Question from a reader:
I thought I had a good relationship with a friend in high school, but I ended up posting a manipulated photo of my pubic hair in our group LINE. Two days later, I was called out and surrounded by 5 or 6 people in a park without security cameras, and one of them demanded money from me.
I’m struggling with how to handle this situation. Please help.

Is Friendship with Friends in Danger? How to Deal with a Photo of Pubic Hair and a Demand for Money

Introduction

Recently, I received a consultation from someone whose relationship with friends has taken an unexpected turn. They sent a manipulated photo of their pubic hair to a group LINE chat with high school friends and ended up getting into unforeseen trouble. Moreover, they found themselves surrounded in a park and faced with a terrifying situation where they were demanded money. In this article, I would like to consider how to handle such situations from a legal perspective.

First, Understand the Current Situation

First and foremost, it’s important to grasp the current situation of this incident. Sending a photo of pubic hair, even among friends, raises issues of privacy and morality. It is especially necessary to consider how the recipient might feel. While it’s important to understand and enjoy each other in communication, sometimes that can backfire. Furthermore, the escalation of trouble with friends leading to a demand for cash is a very serious matter. Such actions may violate laws regarding threats and coercion, so a calm response is required.

Legal Issues to Consider

Let’s first consider the act of being demanded money. This clearly has a high likelihood of falling under threats or coercion. Under Japanese criminal law, threats are defined as “unlawfully acting with the intent to instill fear in others.” In other words, if you feel anxious, this may be recognized as a threat. Additionally, regardless of the amount being demanded, if it is unjust to you, you can consider legal action. In this case, it is important to consult the police. By explaining the situation in detail and conveying how you felt, you can receive appropriate advice.

Consulting the Police Takes Courage but is Important

Consulting the police can be a daunting task, especially for younger generations. However, if you take the situation seriously, this is a path that cannot be avoided. The police exist to help you, so do not hesitate to seek assistance. In fact, I also have experience consulting the police during a trouble with friends in my student days. It was scary, but I remember feeling surprisingly relieved after asking for help. To protect yourself, sometimes you need to act with courage.

Consider How to Deal with Friends

Next, we must also think about the relationship with friends. Consider how this trouble might affect your relationship with them. First, it’s important to calmly sort out your feelings. You may feel anger or dissatisfaction towards the other person, but rather than confronting them directly, think about discussing it calmly. If you want to repair your relationship with your friend, it’s essential to consider their perspective. For example, understanding “how the other person felt about the photo I sent” may lead to better communication.

The Value of Friendship from a Psychological Perspective

From a psychological standpoint, friendship is a particularly important element of human relationships. Friendships provide emotional support and social connections, playing a role in reducing stress. However, there are moments when such friendships are tested. Overcoming this trouble could potentially lead to an even deeper friendship. Experiencing trouble with friends can be seen as part of growth. Of course, it is a painful experience, but through this, the ability to understand each other may increase. It can also serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of communication.

Future Measures and Mindset

To prevent a recurrence of troubles like this, it is important to take several measures. First, always reconsider your actions. Particularly, be cautious about interactions online and the handling of personal information. Next, it is also important to make communication with friends more open. If there’s something concerning, discussing it promptly can help prevent trouble from arising. Remember that friendship is built on trust.

Conclusion

Finally, when faced with such troubles, it is crucial to respond calmly. By considering both the legal aspects and psychological perspectives, you may find better solutions. Above all, prioritize protecting yourself and have the courage to seek help from professionals when necessary. Friendship is valuable, but it should not come at the cost of sacrificing yourself. When faced with difficult situations, it is essential to think calmly and take the best course of action.