The Scary Reasons Purikura Booths In Japan Ban Men

Purikura booths in Japan
Purikura photo booths remain popular in Japan. But if you're an unaccompanied male, odds are you won't be allowed near one. The policy's designed to protect women - but some men say it's discriminatory.

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Purikura photo booths, where filters can transform users into anime-like characters, are a beloved activity for many young people in Japan. In vibrant areas like Shibuya and Harajuku, high school girls (女子高生; joshi kousei, or “JK” for short) often explore game centers and purikura shops.

These spaces, adorned in pastel pink and filled with pop music, provide the full purikura experience. Some even offer beauty stations with mirrors, hair irons, and makeup tools for customers to enhance their looks. Over time, these purikura hubs have become cultural staples for JKs and young women in Japan.

However, in recent years, many purikura shops have started displaying signs that bar single men. Why? And is this legal?

What people are saying

Women at a purikura photo booth
Picture: A_Team / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

It feels almost surreal to encounter signs that restrict entry based on gender in today’s world. Unsurprisingly, many people have used the internet to voice their opinions on this controversial policy.

Time and again, tweets featuring these signs go viral, sparking heated debates online.

“I casually went to a game center today. And I was surprised to see that such a gender-discriminatory purikura section still exists.”

”Isn’t this discrimination? 💢 Let men take purikura too!”

“Why can’t boys take purikura? Isn’t that weird? Even in a time when there’s so much emphasis on gender equality, such discrimination still exists in our everyday lives.”

Sexual harassment incidents targeting women at purikuras

Amid the controversy, Furyu Corporation, which makes purikura machines, addressed the issue in an interview with Abema.

“There is no intention to discriminate against men. Each store sets rules based on the environment and past incidents.” They noted that not all their locations have this policy; 28 out of 35 do.

Why is such a rule in place? An insider in the gaming industry spoke to J-Cast News. “Women enjoying purikura were frequently subjected to unwanted advances, groping, and covert photography, which led to a decline in customers, causing significant problems for the facilities. In some cases, customers even planted hidden cameras and later returned, claiming they had ‘lost their camera,’ asking staff for help. Naturally, these individuals were reported to the police,” one source explained.

An individual shared her experience at a purikura booth.

When I was in high school, I was taking purikura photos with a friend. Then suddenly, a man who looked like a college student came into the booth. They surrounded me, put his arm around my shoulders, and asked me if I wanted to take a photo with him and hang out.

I couldn’t see them from the other side because of the curtain, and I was scared of what would happen if I said no and made them angry. In the end, my friend chased them away by shouting, ‘It’s annoying.’

There must have been a lot of similar incidents all over the country, and I’ve heard stories of people being photographed from behind under their skirts while taking Purikura. I feel uneasy if there are no rules like this. I think it would be good to have a Purikura corner for men only, though.”

Preventative measures

Woman editing a photo at a purikura booth
Picture: fumi / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

According to JAMMA (Japan Amusement Machinery Manufacturers Association), purikura first appeared in 1995. However, as the machines evolved into small private booths separated by curtains, concerns arose about potential inappropriate behavior.

Around ten years ago, incidents of covert photography and unwanted advances became significant issues. That led many facilities to implement “No Men Allowed” signs.

“While this wasn’t a decision agreed upon by the entire industry, the majority of customers were women. So, we thought it would be best to create an environment where women could feel safe and comfortable, which led to more facilities adopting the current policy,” a representative explained.

Another industry insider noted that while male customers declined due to the “men ban” rule, they were able to attract new female customers, resulting in increased sales.

Japan’s sexual harassment issue

Man taking peeping tom photography
Picture: yamasan / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

Japan has long struggled with sexual harassment issues, particularly groping, or chikan, in crowded spaces like trains. Despite efforts to curb this behavior through women-only train cars and public awareness campaigns, the problem remains pervasive.

Many victims, primarily women, often hesitate to report incidents due to social stigma. That makes it harder to address the full scope of the issue.

The Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet’s Office’s recent online survey revealed that 13.6% of women and 3.6% of men experienced victimization. This means about 1 in 10 individuals, regardless of gender, has been a victim of groping. In Tokyo alone, a survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in February of this year found that 45% of women and 9% of men reported having been groped on trains.

Another prevalent issue is that hidden camera filming, or tousatsu (盗撮), has been a major concern. The availability of smartphones and miniature cameras has made it easier for perpetrators to secretly film women in public spaces. Despite stricter penalties, the issue continues to grow, leaving many women feeling unsafe.

Female athletes are also victims of illicit photography. Some men even show up to sporting events where minor girls compete to take pictures with infrared cameras, which reveal the outlines of their underclothes. As a result, many sporting events now ban all camera use by anyone except official photographers.

The ban on male-only groups in purikura areas aims to protect female customers while addressing business challenges. Though controversial, many establishments view such policies as essential for safeguarding women from unwanted attention and ensuring a positive atmosphere

Voices of support

Given this sad reality, there are voices of support and understanding of this policy.

“It’s very sad that male students can’t enjoy themselves either. However, I think that maybe they banned it because there have been a few incidents in the past where groups of men have caused trouble for women here. Then women who don’t want to be bothered will stay away, and it won’t be good for business… I don’t think it’s discriminatory from the start, but rather that there is a good reason for the rule. I’m sure the establishment doesn’t really want to do something like this. A lot of people have a bad experience because of some people with bad manners.”

Another commented,

I’m a man, but I agree with the company’s position. There are endless stories and experiences of people around me looking down on women and being looked down upon because they are women. There is a limit to what women can do to protect themselves, so it is wonderful that society and companies are creating a space where people can enjoy content without worry.

With that said, companies are aware that men want to take purikura photos too. As diversity in customer demographics becomes increasingly important, purikura shops are looking for ways to accommodate all customers while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.

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What to read next

Sources

「男性のにでのプリクラ入場お断り」…街で見かけた注意書きなぜ?多様性重視の時代「差別ではない」という企業の見解 法律上の問題は? 南日本新聞社

【生きづらさ】男性のみでのプリクラは禁止?性差別に?ジェンダー病様への道は?強く訴える当事者と考える アベプラ

プリクラ男女差別が拡大??「男子禁制」のウラ事情 JCast ニュース

痴漢被害、16−29歳の10%が経験 電車内が最多内閣府発調査 毎日新聞

痴漢被害 女性45%男性9%東京都がアンケート調査 NHK

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