Story perspectives

Japan to Expand Body-Worn Cameras Nationwide From Next Year

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japan's National Police Agency will expand body-worn cameras nationwide from the next financial year.
The agency requested about 170 million yen (US$1 million) for fiscal 2027 to purchase roughly 2,000 cameras.
Trials began in September last year in 13 prefectural police departments covering community affairs, traffic enforcement and crowd control.
Footage from the cameras proved an officer was kicked in Fukuoka and disproved a drug suspect’s forced-questioning claim.

1 of 1

Story summary

Japan's National Police Agency will expand body-worn cameras nationwide from the next financial year.
The agency requested about 170 million yen (US$1 million) for fiscal 2027 to purchase roughly 2,000 cameras.
Trials began in September last year in 13 prefectural police departments covering community affairs, traffic enforcement and crowd control.
Footage from the cameras proved an officer was kicked in Fukuoka and disproved a drug suspect’s forced-questioning claim.