being made public in Japan is really rare and is only done if they can’t prevent it getting out.” Another commented on the global attention the case has received, lamenting that it contributes to negative stereotypes about Japan. “This is becoming ‘Japan’s image’ in the world. It’s sad, but it’s the reality,” they wrote.
The case has also drawn attention to Japan’s complex relationship with privacy and public disclosure. Unlike some countries where such incidents might be widely publicized with detailed personal information, Japanese media often withhold certain details, such as the names of schools or individuals, to protect privacy. However, this approach has sparked debate about transparency and accountability, with some arguing that public awareness is essential to prevent future incidents.
Moving Forward: Prevention and Accountability
As Japan grapples with the fallout from this scandal, there is a growing consensus that systemic changes are needed to protect students and restore trust in the education system. The Ministry of Education’s planned meeting with local education boards is a first step, but experts emphasize the need for comprehensive reforms. These could include mandatory training on ethical conduct, stricter oversight of teachers’ use of photography and digital devices, and mechanisms for students and parents to report suspicious behavior anonymously.
The introduction of the national background check system in 2026 is seen as a critical measure, but its effectiveness will depend on implementation and enforcement. Schools may also need to adopt clearer policies on photography, particularly during school events, to prevent abuse. Additionally, there is a push for greater education about digital ethics, both for educators and students, to address the risks posed by social media and technology.
For parents, the priority is ensuring their children’s safety and well-being. The emotional toll on students, particularly those who may have been victims, is a significant concern. Schools are working to provide counseling and support, but the long-term impact on affected children and their families remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The arrest of Yuji Moriyama and Fumiya Kosemura has sent shockwaves through Japan, exposing a disturbing breach of trust by educators tasked with protecting young students. The case underscores the importance of Japan’s recent legal reforms while highlighting the challenges of enforcing them in a society grappling with cultural and technological complexities. As investigations continue and authorities work to identify other members of the group chat, the nation is left to confront difficult questions about accountability, prevention, and the safety of its children.
Education Minister Toshiko Abe’s words resonate as a call to action: “This can never be tolerated.” For Japan, the path forward involves not only holding those responsible accountable but also ensuring that schools remain safe havens for learning and growth. The outrage and grief expressed by parents, officials, and the public reflect a shared determination to prevent such betrayals from happening again.
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
