Japanese Sergeant Accused of Filming Upskirt on Yokohama Bus

Incident in Yokohama

On May 28, 2024, Ayata Hatano, a 24-year-old sergeant with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), allegedly used his smartphone to film up the skirt of a teenage girl on a bus in Yokohama City. The Metropolitan Police reported that Hatano shared the videos and images he captured with acquaintances via social media on three separate occasions.

Earlier Arrest

Hatano’s arrest concerning the Yokohama incident came after an earlier arrest in June 2024. At that time, he was detained for inappropriately filming another woman in Shinagawa Ward. This case has been prosecuted, and during the investigation, authorities uncovered additional evidence on Hatano’s smartphone.

Discovery During Investigation, Confession, and Motive

While investigating the Shinagawa case, police discovered the images from the Yokohama incident on Hatano’s smartphone, as reported by Tokyo Reporter. This finding expanded the investigation and revealed a clear pattern of behavior. During questioning, Hatano admitted to the charges, stating, “I did it to satisfy my sexual desire.” This admission has complicated the case further and increased the investigation’s focus.

Legal Context

The case emphasized the impact of Japan’s new law, which went into effect on July 13, 2024, making it illegal to photograph or film people in sexually explicit ways without their consent. The law imposes severe penalties, including up to three years in prison or a maximum fine of 3 million yen (approximately 26,885.98 SGD)

As the investigation unfolds, more details about Hatano’s actions and the potential legal consequences will likely come to light.