Overview of the Nationwide Simultaneous Searches
Under the direction of the National Police Agency, prefectural police in 38 prefectures conducted simultaneous searches on August 16, 2021, in connection with cases of sexual exploitation of minors. The searches covered 55 locations in total, and a combined 42 people were arrested or referred to prosecutors on multiple suspected offenses, including violations of the Act on Punishment of Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, violations of the Child Welfare Act, and forcible sexual intercourse.
The Situation of the Victims
The confirmed minor victims numbered more than 30, the youngest being 13. In many cases, the victims had met adults (mostly men in their 20s to 40s) on social media and, through "conditional dating" in which they received money or gifts (a minors' version of so-called "papa-katsu"), the relationships gradually deepened until they led to sexual acts.
The Problem of Contact via Social Media
A defining feature of these cases is that 100% of the contact was made through social media or calling apps. Many of the victims had little awareness that they were being victimized, and there were many cases in which they testified, "I went to meet him of my own accord."
On this point, experts note that "grooming of minors (building a relationship of trust for the purpose of sexual exploitation) has become more sophisticated. A defining characteristic is that the victims themselves find it hard to recognize the harm, and the importance of education and awareness-raising activities is growing ever greater."
This article was compiled based on publicly available information.