Japan bans photos at beach volleyball event after 'malicious' images of players
Japan has barred spectators from taking photos or videos at a beach volleyball tournament after organisers said players were targeted by malicious images. The ban also covers smart glasses, binoculars and opera glasses.
TOKYO: Spectators attending a leading beach volleyball tournament in Japan this weekend will not be allowed to take photographs or record video after organisers said some fans had taken what they described as malicious images of players.
The Japan Volleyball Association said the restriction will apply to the Tonarino round of the country’s men’s and women’s beach volleyball tour, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The body said image recording on any device will be barred, including through smart glasses.
The measure follows last week’s round in the coastal city of Hekinan, where the association said athletes had complained they were unable to focus on competition. In announcing the continued ban, the JVA said repeated reminders about photography rules and etiquette had not stopped inappropriate conduct by some spectators.
The association said it had decided to widen the restrictions for this weekend’s event to cover binoculars, opera glasses and similar viewing devices as well. The decision was aimed at ensuring athletes could compete without concern.
In a statement, the JVA said:
"Despite our repeated guidance and reminders regarding the rules and etiquette for photography, we have observed malicious photography by some spectators at the Hekinan round,"
"We take a very serious view of the fact that inappropriate photography has not improved despite repeated warnings. We sincerely apologise to all those who were looking forward to watching and taking photographs, but our top priority is to maintain an environment where the competing athletes can concentrate on their performance with peace of mind," the association added.
Broader efforts in Japan
Japanese sports authorities have taken a series of steps in recent years to address inappropriate photography of athletes. Japan’s women’s team uniforms at the 2024 Paris Olympics were made with a special material designed to block infrared images that could reveal underwear.
Japan’s gymnastics association has also introduced a permit system for photography at competitions as part of similar efforts to protect athletes.
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