2 days ago
Japanese Embassy in Laos warns against child prostitution following social media posts
TOKYO -- The Japanese Embassy in Laos has issued a warning against child prostitution after a spate of social media posts suggested that Japanese men are traveling to Laos to engage in sexual activities with young girls.
The embassy emphasized that such acts are punishable under both Laotian and Japanese law, urging Japanese nationals traveling to Laos to "strictly refrain from illegal activities."
According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prostitution itself is punishable in Laos. Japanese police are also actively cracking down on overseas child prostitution in cooperation with foreign investigative agencies. The ministry warned that individuals can face punishment for violating Japan's Act on Punishment of Activities Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, even if there is no complaint from the victim or if the perpetrator claims not to have known the child's age.
On social media, there have been posts by Japanese men allegedly engaging in prostitution with girls appearing to be of elementary or middle school age. There are also media reports about the growing issue of child prostitution. According to the Foreign Ministry, a Japanese resident in Laos submitted a petition in June with more than 20,000 signatures calling for the eradication of child prostitution in the country. In response, the Japanese Embassy issued a warning on June 17 to Japanese nationals traveling to or residing in Laos.
