When web behemoth, Google started their ambitious Street View project, they knew they would run into cultural and privacy issues in every country it was introduced. But the level of resistance in Japan seems to have caught them completely off guard. First they were forced to re-shoot with lower cameras this spring, and recently they have been accused not only of destroying privacy but also of encouraging crime.

What to do? Well, earlier this month, Google Japan released the video below to assure naysayers that they are on top of the problem. The adorable "camera-man" in the clip is disarmingly cute – by design, I'm sure. Does he look like the type who wants to take pictures of your girlfriend's underwear? I didn't think so!