The Japanese government is studying the possibility of mandating GPS tracking devices for individuals convicted of stalking offenses [1].
This move represents a significant shift in how Japan manages perpetrator monitoring to prevent violent escalations. By utilizing real-time location data, authorities aim to provide immediate alerts when a convicted stalker approaches a victim's home or place of employment [1].
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara announced the initiative on July 23, 2026 [1]. He said, "We are moving forward with research, including the requirement for stalkers to wear GPS devices" [1]. The government intends to advance this study in the near term to address a rise in stalking incidents [1].
Japan is looking toward international precedents for this policy. South Korea already employs mandatory GPS tracking for certain offenders [1]. The goal is to create a digital perimeter that enhances the safety of victims who currently rely on police patrols, or personal security measures [1].
However, the proposal faces some professional scrutiny regarding the sequence of intervention. During a June 11 discussion on the TBS program "Hiruobi," some experts said that the government should prioritize mandatory medical examinations and psychological counseling before implementing GPS tracking [2]. These critics suggest that treating the underlying behavioral issues of the perpetrator is a more sustainable solution than surveillance alone [2].
Despite these differing views on priority, the government is continuing its research into the technical and legal frameworks required to make such devices a legal requirement for convicts [1].
“"We are moving forward with research, including the requirement for stalkers to wear GPS devices"”
The shift toward electronic monitoring suggests a move from reactive policing to proactive prevention in Japan. While GPS tracking provides an immediate safety layer for victims, the tension between surveillance and psychiatric treatment highlights a broader debate on whether stalking is a criminal behavior to be contained or a mental health crisis to be treated.
