Use this form to obtain permission to take photographs/videos of subjects in Japan. Make sure to read the disclaimer. Note that if somebody asks you to delete their photo, do it immediately and show them as you do it.
It’s a good idea to create a business card with your contact information and give it to people when you take their picture. That way, they can contact you if they change their mind and want to ask you to remove their photo. Honor those requests in a timely manner.
It’s also a good idea to create a business card with a QR code that directs people to your social media. Here is a QR code generator that I’ve used in the past to create this a QR for my YouTube channel.
Consent form - what you’re here for
Fun fact: Japanese call social media SNS (social networking service).
Fun fact: Japanese cell phones make a shutter sound when you take a picture. This stops creeps from taking secret photos that would be considered intrusive or offensive. By the way, if you get caught taking intrusive or offensive photos, that’s a one-way ticket to jail. There is no tolerance for that here.
Precedents: Privacy laws protect individuals from having their likeness used without their permission, and this includes street photography.
2018: A street photographer was sued for ¥1.5 million (around USD 14,000) by a woman who claimed that he had taken her photo without her consent and used it on his website. The court ruled in favor of the woman, stating that the photographer had violated her privacy rights.
2019: A street photographer took photos of a high school girl and posted them online without her consent. The court found that the photographer had violated the girl's right to privacy and ordered him to pay a ¥600,000 fine (around USD 5,500).
Not all street photography in Japan is illegal or considered a violation of privacy rights. It ultimately depends on the circumstances of each case and whether the subject's privacy has been infringed upon.
Not all street photography in Japan is illegal or considered a violation of privacy rights. It ultimately depends on the circumstances of each case and whether the subject's privacy has been infringed upon.
Remember, there’s no substitute for common sense and a respectful attitude.
Having said all this, Japan is a very enjoyable country to take pictures and film. There is a long history of photography and, anecdotally, Japanese appreciate the fact that tourists love to share the beauty and charm of their country on social media.
Finally, the video related to this post is here.
Disclaimer: By downloading this form you agree to the following terms.
This form is for informational purposes only and is not a legal document. Nothing in this post is intended to be construed as legal advice and there no attorney-client relationship is created by use of this information or the consent form. If you have a legal question, consult an attorney who is licensed in Japan.
The author is not responsible for any damages caused by use of this form.