Parents get notified every time a child passes the train ticket gates

With every day it becomes extremely difficult for kids in Japan to sneak out of school or other "planned activities" without being caught. On the other hand, parents are more relieved, knowing the whereabouts of their children.

But the reality begins to look like in that futuristic Running Man movie, in which the main hero played by Arnold Schwarzenegger was wearing an implanted collar that was about to explode every time Arnold tried to leave the boundary of the prison's laser-linked zone.

It might be exaggerated but judge for yourself. Tokyu Security has built an ecosystem that tracks the child's moves across public transportation, school and pre-school domains and reports to parents every time their child passes the installed checkpoints. The notifications are usually emailed to parents’ mobile phones reporting such information as the child’s name, time and station where the child got onboard or got off the train. The checkpoints at school inform the time of arrival.

Tokyu Security makes use of PASMO cards, the rechargeable IC cards, and special reader equipment to implement the system. Scheduled for launch in December, the service will be offered at all Tokyu line stations in greater Tokyo except Setagaya line and Shibuya station. A subscription fee of JPY525 (USD4.66) must be paid every six month to keep the service activated. The service will target elementary and middle school children.

Source: Tokyu Security press release (Japanese)