Japan Considers Requiring Stalkers to Wear GPS Devices to Prevent Tragedies
To prevent the escalation of stalking cases, Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) recently drafted an emergency policy proposal. The draft suggests implementing a system that requires perpetrators under a "prohibition order" according to the Stalker Control Act to wear GPS tracking devices, which would send real-time alerts when they approach a victim. This initiative follows a tragic incident in March in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, where a woman was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. The proposal also includes mandatory medical treatment and counseling for offenders.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 16:01
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 16:32 (30 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 16:41 (9 min after Collected)
(CNA, Tokyo, 20th, by reporter Tai Ya-chen) Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), aiming to prevent the escalation of stalking cases, has recently compiled a draft of an emergency policy proposal. It recommends introducing a system requiring perpetrators under a "prohibition order" per the Stalker Control Act to wear GPS tracking devices, enabling real-time notifications when they approach victims. In March of this year, a female employee at a Pokémon merchandise store in the well-known Sunshine City shopping mall in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend, who subsequently attempted suicide. Both were pronounced dead after being sent to the hospital. Prior to the incident, the female employee had reported to the police about being stalked by her ex-boyfriend, who was then arrested on suspicion of violating the Stalker Control Act and issued a prohibition order. However, after the order was issued, the police failed to detect his presence around the woman's home and workplace, ultimately leading to the tragedy. In response to this case, the LDP is considering submitting an emergency policy recommendation to the government. According to NHK reports, the draft from an LDP investigation committee points out that even if perpetrators are banned from approaching their victims, they may still try to make contact again if they hold a strong obsession, potentially leading to serious incidents. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor their movements using technology. The draft suggests that Japan should refer to overseas cases to introduce a system requiring perpetrators to wear GPS devices and promote research on related technologies, including sending warning notifications to victims when a perpetrator gets close. Additionally, the draft recommends establishing a system to compel offenders to undergo treatment at medical institutions and psychological counseling, while also strengthening medical resources and support systems. The investigation committee is expected to formally compile the draft's contents soon and submit the recommendation to the Japanese government. (Editor: Tang Pei-chun)