The Japanese government is considering a system to mandate GPS devices for stalking offenders to provide real-time alerts to victims [1, 2].
This proposal represents a significant shift in victim protection strategy by moving from reactive police intervention to a proactive, technology-driven warning system. As stalking incidents increase, the government seeks a way to prevent violent escalations before they occur [1, 2].
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara said the government is strongly researching measures to strengthen anti-stalking efforts, including the installation of GPS equipment on offenders [1]. The proposal follows a recommendation made on June 19, 2026 [3], by the Liberal Democratic Party's Committee on Security, Terrorism, and Cybercrime.
Under the proposed framework, the system would not track offenders at all times. Instead, notifications would be sent to the victim only when the offender enters a specific range around the victim's home, or place of employment [3]. This targeted approach aims to balance the safety of the victim with the legal rights of the accused.
Japan is looking toward South Korea as a reference for this technology [1, 4]. In South Korea, GPS-equipped ankle monitors are already utilized, specifically targeting repeat offenders to curb recidivism [4].
While the government focuses on surveillance, some critics have suggested different priorities. Toru Tamagawa said that the government should first consider methods to cut the problem out at the root, such as making medical treatment mandatory for offenders [2].
The LDP committee's recommendation in mid-June [2, 3] has sparked a broader debate on the intersection of human rights and public safety. The government continues to evaluate the legal feasibility of the mandate as of July 23, 2026 [1, 2].
“The government is strongly researching measures to strengthen anti-stalking efforts, including the installation of GPS equipment on offenders.”
The shift toward electronic monitoring suggests that traditional restraining orders in Japan are viewed as insufficient deterrents. By adopting a model similar to South Korea's system for repeat offenders, Japan is prioritizing immediate physical safety through real-time data, though the transition will likely face legal challenges regarding the privacy rights of offenders and the necessity of medical intervention over surveillance.
