Question from a reader:
I’m really troubled. After connecting with a girl I met on Twitter to her real Instagram, she asked me for a “chin-toku” (a slang term for exposing oneself). I actually went through with it, but afterwards, she deleted the chat history and threatened to spread that I’m scared to her friends. She is also demanding 3000 yen
to avoid spreading it. What should I do? I don’t want to go to the police.

How to Escape Trouble from “Chin-toku”: Legal Perspectives and Advice

Hello. This topic may be a bit delicate, but it’s a real issue that needs to be considered carefully. Let’s think about how to handle this from a legal standpoint based on the question from a troubled reader.

Let’s Organize the Question

First, let’s break down the question. After connecting with a girl I met on Twitter through Instagram, I was asked for a “chin-toku,” and I actually complied. This situation is already complicated, but then she deleted the chat history and threatened me by saying she would “spread it,” while also demanding 3000 yen. This situation is indeed very confusing. If I were in the same position, I would be at a loss about what to do. What needs to be considered here is first what actions I took and how those actions might be evaluated legally.

Legal Perspective on “Chin-toku”

“Chin-toku,” or exposure, can be problematic even if the other party consents, especially if it occurs with minors or in socially inappropriate situations. Legally, even if the other party agrees, it is important to understand that such actions carry a high risk of leading to future troubles. Additionally, the fact that the other party deleted the chat history and is threatening to “spread it” may clearly fall under the category of intimidation. Under Japanese law, intimidation is defined in Article 222 of the Penal Code, and actions that cause anxiety to another person are strictly regulated.

What Actions Should Be Taken?

So, what should you actually do? Here are a few steps I would suggest.

1. Preserve Evidence

First and foremost, it is important to keep evidence of your interactions with the other party. Save messages and screenshots. Evidence of threatening messages and the amount demanded will be helpful for future actions.

2. Respond Calmly

It’s a natural human reaction to respond emotionally, but it’s important to handle this calmly. Paying the other party may encourage their behavior. Instead of succumbing to intimidation, it is crucial to take a firm stance.

3. Seek Legal Advice

You mentioned hesitating to go to the police, but seeking legal advice is very important. There are free consultation services available in Japan, and consulting a lawyer can help clarify your position and guide you on how to act.

4. Warning Against Intimidation

If the other party threatens you again, firmly communicate that “such actions are legally problematic.” This may make it more difficult for them to actually spread the information. However, remember to keep evidence when doing this.

What to Consider Next

Through this experience, you may need to reconsider your future relationships and how you use social media. Reflecting deeply on the actions you took and their implications is essential to avoid future troubles. For instance, while interactions on social media are very convenient, they also come with risks. Especially when you don’t know the other person well, it’s best to avoid delving into personal matters. Additionally, consulting with trusted friends or family can help clarify your thoughts.

Conclusion

The answer to this question is not simple, but what is important is to “stay calm and take legal measures.” Always keep evidence of your interactions with the other party, and seek professional opinions if necessary. If you find yourself in trouble, it’s crucial to understand your position and respond calmly without fear. To protect yourself, be cautious in your actions moving forward. If similar issues continue to arise, I strongly recommend consulting a professional. To safeguard your safety and peace of mind, obtain accurate information and make better choices.