A former teacher who managed a group has received a prison sentence in a case involving voyeurism and image sharing by educators. The incident has cast a shadow over students aiming to become teachers.
On the 16th, the Nagoya District Court sentenced a former elementary school teacher, Wada (formerly Moriyama) Yuji (42), to two years and six months in prison for violating laws against the filming of sexual postures, among other charges.
According to the indictment, Wada secretly filmed the underwear of a 9-year-old female student during an off-campus learning activity in 2024 and shared the images in a social media group for teachers.
“I’m happy we can gather as lolicon teachers.” “Let’s make sure we don’t get caught.” (Exchange from the social media group)
This social media group included seven teachers. Wada was the one who created and managed the group.
According to the prosecution’s opening statement, Wada began secretly filming the underwear of female students several years before the incident and started communicating online with others who shared the same sexual preferences.
He specifically invited only those he identified as teachers and deemed trustworthy to a highly secretive messaging app. They reportedly exchanged and posted the secretly filmed images and videos.
And then—
“You created a dangerous situation where images of children, who should be protected, were shared with many people, not knowing in what form they might be misused. This is despicable.” (Presiding Judge)
During the sentencing on the 16th, the Nagoya District Court also mentioned that Wada had established the group, pointing out the malicious nature of the act.
The court stated, “There is no room for leniency regarding the selfish motives that show no consideration for the children’s feelings,” and handed down a prison sentence to Wada.
In this case, seven teachers were arrested and charged. So far, two have been found guilty, and prison sentences, including Wada’s, have been handed down to two individuals.
The incident has also cast a dark shadow over teacher training programs.
“There is anger towards those who committed the crimes.”
This is stated by a professor at Aichi University of Education, who notes that harmful effects from the incident are already appearing.
“Even in practical training, situations are arising where photography that was previously possible can no longer be done.” (Professor)
How are students aspiring to become teachers themselves receiving this news?
“We are told things like, ‘You should be careful because someone among your classmates might be like that.’ I want to become a teacher who can protect students.” (Student)
“I think it’s a loss of trust in the teaching profession, which is regrettable.” (Student)
While the university has begun new initiatives, it is grappling with aspects that cannot be solved solely by fostering students’ ethics.
“It has been decided university-wide to dedicate one class session to the prevention of sexual violence against children and students. Other initiatives have also started, such as requiring students to submit a pledge to ‘ensure children’s safety’ when enrolling in courses. I think few people live openly sharing their personal preferences. It is very difficult to discern such things, whether in the university setting or during teacher employment examinations.” (Professor)
