According to reports from Japanese media such as Yomiuri Shimbun, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education announced on September 29 that it will conduct a review of about 70,000 teaching staff at approximately 2,100 public elementary and middle schools, as well as high schools in Tokyo, to determine whether they have any history of sexual offenses. This review is scheduled to be carried out within this year.
Relevant individuals must submit materials in writing. In addition to self-reporting their sexual criminal history by filling out the "Self-Inspection Form," they also need to make a sworn commitment not to commit such acts in the future.
The investigation materials clearly state that “if it is found that the answers do not match the facts, the parties involved may be subject to disciplinary action.” Additionally, a signature column for faculty members has been provided to ensure the credibility of the reported information. If a history of sexual offenses is confirmed, the relevant individuals will be removed from positions involving contact with children.
Tokyo Metropolitan Education Director Sakamoto Masahiko stated on the 29th that this measure was introduced before the official implementation of the Child Sexual Violence Prevention Law, which includes the "Japanese Version DBS" system in December. The "Japanese Version DBS" requires employers to verify the criminal records of those working in child-related positions.
As well, Superintendent Sakamoto revealed that in order to curb activities such as illegal photography on campus, Tokyo will pilot a program where detection instruments capable of identifying suspicious cameras will be distributed to municipal schools.
