Photography in Japan – What Should You Keep in Mind?

By Shockerz On 20/01/2010 · 1 Comment

I was intrigued by this question alone because of the countless great photos taken by foreigners who are currently living in Japan as a permanent resident or as visitor to the country. The famously known photo blogger such as Danny Choo himself amaze me with his shots of the day and I especially love his notorious shootout of “A week in Tokyo” as a record of his life in Japan.

It does beg the question of “What’s your rights to photograph in Japan?” from that I tried to ask Mr. Google sensei as it always provide me with reliable information. As I dig through I could not find a single article that state the rights nor law regarding about it but did manage to get some advice from others who understand the clockworks.

From Danny Choo

From what I know you are basically free to take pictures in public places and do be aware the people who are caught up by your camera as you’ll will need to blur them to avoid any privacy infringement if you’re using it commercially however for private usage it’s practically OK. Japanese usually very open for you to take photo of them but some will straightly say a “No” in your face by crossing their hand while some will just turn their head away from you.

With the rising trend that camera can be use for evil purposes.. snapping pantsu shots inside a crowded train? Using the faces from a picture to do evil deed? No wonder why people are getting paranoia about it even with a innocent & sincere notion you have might make you look like a criminal.

From Altus

Government buildings and some department stores do not allow photography but I still see some people shooting within the vicinity. While we are at the subject I would like to inquire about taking picture of foods in the restaurant & the display outside of a store, can it be photograph? From what I know is that they don’t allow for people to take pictures of what they display. The logic to these store owners are kinda awkward. Don’t you think so? Aren’t free publicity good?

Also try asking first if you think it’s inappropriate take a photo of a thing or a person and if you are one of those stingy photo journalist I’m sure you’ll shoot first, ask later.

Luckily, Japan is a free world to photographer alike compare to western countries for instance Great Britain who strangely enough delete tourist photos from their camera and was treated like a terrorist because the new law enacted by the government to prevent terrorism. It does not make sense as the government have blanket the country with thousand upon thousand of surveillance cameras in order to monitor the population and then turn around and says “You can’t take photos”!? Paranoia I suppose.