I left Japan in 2008. Phones had had cameras long enough that the makers had to add the can't-turn-it-off shutter sound because so many chikan were taking upskirt photos on public transport.
Less salaciously, there was also panic about people taking pictures of magazine articles in bookstores and then not buying the magazine. Not sure anyone really would have tried to read an article on those tiny screens, though.
this. watching the video, I had some trouble telling the difference. sure, from some angles it is obvious, but from others it is not.
That said, other cars, with more types of sensors, would probably have "seen" the obstruction on the road.