Uniqlo store manager arrested for peeping in fitting room

A Tokyo Uniqlo store manager has been arrested on charges of secretly filming women, including minors, in the fitting rooms of the Atré Vie Otsuka store in Toshima Ward, Tokyo.

Police discover videos filmed in locker rooms and on trains

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, 35-year-old Kohei Takahashi is suspected of using a smartphone to secretly record female customers in fitting rooms over a period of several weeks from late July to mid-August. The clip included videos of nine women, one of whom was a minor.

After investigating, police discovered more than 40 videos, all about two to three seconds in length, that were reportedly filmed by sliding the device under fitting room doors and curtains. According to police, the activity has been going on since June. Other secret upskirt videos filmed on the Yamanote Line were found on a high school student’s cell phone.

The manager admitted the charges. “I couldn’t resist the urge to look at women’s underwear,” police quoted him as saying. It has raised concerns about consumer privacy, leading to calls for greater surveillance and enhanced protection within retail premises to prevent breaches of personal privacy and security.

Growing privacy concerns in retail

Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, expressed deep regret and promised to take stricter customer privacy measures. The company vowed to work closely with authorities, announcing plans for improved employee training and stricter privacy protocols.

“We take seriously the fact that our stores should be spaces where you can enjoy shopping with peace of mind, and acknowledge that this incident violated the trust of our customers. After confirming the facts, we will take necessary measures as a company, such as checking security cameras including store facilities and conduct thorough employee education,” the company’s statement read.

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