I completely agree with you. After hearing about and seeing the public outcry I talked with the my partner, who is Japanese. Without any sign of doubt even she agreed on her theory.
It’s us parents who have to learn that our kids are own individuals and not our property.

And asking them for permission might even teach them the ability to say NO when someone is going to approach them in a way they are not comfortable with. It is also learning having they control over our own bodies.