crime

Sakura Police nab student for taking upskirt videos on escalator

61 Comments

Police said Thursday they have arrested a 21-year-old Hosei University student for filming up the skirt of an 18-year-old high school girl on an escalator in Nishi-Tokyo in May. The man used a music player with a built-in camera, which he had affixed to his shoe, to take the video, the Sports Nippon tabloid reported.

The suspect was arrested by members of the Sakura Police unit, set up in 2009 to target indecent acts and sexual assaults against minors and women. The unit, operating from the Metropolitan Police Department head office in Kasumigaseki and the Harajuku police station, comprises 56 officers, 16 of whom are women. The officers target areas where minors or women have been approached or assaulted, and appeal for information as well as conduct stakeouts.

Similar complaints from girls at a school near Hosei University prompted the police to search the university student’s home computer, where they found upskirt videos of up to 200 different girls. According to police, some of the videos show the accused following the girls as far as their homes.

The suspect admitted to police he had taken about 250 videos, and that he felt a sense of accomplishment whenever he got a “great shot.”

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61 Comments
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I think its stupid of him when he knows he would get cot doing it in the first place.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Are all men REALLY that primative that they "can't control themselves" when they see a bit of leg or cleavage?

Are all women when they shop for clothing and choose their clothes in the morning?

Its bizarre how we went from the feminist ideal of balance and equality and a two way street, to a one-way street in reverse of the old style where women are given a free pass. I guess I am old style feminist.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why can't men and women work together on this, share the effort, share the responsibility and respect eachother's gender differences?

Because men and women can never understand each others as they want different things. Men want the women and women want want the men.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This guy should be made to stand on the streets in Akihabara with just his underwear on holding a sign saying I am a pervert that videos girls upkirts for 1 week and then after that be made to serve 1 month in jail. Mayeb that will teach him to never do that again.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Umm... and what is the "Sakura police"? Special squad for catching panty peeping perverts, or what?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

If a man (or woman for that matter) cannot control themselves, there's something wrong with them, not the person they victimize, no matter how the victim is dressed.

Projecting things into my posts helps none of us. I am not saying that men cannot control themselves. Most can. But the effort is annoying. I would say about equally annoying to when a woman has to control herself and dress in a less provacative manner. Why not share the annoyance? That is what it means to be equal. It seem to me that you want women to be more equal than men.

If I see a guy wearing a shirt unbuttoned to his navel or clearly inadequate underwear under loose fitting pants or any kind of similarly revealing clothing, I don't find myself scrambling for a camera

Most women don't, nor do they even want to. But men are different. Is it too much to ask that we be respected and that our feelings not be toyed with? That is what you want for women. An upskirt shot does not injure a woman physically and flashes of skin don't injure men physically. But for both it can be a psychological inconvenience and annoyance. Why can't men and women work together on this, share the effort, share the responsibility and respect eachother's gender differences?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

We need to make a society in which these types of activity are deemed unacceptable by all. Punishments must be severe as this type of offence is often a first step towards more serious sexual crime. I would suggest that any man convicted of this type of crime should have daily doses of chemicals that reduce his sexual urges. They used to use them to great effect in the British army and also in the prison system. May seem harsh but we as a society must protect our women from vermin like this fellow.

I would suggest that any pareents ensure young female members of the family have an acceptable dress code to adhere to at all times. It would be better if this were not needed but as we see daily some men are like animals and are unable to control themeselves.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

If a man (or woman for that matter) cannot control themselves, there's something wrong with them, not the person they victimize, no matter how the victim is dressed.

BINGO!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Why is it expected that men control themselves no matter what, but suggesting women dress less provakatively is highly offensive? Balance and fairness are obviously two words alien to you.

Are all men REALLY that primative that they "can't control themselves" when they see a bit of leg or cleavage? I'm not a man, but I'm sure this is an offensive comment to a lot of males, insinuating that if there is a provocatively dressed woman they HAVE to "go for it" or wank off or whatever it is they "can't control."

If I see a guy wearing a shirt unbuttoned to his navel or clearly inadequate underwear under loose fitting pants or any kind of similarly revealing clothing, I don't find myself scrambling for a camera, nor do I feel that he is "inviting me" to grope him on the train. It's his choice what he wears and he should not be victimized for it. Wether I find it arousing or disgusting is my business, I'm not going to attack him or demand that he change his clothes. The same goes for women exposing some leg, cleavage, etc. Saying that a mere change of clothing will dissuade sexual predators is incredibly naive, by that logic no one would get raped/sexually assaulted if they wore burkas or snow parkas.

If a man (or woman for that matter) cannot control themselves, there's something wrong with them, not the person they victimize, no matter how the victim is dressed.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Even if a woman wore a burqa, they would feel like if she is sexually provoking them.

Nonsense. No cleavage showing, no thighs, and nothing form fitting around the crotch and butt and I am not sexually aroused. That is far, far short of a burqua.

Why is it expected that men control themselves no matter what, but suggesting women dress less provakatively is highly offensive? Balance and fairness are obviously two words alien to you.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Come on, men can expose their naked legs, arms and sometimes chest all the time, but if a woman does the same, she deserves to be sexually harassed?

Nobody said they deserve it. We are saying its to be expected and its a natural product of such action. If men begin to get sexually harrassed for exposing skin and they don't like it, they will get the same words. But its not going to happen because men and women are in different boats. Some men don't like the psychological and sexual affront women hit men with daily. Some women don't like the psychological and sexual affront some men return with stares and snapshots. But the women are free while the men get handcuffs and/or condemnation? Where the heck is the equality in that?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Even if a woman wore a burqa, they would feel like if she is sexually provoking them.

Lol - no they wouldnt.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Come on, men can expose their naked legs, arms and sometimes chest all the time, but if a woman does the same, she deserves to be sexually harassed? Why can't women be free to dress like they want? Wearing a miniskirt isn't a sign that you want someone picks a photo of your panty. Sure, there are some girls whose look can be of bad taste, but nothing can forgive sexual harrasment. Everyone, male and female, must be free to wear what they like. Men think with their low parts, this is the real problem. Even if a woman wore a burqa, they would feel like if she is sexually provoking them.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The law seems subjective in this case.

Let's imagine someone is taking a picture of their dog and in the background there happens to be a women with a short skirt, and then due to the angle, a portion of her delicates are visible in the picture.

If the police see the photo can they arrest the person who took it. How does the photographer prove it wasn't his intent to photograph her private parts.

It seems to be a grey area.

Or let me ask, if a streaker runs through the stadium during a game and you take a photo of him, are you liable for an indecent act? After all you took a picture of a man's private parts. Legally, is that not the same? If not, why is it different?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The blame belongs to the one who committed the offense, not the victim.

What is ignorant is to suggest that two people cannot victimize eachother and that there is no way for people to prevent crime on themselves nor should they bother trying.

If women can be free from criticism for the psychological onslaught on men for parading all that skin before their eyes, then men should be free from criticism for the psychological onslaught on them for gawking and taking pictures. Otherwise, its just not fair. Even those us men often put up a front of being aloof, we do have feelings you know. Don't toy with us unless you want toyed back.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

A woman's clothing has nothing to do with her consent. A short skirt does NOT invite invasion of privacy such as these up-the-skirt photos and videos, just as a short skirt does NOT invite sexual assault.

These comments that women should change their style of dress to dissuade these kinds of perverts are incredibly ignorant. The blame belongs to the one who committed the offense, not the victim.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

What's up with all these hentai upskirt videos?

And I would think by now the camera makers would be able to make these cameras small enough so that they wouldn't be noticed.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@NetNinja

I didn't know a camel had toes. How about a moose knuckle?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@JapanGal

"It is not illegal. It is called jourei...sort of like a wish. It is not written law. They just want people to be polite about it."

In Japan, ordinances (条例 jourei) may be passed by any prefecture or municipality under authority granted by Article 94 of the Constitution. Under the Local Autonomy Law, an ordinance may impose a penalty of up to two years imprisonment and/or 1 million yen in fines, although any penalty under an ordinance must be prescribed in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure. The prefectural laws against sex with minors is a jourei too. They must be obeyed in all cases. There are of course joureis with no penalty where a lot of people don't care to obey. The US must have city ordinances and I bet you have to obey them too.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

JapanGal, as a man, I do not always appreciate it. There are indeed times when I don't want to see female forms and skin no matter how nice. And I am sure there a lot of married men out there who will tell you they don't need that sort of tempation anymore than guys like voyeur do, as they probably cannot get any other kind of action.

I like the days of old when women had some self-respect about themselves and common courtesy.

NetNinja, common courtesy is right. So is the fact that women can protect themselves from this just by dressing differently, same as if you don't like being cold, you put on a coat, not try to arrest the cold.

But self-respect has simply got nothing to with it...at all. That notion is a sad figment in the minds of some males.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I guess all my thumbs down are from women. Sorry gals. Get in shape and toned, and show those legs.

Some of us are in shape and toned but aren't needy in terms of attention.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Tokko Tai

Completely correct Tokko san, as usual. This foolish young student probably doesn't realize how dangerous escalators can be. There have been many terrible accidents involving people who didn't take sufficient care when traveling on them, all over the world. This is especially true when people are distracted, and not paying enough attention when getting on and off them. With the (typically Japanese, I must add) obvious dedication this young man was devoting to collecting his up-skirt movie material, I should think it would have been nearly impossible for him to have been paying the proper amount of attention to negotiating his escalator journey in safety. It's all very well being dedicated to your work, but not if it could result in you having your foot torn off in a horrible escalator accident --- though footage of that might also have some commercial value in the strange world of the internet of today, perhaps?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

An obvious serious infringement of basic health and safety regulations here too. The perpetrator's shoe-mounted camera could have easily got fouled-up in the escalator mechanism when he attempted to disembark off it, causing severe injury and possible foot amputation, or the ruination of a first-rate piece of commercially valuable up-skirt footage.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@zichi

Ride the elevator instead of the escalator.

With a clear glass floor like in Tokyo Tower

1 ( +3 / -2 )

we are all showoffs in our own way, and i say, let the girls show off and intern the sex-maniacs that can't control themselves.

but in the end, it's too true: you and me baby ain't nothing but mammals...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I talked to a freind of mine just now. He dropped a bomb on me. It's illegal to take pictures at the beach????

It is not illegal. It is called jourei...sort of like a wish. It is not written law. They just want people to be polite about it.

@netninja: Of course I do not know what all men appreciate. Some prefer other men, and that is ok.

I am not showing my private parts and do not spread my legs on the escalator nor when sitting. I sure do see a lot of salary men doing the leg spread thing though. Nothing worse than seeing a suit with a bump down there during rush hour. They should move on to a more private place.

I guess all my thumbs down are from women. Sorry gals. Get in shape and toned, and show those legs.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Sakura Police nab student for taking upskirt videos on escalator

He was arrested because he was getting in their way, preventing them from taking their own up skirt photos. Competition elimination.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Japangirl, again with your attention seeking behaviour. Great that YOU get off on flaunting your body parts but have you ever thought that perhaps not all men appreciate it? And that some women would rather be respected than seen only as great body parts?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

you do know that playboy has its entire collection available on the iPad at least this isn't illegal

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This cute ecchi culture is presented as a harmless joke in many anime, manga and tv dramas. Is it not surprising that young boys go about such things with very much the same train of though.

More over, if this is becoming a problem why not change the uniform to exclude mini skirts, or at least the cutting of them. Who are we kidding, It will never happen, this country is predominately run by men, and we bloodily love it.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Excuse me, zichi. I'm trying to keep this thread as tactful as possible but you are cornering me.

You've never seen a camel toe? I gotta stay on topic here. I don't want to see any underwear in public. Women wear all types of underwear and some of them leave impressions. Some of them give way to other things.

Lets get down to the bone. A sin is a sin. It's indecent to expose your underwear in public. There are no mistakes. There are fitting rooms and you know if it's not covering everything that needs to be covered. It is equally indecent to take photos or videos of such personal in order to humiliate that person.

There are proper venues for women who want to show off their goodies but for some reason women tend to have an issue with those too.

There are places where these guys could go to take pictures of women as well. Some of these guys are thrill-seekers. The others, Jerks.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Readers, what the girl was wearing is irrelevant. Please stay on topic.

In a society where men have all the power.... the few short years where a woman can enjoy some sort of power over men via their beauty must be intoxicating for them.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I support net ninja on that one~

There are all too many girls who think that they are dressing the way they are as a favor to the men around them when actually, many of us guys feel bad for these girls who need that much attention.

Beauty isnt attractive to every Potential for beauty is the winner most of the time

1 ( +2 / -1 )

JapanGal, you don't know what ALL men appreciate. If I appreciated it I'd say thank you. You're not doing me any favors. You're looking to satisfy your ego and that belief in yourself that keeps your from depression.

Of course, I want men and women to be equal. Guys out there looking for a good time Girls out there looking for a good time.

Lets be clear, there's absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a skirt or showing off your legs. This is an issue of exposing your private parts and then having an issue with the guy who looks at them.

I talked to a freind of mine just now. He dropped a bomb on me. It's illegal to take pictures at the beach????

You got weird problems here in Japan.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

....and....I wonder what the keystones are doing with all those videos?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I gotta think that 99% of us guys appreciate a nice set of legs... I know I sure do, but unfortunately there is a small percentage of men that, for one reason or another, well... they get preoccupied or obsessed with them and more. It reminds me of Hannibal Lecter... the first victim. The first victim was somebody nearby that he saw often. When I lived in suburbia in the USA... I never saw cute high school girls running around in short skirts so I never gave it any thought but here in Tokyo... well it obviously is a different story. I'm starting to sound pretty creepy I think, but environment plays a role in behavior. Jeeez... hope I have not just flagged myself as some weirdo!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

My legs look good so I show them. Men appreciate it. I wish I could catch one of these clowns though and get on them about being so stupid.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

@Cleo

For sensitive reading, read wishful thinking.

Yes, so many times I wish I would have never had to see that. It is unasked. Not every guys fall for that.

I understand that many girls think they so sexy and good and have no self respect but it doesn't automatically apply for all guys just because sickos takes pictures. Might we ask for some respect or is it hopeless from those who don't even have self respect, either?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This is a form of crime and it's good that the Japanese cops are pursuing it, but isn't there a point where the "victim" becomes the aggressor? Last time I was in Tokyo I managed to get a seat on the subway (yay!!!) and this Harajuku girl in frilly skirts sat down opposite me, the frilly skirts (being a bit rigid) didn't smooth down to cover her crotch and she sat open-legged, so I could see her heart-covered panties. I spent the entire trip to the next station staring at the ceiling, and felt, well, sexually harassed.

If a guy undid his top button and zipper and sat there with his crotch displayed to the world he would be arrested, but when a girl does the same thing and someone takes a photo the guy is arrested. The harajuku girl was an extreme example, but when I'm in Tokyo on the elevators I can alway see one school girl who's misjudged the length of her skirt a little and (because of the slope on the elevators) is displaying panties (you can tell if it's unintentional because the more modest girls always wear black cycle-pants under their skirts, where the ones who are trying to flaunt their posterior wear light-coloured panties to attract attention).

It is only reasonable to assume that unless the guy has a flashlight attached to his camera then any panties that he can see are as a result of the girl having her skirt so short that there is sufficient light on her panties to allow them to be recorded, and as such she has, in fact, given tacit consent to her panties being on public display.

I'm not interested in panties, in fact used undergarments are frankly quite revolting, but I do object to the assumption that every woman is a passive "victim". This just isn't so, if the woman puts her panties on public display then she can't object to them being photographed.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

The way you dress sends a silent message about you and your character that speaks before you can open your mouth and we guys can sensitively read that message.

For sensitive reading, read wishful thinking.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

but if some guy is so bent on seeing my panties that he has to film it... Why doesn't he just ask me out on a date instead and work for it?

'Cause the look in your eyes might invite some guys to ask you out on a date without looking at your panties, but your mini delivers a stronger stimulus than your eyes, thus attracting different kind of guys who are not interested in wasting their time for more than peeping.

The way you dress sends a silent message about you and your character that speaks before you can open your mouth and we guys can sensitively read that message.

Mini skirts that allow to flash panties out invite for looking they are just eye candies. Neat, chic minis invite for easy one time sex, but for no more. Longer, stylish skirts with delicate body language and beautiful eyes and bright facial expression invite for conversation and if things go on well, for date.

Girls are different they show of different values of themselves and they attract different guys and trigger different reactions accordingly.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@cactusJack "wish J.Cops would stop wasting time and money catching these goons. These guys are everywhere. There is no deterrent. Enough already"

I agree the keystones crime priorities are quite unique...but when it comes to real crimes or real crime prevention.........well no need to elaborate....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

But here's the kicker Jamie. You might be a hottie but If you're not my girl I don't want your underwear. I'm sorry that the shaking puppies try to get a CCD vid cam up under there but I wouldn't.

You think you are looking good but behind your back people have a few choice names for you. I'm not telling you to stop, I can't, that's not right. You might even wear your short skirts in good tastes.

I'm talking about exposed cheeks of flesh that come out during a normal woman's gait. On steps, if you can't even hide it with a hand pressing the skirt to the body then we've got a problem. I didn't need to see that. I'm on my way to work.

Arrest the little video twerp, twice. Educate these women that the love below isn't as pretty as they think it is. This should be a living room debate but what if the shoe were on the other foot. Bwahahahhaa. You wanna video tape me. Go ahead. Bwahahahahahhahaa ---cough---excuse me.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

NetNinja- Actually, in that case isn't the problem with the people who aren't clean sitting down on trains? Rather than point fingers at the girls at least trying to look good (your mileage may vary), I would like to see people who wear obviously soiled clothing/smell really strongly (whether b.o. or perfume, either)/are otherwise dirty banished from the trains. I'm a girl, but I'd much rather see another girl in a short skirt than a guy who reeks of urine sitting on the seat across from me. Then again, that's just me! ^.~

Speaking as a girl who sometimes wears short skirts, it's to make my legs look longer. It's nice being able to emphasize the parts of my body that I like, and hide the ones that I don't. But even with a short skirt, I don't want guys to look at my panties or film them. If it's an accident, I accept that, but if some guy is so bent on seeing my panties that he has to film it... Why doesn't he just ask me out on a date instead and work for it?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

I wish J.Cops would stop wasting time and money catching these goons. These guys are everywhere. There is no deterrent. Enough already.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's not that the parents don't lay down strict dress rules. I know of a friend's daughter who go to the convenience store and go to the trouble of adjusting the skirt's hemline before going to school. It's peer pressure and the feeling not to be left behind. Matter is as some tv shows and articles pointed out before and most men's opinion, the hemline is way too short similar to other countries' prostitutes. I remember way back in my time and in my country then, the school, a private , sectarian school I attended was so strict that no one would pass the gates if they wore no chemise or that the uniform was shorter from the knees. Well the uniform was white and so wearing no chemise was very conspicuous.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I understand Wurthington. Some walk around dressed like they're asking for it. They put way too much out for the public to see. It's like a striptease everyday in this country.

Now this guy was an idiot though. It's not hard to see a woman's bottom here. One too many times I've been treated to an episode of "Leave it to Beaver". You don't have to video tape or take a picture.

I like the days of old when women had some self-respect about themselves and common courtesy. Plus wearing such short skirts isn't good for a woman's personal hygiene By that I mean, consider that they are wearing only a skirt and the standard underwear but they are sitting on public trains. There are people who aren't clean, who were soiled pants or clothing, sweat, and of course, silent but deadly flatulence and these girls sit right down on it.

The problem here is that the skirts are too short and mom and dad don't lay down the law at home.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Once you have a hammer everything looks like a nail. Now, they have these high tech gadgets they use it 24 hours a day. For anything. Even when they don't need.

In our days a great group of women expose their bodies at public places to an extent that you can go along all day and learn anatomy even without taking pictures. On the other side, I don't know how it feels for girls in mini to travel on escalators and disposing themselves letting others to see what they shouldn't. Or do they think they should?

Not just there. I travel on the train, in the opposite side girls sit down in mini and shamelessly spread their legs letting anybody to see their most intimate body parts.

Who asked for that???? It's public nuisance!!!!!

Taking photo is a crime and exposing themselves is public nuisance and if it passes a certain line it is offense.

Frankly, I love women but I don't wan to spend my day turning my head away for not to see what they show off. I love to see that thing but only of my own choice at the time of my choice. Let alone some of them are really so scruffy and disgusting that i can't turn my head away quick enough at some public places.

Meanwhile i see so many beautiful and sexy women in long skirt down to ankle.

So, taking a picture is a crime and sick and nothing ever justifies it, provoking it is disgusting, at least they could cover their bum with their shopping bag or anything when traveling on the escalator in mini.

Just wanted to point out the other side of the coin.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I don't own any porn... none at all in any way... and that won't change, but these HS girls walking around Tokyo in the short skirts... its enough to drive a guy mad.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

How the heck could he attach an iPod to his shoe without it being conspicuous? I'm guessing it would have to be a Nano but still.......

3 times in the last year I've caught nutters taking upskirt photos at train stations in Chiba. But, what am I gonna do about it? If a I accost them it is me that will get into trouble and by the time I got the station staff they would have been long gone. My reaction has just been to shame them by asking them to show me the photos. The reactions and facial expressions are priceless. One guy just bolted out of the station. Hilarious!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

More worrying that he followed these girls home to do his filming

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The music player he used was an iPod. By a "great shot" he said いいアングル (from a good angle). Kancho is more fun.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Getting younger! Wasn't there some university professor who did the same thing a short while back?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Did he publish his "accomplishments"?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

he felt a sense of accomplishment whenever he got a “great shot.”

LOL!! I wish I could hear what he said in Japanese.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

"The suspect admitted to police he had taken about 250 videos, and that he felt a sense of accomplishment whenever he got a “great shot.”"

Our daily giggle of porn.

How about getting a sense of accomplishment for a good class presentation, or fine research. Ya gotta love J-college boys.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

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