Japan recorded its highest number of child sexual abuse cases in the past decade in 2025, with authorities warning about the growing role of social media and artificial intelligence in crimes targeting minors.

Japan experienced a sharp rise in child sexual abuse cases in 2025, marking the third consecutive annual increase and the highest level recorded in the past ten years, according to data released by the National Police Agency of Japan.

Police reported handling 4,858 sexual assault cases involving victims under the age of 18 nationwide last year. The figures reflect mounting concerns over crimes targeting children, particularly those facilitated through digital platforms.

Authorities revealed that 1,566 minors were sexually assaulted by individuals they met via social media platforms. Among the victims were 167 elementary school students, the highest figure recorded in the past decade for this age group. Officials have repeatedly cautioned that online platforms are increasingly being used to approach and exploit vulnerable children.

In a troubling development, cases involving AI-generated sexual images of minors rose to 114, an increase of four compared to the previous year. Approximately 90 percent of the victims in these cases were middle and high school students, underscoring the expanding misuse of emerging technologies in child exploitation crimes.

Law enforcement authorities emphasized that the surge highlights the urgent need for stronger preventive measures, digital monitoring, and parental awareness to protect minors from online predators and technology-driven abuse.

The latest data have intensified public debate in Japan over child safety regulations, platform accountability, and stricter enforcement mechanisms aimed at curbing crimes against children.(ILKHA)