Soon it may become illegal to take any photos from “hidden cameras” in Shiga Prefecture, which may mean a ban on catching Pokémon with your smart phones – Nooooo!!!
If you live in Shiga Prefecture your painful wait for the release of Pokémon GO in Japan may have just got a little bit more painful.
Shiga Prefectural Police have announced they are moving to strengthen laws related to hidden cameras (including cell phone cameras) and are calling for public comments.
The current laws are specifically for “public places” such as train stations and parks where a lot of people gather but the police are now looking to expand the jurisdiction of these laws banning hidden cameras to include other specific areas where “many people gather”.
▼ The Shiga Prefectural Police Homepage
At present, it is difficult for the police to charge people for taking “hidden” photos in public without evidence that these people are taking “upskirt” photos. The police are therefore aiming to tighten the laws to include the banning of simply using hidden cameras in public places and pointing hidden cameras at other people.
The Shiga Prefectural Police have said they wish to quickly reform laws in line with the “miniaturization of cameras” and “increasing sophistication of hidden photographing”.
But what about pointing a hidden camera at a Pokémon? It seems as if you could be putting yourself at risk by playing Pokémon GO in Shiga Prefecture if these new laws pass. It’s not exactly clear what the impact would be, but Pokémon lovers will be praying the police and politicians develop policy that won’t entirely preclude the use of hidden cameras in public places — or at least make exceptions for catching Pocket Monsters!
If you want to have your say about the new proposed laws you can submit your own public comment to the Shiga Prefectural Police – although you should do so in Japanese.
The homepage gives three options for public comment submissions:
Post address: 〒520-8501 滋賀県警察本部生活安全企画課企画係（条例改正担当）
Fax: 077-522-1252
Email: pa1101@pref.shiga.lg.jp
Sources: Jin115, Sankei Newspaper, Shiga Prefectural Police Homepage
Top image: Flickr/Sadiediane
Insert images: Shiga Prefectural Police Homepage, Pokémon GO Homepage
Iran becomes first country to completely ban Pokémon GO
Pokémon Go at the American Embassy in Japan: A Police Officer Appears!
Nationwide Pokémon GO ban sought by Indian lawsuit that claims title is religiously offensive
Pokémon Go “gyms” and “poke-stops” in Japan located in McDonald’s
Tech journalist predicts Japan’s Pokémon Go release date
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Life-size Legendary Pokémon Mega Rayquaza digitally greeting travelers at Tokyo train station [Vid]
Maximum entry fee for sento public baths in Tokyo increases slightly for adults next month
Starbucks Japan releases new “Afterword” collection that gives coffee waste a second life
Japan has a maid hotel you can stay in, and it’s now taking reservation applications
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan GO! Pokémon GO finally available in Japan!
Ehime man arrested for hitting cop who interfered with his Pokémon GO game
Pokémon GO player claims his in-game snapshot shows Japan’s new emperor and Pikachu together
Is Pokémon Go helping prevent deaths at one of Japan’s most notorious suicide spots?
Pokémon Go in Japan: We discover a “Pikachu forest” in Tokyo!
Mother and son in Japan busted by Ota-ku police for running counterfeit Pokémon operation
Here’s how the awesome new Pokémon GO mobile game will look on your smartphone
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station’s west side: Quite possibly best spot in Japan for Pokémon GO
Pokémon manhole covers are taking over streets in Japan!
Pokémon GO delayed in Japan? Time for us to transform into Pokémon ourselves and meet fans!【Pics】
Pokémon GO can wait while we play with these new Happy Meal toys from McDonald’s Japan
Pikachu cosplayer delights Pokémon Go gamers in Japan
McDonald’s Japan reveals new Pokémon collaboration range, covering McNuggets and lucky bags
Japan now has a Pokémon airport that features every species of Flying-type ever[Video]
New Pokémon Line app message stamps raise money for children in Japan’s disaster-struck regions