• Two primary school teachers arrested in Japan for sharing indecent images of young girls.
• The images included upskirt photographs and 'deepfakes' created from children's headshots.
• Public outrage has prompted calls for more stringent checks on teachers working with children.
• Japan plans to launch a new background check system for applicants in child-related roles next year.
• Education Minister described the actions of the teachers as "unforgivable."

Authorities in Japan have arrested two primary school teachers, Yuji Moriyama, 42, and Fumiya Kosemura, 37, for taking and sharing indecent images of young girls with a group of fellow educators. The case, involving around 70 such photographs and videos, has triggered widespread public outrage and raised serious concerns about child safety in educational institutions, according to BBC and South China Morning Post.

The police's investigation revealed that images shared in the chat group included not only upskirt photographs but also clips that appeared to show young girls changing clothes, as well as composite "deepfake" images. Some of these troubling images were reportedly taken at the schools where the teachers worked, raising alarming questions regarding oversight and the safety of students within these environments, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The incident first came to light after a related arrest involving one of the teachers who was connected to another case of indecent behavior toward a minor. This sparked a broader investigation that ultimately uncovered the online paedophile group comprising multiple educators who shared the illicit content, as informed by BBC and Channel News Asia.

In response to this case, Japan's education minister, Toshiko Abe, expressed outrage, stating that the actions of the teachers highlighted an alarming issue that must be addressed urgently. She emphasized the importance of stellar educational environments and safety for children, echoing the sentiments of many parents and citizens who feel betrayed by those tasked with their children's education, according to Channel News Asia.

In light of the arrests, Japanese authorities are taking steps to enhance safety measures, including the planned introduction of a national background check system for individuals applying for roles involving children. This initiative, mirroring the UK's Disclosure and Barring Service, aims to prevent such appalling incidents from occurring in the future, according to South China Morning Post and BBC.