Rules for taking photos in Japan

Photographing passers-by in public places in Japan is not illegal, but the method of shooting or the purpose may infringe others' rights and lead to liability, with damages payable under Article 709 of the Japanese Civil Code. If the images are published on social media and the person's face and location can be identified, there is a greater likelihood of breaching Article 230 of the Japanese Penal Code on defamation and Article 231 on insult.