Japanese embassy warns against going to Laos for child sex after social media posts about such activities by Japanese men

The Japanese Embassy in Laos has issued a warning against child prostitution.

This follows a spate of social media posts suggesting that Japanese men are travelling to Laos to engage in sexual activities with young girls.

The embassy emphasised that such acts are punishable under both Laotian and Japanese law.

People travelling to or staying in Laos should abide by the laws of both countries and strictly refrain from any illegal activities, the embassy said.

Child prostitution in Laos

While child prostitution in Laos is illegal, sexual exploitation of children remains a persistent issue in Laos.

In an advisory on the embassy website dated Jun. 17, the Japanese foreign ministry said Japanese police are actively working to crack down on overseas crimes such as child prostitution through close investigative cooperation with foreign investigative agencies.

The ministry warned that individuals can face punishment for engaging in acts related to child prostitution and pornography even if the victim's age is unknown or if there is no complaint from the victim.

Social media posts

According to The Mainichi, there have been posts by Japanese men on social media allegedly engaging in prostitution with girls who look to be of elementary or middle school age.

According to the foreign ministry, a Japanese resident in Laos submitted a petition in June with more than 20,000 signatures calling for the eradication of child prostitution in the country, reported the Japanese media.

In response, the Japanese Embassy issued a warning on June 17 to Japanese nationals travelling to or residing in Laos.

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