JAPAN2019MINISTRY OFJUSTICE135 200102
Immigration Control Contents
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Happiness protected by laws
The Ministry of Justice is closely connected to every member
of the community.
Ministry of Justice Challenges for the Future
About the Ministry of Justice
Structure, Historical Background,
Number of Personnel of budget base, and Budget
Outline of the Organization
Internal Departments of the Ministry of Justice
Special Agencies
Facilities
Extra‐Ministerial Bureaus799101013
Toward Japan as
"the Safest Country in the World"
Establishing the Safest Country in the World
Support for Crime Victims1516
Enhancing Guidance and Support According to Offender Characteristics
Comprehensive Measures for the Prevention of Repeat Offenses 15
Creating a Place to Belong and Work in the Community 1618Re‐offending Prevention Promotion Act & Re‐offending Prevention Promotion Plan19Efforts to Achieve Safety and Security
(Immigration Services Agency, Public Security Intelligence Agency,
Public Security Examination Commission)
Kyoto Congress will be held from April 20 to 27, 2020.
Declaring"No Return to Crime, No Facilitating Return to Crime"17‐Toward a Bright Society Where Everyone Supports Rehabilitation‐
Emergency Measures to Prevent Re‐offending
by Drug Addicts and Elderly Offenders17‐Establishment of a Long‐Term Support Network to Facilitate Rehabilitation‐20Efforts by Ministry of Justice
‒Aiming for seamless and continuous supports to crime victims24Initiatives for Prompt and Reliable Protection for Genuine Refugees25System of Accepting New Foreign Workers21Principal Measures of Immigration Controls23Program for Acceptance of Fourth‐Generation Japanese24Introduce Online Procedures for the status of residence23Points‐Based System for Highly‐Skilled Foreign Professionals21Measures for Smooth and Strict Immigration Examinations11
法務省は、
皆さんと身近に
つながっています03 Promotion of Judicial System Reform262727272804
Realization of Basic Rights for People292932333536
05 Enforcement of Proper Criminal Policy3739414343444406 Justice Affairs Diplomacy45454646474707Litigation Bureau 48 Unified and Appropriate Settlement of
Disputes Involving Japanese Government
Qualifications and Employment 4950The Ministry of Justice is closely connected
to every member of the community.
In order to live in this community it is necessary to have rules and regulations.
Such rules ensure that family relationships, such as parents and children or
brothers and sisters are accurately registered; that people can live safely within the
community; and that ordered materials can be obtained without fail.
Furthermore, to preserve peace and order in society, it is also essential that
persons who harm others or commit a crime are appropriately punished.
The Ministry of Justice not only prescribes such basic rules applicable in society
but also creates basic judicial framework under which the rules are adhered to. It
also assumes responsibility for a broad range of legal work under which those who
have been punished are assisted in their resocialization processes.
The Ministry also oversees the management of a system to help citizens exercise
their personal rights, such as the registratioan of real estate and notarization.
Other important duties of the Ministry of Justice are to ensure that the
immigration control of those entering or leaving Japan is dealt with in an
appropriate manner, the basic human rights of individuals are respected, and
intelligence activities are carried out for the purpose of public security.
Process of Criminal Cases Committed by Adults
Handling Juvenile Crimes and Delinquencies
What is Offender Rehabilitation?
Securing Volunteer Probation Officers
Medical Treatment and Supervision Measures for Persons Who Have
Caused Serious Cases under the Condition of Insanity
Improvement and Enhancement of Treatment in Correctional Facilities
Further Improvement of Juvenile Correction
Legal Affairs Bureau
System for Documenting Your Rights
Improvement of Basic Civil Laws
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
Legal Services
Implementation of the Comprehensive Legal Support by the
Japan Legal Support Center
Ensuring that the Results of Justice System Reforms Take Root
Promotion of Translation of Japanese Laws
Establishing a New Criminal Justice System that Keeps Pace with the Times
Enrichment and Development of Law‐Related Education
Saiban‐in System
Promotion of "Justice Affairs Diplomacy" by the Ministry of Justice
Promotion of International Cooperation
The 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (Kyoto Congress)
Vitalization of the International Arbitration
Intensification of International Legal Support
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(Human Rights Counseling, Investigation and Remedy Measures
Human Rights Awareness Raising, and More)
Litigation Bureau
Litigation Bureau
Employment Examination for Services
Qualification Examinations
Making the Ministry of Justice More Familiar52Let's Visit the Ministry of Justice!
●くろまる 53
Main Weekly and Monthly Events of the Ministry of Justice55Kids Room
●くろまる51Visit Ministry of Justice Museum and the Message Gallery
●くろまる2■しかく UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice ■しかくTheme The Ministry of Justice is undertaking the preparation of the Kyoto Congress.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Laws shaping our future
The UN Congress on Crime Prevention and
Criminal Justice, held once in every five years
since 1955, is one of the largest UN conference
in the field of crime prevention and criminal
justice.
Representatives of the Member States includ‐
ing Justice Ministers, Attorney‐Generals, inter‐
national organizations and NGOs participate in
the Crime Congress.
The 14 UN Crime Congress will be held in
Kyoto in 2020, and it will be the 50 anniversary
since the last time it was held in Japan.
The Overall Theme, the 14 UN Congress on
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (Kyoto
Congress ), is " Advancing crime prevention,
criminal justice and the rule of law: towards the
achievement of the 2030 Agenda (*)."
Participants from around the world will
discuss strategies to reduce reoffending, foster‐
ing a culture of lawfulness, international coop‐
eration to prevent and address crimes such as
terrorism, organized crime and cybercrime.
(*) The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
including the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), was
adopted at the United Nations Sustainable Development
Summit on September 25, 2015.
Kyoto Congress
will be held from
April 20 to 27, 2020.
photos provided by the courtesy of Kyoto International Conference Center
photos provided by the courtesy of Kyoto International Conference Center
Kyoto International Conference Center (the venue of the Kyoto Congress)
Kyoto International Conference Center (the venue of the Kyoto Congress)ththth3 ■しかくJustice Affairs Diplomacy ■しかくYouth Forum
The logo of Kyoto Congress
Please visit the website and see the details
about Kyoto Congress.
The 13 UN Congress in Doha
http://www.moj.go.jp/KYOTOCONGRESS2020
By hosting the Kyoto Congress, the Ministry
of Justice will promote the rule of law through
Japanese society and "the worldʼs most safe and
secure society". We will show our leadership and
advance the "Justice Affairs Diplomacy" towards
strengthening the rule of law in the international
community.
The young people from around the world will
discuss their role in crime prevention and reha‐
bilitation in relation to the theme of the Kyoto
Congress.
Through the discussion of the Youth Forum, it
aims to develop partnership among the young
people that continues towards the future.
The Kyoto Congress logo consists of SDGs color-
wheel, symbol of the UN Crime Congress and Cherry
blossoms that represent Japan and the time of the year
of Kyoto Congress will be held.th4
Ministry of Justice
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Laws shaping our future
Challenges for the Future
The Ministry of Justice is dedicated to ongoing efforts to maintain the security
of society by working to prevent repeat offenses, promoting immigration
regulations that encourage international exchange and strengthening
Japan’ s legal institutions and educating the public about them, all with the
aim of establishing Japan as "the Safest Country in the World."
Immigration Examinations
at the port of Entry
Facial recognition
automated gates Public officials and citizens of the private
sector are working together to prevent
repeat offenses (re-offending) so that
everyone can live in safety and security in
a society that is free of repeat offenses
and where no new victims are created.
Toward a Safer Future
Promotion of Re-offending
Prevention Measures
Future of Interaction
Toward the
Enhancement of Immigration
Administration
Connection and interaction with the world
will become more active with the Tokyo
Olympic and Paralympic Games coming up in
2020.
The Ministry of Justice is advancing efforts
so that Japan can welcome foreign visitors
safely and efficiently to Japan.
Toward the Future of Law
Systems to Protect the People and Society
To realize a society where each and every individual can live without anxiety, the Ministry of
Justice is working to develop a comprehensive and carefully implemented human rights relief
system, enhance the justice system in ways that the people can relate to and rely on, and promote
law-related education for the next generation who will be using and creating laws in the future.
Also, the Ministry will actively provide assistance for the improvement of legal systems in
different countries as a country open to the world.
Justice Minister Yamashita
explains the White Paper on
the Promotion of Prevention
of re‐offendingsss5
The age of adulthood will be lowered to 18.
Q Why will the age of adulthood be lowered to 18 ? A
Q When will the age of adulthood be lowered to 18 ? A
Q What can they do at the age of 18 ? A WHATʼS NEW!
The age of adulthood in Japan has been 20 since 1878.
The voting age was lately specified as 18 or higher in the Public Offices Election Act, which has
promoted the policy that those who are 18 and 19 years of age should be considered an adult
with regard to judgments about significant political issues. Accordingly, it has been increasingly
discussed that treating those who are 18 years of age or older as an adult may be appropriate
in the Civil Code, the basic law on the peopleʼs public life, too. Eighteen years old is common as
the age of adulthood even in the worldwide view. To lower the age of adulthood to 18 is to
respect the right to self‐determination by young people aged 18 and 19. It is also thought that
lowering the age of adulthood will encourage those to actively participate in society.
The age of adulthood will be lowered to 18 on April 1, 2022. Those who are 18 years
of age or more but less than 20 as of April 1, 2022 (those who were born between
April 2, 2002 and April 1, 2004) will come of age on that day. Those who were born on
and after April 2, 2004 will come of age on their eighteenth birthday.
Once coming of age, they can sign a valid contract by themselves and do not have to
be subject to the parental authority of their parents. By lowering the age of adulthood,
those who are 18 and 19 years of age will be able to conclude various contracts with‐
out parental consent. For instance, they can buy a mobile phone or rent an apartment
to live alone. Moreover, since they are not subject to the parental authority any longer,
they are able to decide where to live (the residence), as well as their future path of
further education or career. However, it remains important to get an understanding of
their parents and schoolteachers. Meanwhile, some age limits on smoking and drink‐
ing alcohol will remain the age of 20.
Safest Country in the World
Safest Country in the World
Safest Country in the World
Law‐Related Education
mascot,
"Hourisu‐kun"
Law‐related education class
Childrenʼ s Rights SOS Mini‐Letters
(for elementary school students)
for Establishing the
for Establishing the
for Establishing the 6Volunteer Probation Officer
Screening Commission(50)
Judicial System
Department
Judicial System Division
Examination and Supervision Division
Figures in parentheses show the number of organizations (as of Apr. 2019)*
Founded in Apr. 2019 (Organization name provisional as of Jan. 2019)
Ministerʼs Secretariat
Civil Affairs Bureau
Criminal Affairs Bureau
Correction Bureau
Rehabilitation Bureau
Human Rights Bureau
Litigation Bureau
Supreme Public
Prosecutors Offices
High Public
Prosecutors Offices (8)
District Public
Prosecutors Offices (50)
Branch High Public
Prosecutors Offices (6)
Branch District Legal
Affairs Bureaus(261)
Legal Affairs
Bureaus(8)
Branch Offices(105)
District Legal
Affairs Bureaus(42)
Branch District Public
Prosecutors Offices (203)
Local Public
Prosecutors Offices (438)
Regional Correction
Headquarters(8)
Regional Parole Boards(8)
Branch Probation
Offices(3)
Probation Offices(50)
Branch Institutes(7)
Training Institute
for Correctional Personnel
Branch Institutes(8)
Research and Training
Institute of the Ministry of Justice
Secretarial Division
Planning and Re‐offending
Prevention Promotion Office
Public Relations Office
EBPM Promotion and Information
Systems Management Office
Personnel Division
Finance Division
Auditing Office
Building Management Office
International Affairs Division
Facilities Division
Technical Development and Engineering Office
Director of the Welfare Division
General Affairs Division
Registry Information Management Office
Registry Information Center
First Division
Second Division
Management Office for Lands of
Unknown Owner
Commercial Affairs Division
Director of the Civil Legislation Division
General Affairs Division
Research and Planning Office
Criminal Affairs Division
Public Security Division
Director of the Criminal Legislative Division
Director of the International Affairs Division
General Affairs Division
Rehabilitation Support Office
Inspection Office
Prison Service Division
Security Office
Juvenile Treatment Division
Director of the Medical Care Division
General Affairs Division
Rehabilitation Service Development Division
Community‐based Collaboration and
Social Reintegration Support Office
Supervision Division
General Affairs Division
Human Rights Promotion and Protection Office
Investigations and Remedies Division
Human Rights Promotion Division
Litigation Planning and Coordination Division
Research Office
Civil Litigation Division
Administrative Litigation Division
Tax Litigation Division
Director for Litigation Policy Support
Minister of Justice
State Minister
of Justice
Vice‐Minister
of Justice
Parliamentary
Vice‐Minister
of Justice*7
About the Ministry of Justice Structure, Historical Background,
Number of Personnel of budget base, and Budget
ORGANIZATION
OF THE MINISTRY
OF JUSTICE
Evaluation Commission
of the Japan Legal Support Center
Legislative Council of the Ministry of Justice
Public Prosecutors and Notaries Public
Appointment Examination Committee
Penal Institution
Visiting Committee(75)
Juvenile Training School
Visiting Committee(43)
Juvenile Classification Home
Visiting Committee(46)
National Offenders Rehabilitation Commission
Public Prosecutorsʼ Qualification
Examination Committee
National Bar Examination Commission
Internal organs
of the Ministry
Extraordinary
organs
Facilities Local branch offices
of the Ministry
Independent
organs
Councils
Prisons (61)
Juvenile Prisons (6)
Detention Houses(8)
Juvenile
Training Schools (43)
Branch Juvenile
Training School (6)
Branch Prisons (8)
Branch Detention
Houses (101)
Juvenile
Classification Homes (46)
Branch Juvenile
Classification Home (6)
Womenʼs
Guidance Home (1)
Public Security
Examination Commission
Public Security
Intelligence Agency
Training Institute of the Public Security
Intelligence Agency
Public Security
Intelligence Bureaus(8)
Public Security
Intelligence Offices (14)
(6) (55)
Immigration Detention Facilities
Visiting Committee(2)
Immigration Centers (2) Branch Offices (6)
District Immigration
Offices (7)
Regional Immigration Services Bureau
Branch Offices (55)
Immigration Services Agency**8
The MOJ FY 2019 Budget comprises a general budget of
820.0 billion yen and 3.2 billion yen for the "Special Account
for Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake".
Personnel costs comprise 63.2% of the general budget.
1871 ●くろまる Shihosho established
1947 ●くろまる
Separated from Shihosho, came under the
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
1948 ●くろまる Homucho established (Shihosho abolished)
1949 ●くろまる
Renamed Homufu (with 3 director-gener-
als and 11 bureaus)
1952 ●くろまる
Renamed the Ministry of Justice
(with Minister’s Secretariat and 7 bureaus)
2001 ●くろまる
Reorganization of the central government
(with Minister’s Secretariat and 6 bureaus)
2015 ●くろまる
Litigation Bureau established(with Minis-
ter’s Secretariat and 7 bureaus)
2019 ●くろまる
New Establishment of
Immigration Services Agency
(Minister’s Secretariat, 6 Bureaus))
AbouttheMinistryofJustice
Historical Background
Note: Special officers are included in the Ministry of Justice.
Ministry of Justice
Research and Training Institute of the Ministry of Justice
Legal Affairs Bureaus
Public Prosecutors Offices
Correctional Institutions
Probation Offices and Regional Parole Boards
Immigration Services Agency
Public Security Examination Commission
Public Security Intelligence Agency
OrganizationName778848,894
11,860
23,613
1,843
5,43241,650
Total 54,158
Number of Personnel of budget base (FY 2019)
Budget (FY 2019)
Personnel Costs
518.5
63.2%
FY 2019
Budget
820.0
Facilities Costs58.67.2%
Other
Non‐Personnel
Costs
242.9
29.6%9◎にじゅうまるInternal Departments of the Ministry of Justice
About the Ministry of Justice
Minister’s Secretariat
Outline of the Organization
Human Rights Bureau
The Human Rights Bureau promotes and protects fundamen-
tal human rights, and as such is in charge of investigating and
seeking a remedy for human rights violation cases, providing
human rights counseling services, and conducting human rights
awareness-raising activities. As field offices of the Bureau, there
is a Human Rights Department in each Legal Affairs Bureau and
a Human Rights Division in each District Legal Affairs Bureau. In
addition, Human Rights Volunteers, who are private citizens ap-
pointed by the Minister of Justice, are placed in each municipal-
ity (including the special wards of Tokyo) across the country.
Criminal Affairs Bureau
The Criminal Affairs Bureau is responsible for the planning
and drafting of criminal legislation, such as the Penal Code and
the Code of Criminal Procedure; affairs regarding prosecution;
and affairs regarding extradition of criminals and fugitives as
well as mutual international legal assistance.
Corrections Bureau
The Corrections Bureau is responsible for matters concerning
the treatment of inmates, including security, prison work, edu-
cation, classification, medical treatment, and hygiene in correc-
tional institutions (prisons, juvenile prisons, detention houses,
juvenile training schools, juvenile classification homes, and the
women’s guidance homes); the planning and drafting of correc-
tional legislation; the organization and management of correc-
tional institutions; and the international transfer of sentenced
persons.
Litigation Bureau
The Litigation Bureau handles state redress suits and admin-
istrative suits in which the State is the party, and is in charge of
clerical work involved in stating legal advices upon request from
administrative organizations concerning cases which may lead
to legal disputes (so called "Preventive Legal Support System").
It is also responsible for dealing with lawsuits involving local
public entities, independent administrative institutions, and oth-
er public corporations as prescribed by Cabinet orders in cases
where such suits are found to be related to the interests of the
State.
Rehabilitation Bureau
The Rehabilitation Bureau is responsible for administration
matters concerning the offender rehabilitation system in the
community, including the parole of correctional institution in-
mates, probation for juveniles on probation, parolees from juve-
nile training schools and penal institutions, or persons on proba-
tion with suspended sentences; crime prevention activities;
pardons and measures for crime victims; and matters concern-
ing community-based treatment according to the Act on Medi-
cal Care and Treatment for Persons Who Have Caused Serious
Incidents on the Grounds of Insanity or Diminished Capacity.
▲さんかく
Secretarial Division
The Secretarial Division is in charge of secretarial and admin-
istrative work for the Minister of Justice, overall coordination of
administration of each department, clerical work pertinent to
the National Diet, public relations, and more.
▲さんかく
Personnel Division
The Personnel Division is in charge of the general affairs of
the National Bar Examination Commission and clerical work ac-
companying its exams, as well as clerical work related to human
resources such as the number of regular employees, and the
appointment and dismissal of employees.
▲さんかく
Finance Division
The Finance Division is in charge of budget creation, execu-
tion, payment, and auditing accounts, as well as the revenues
and expenditures of the Ministry of Justice.
▲さんかく
International Affairs Division
The International Affairs Division is in charge of developing
basic policy and overall coordination concerning international
affairs of the Ministry of Justice, hosting international confer-
ences and arranging courtesy calls for officials from abroad,
among other things.
▲さんかく
Facilities Division
The Facilities Division engages in the design, construction
work, and maintenance of facilities under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Justice, and also cooperates internationally with for-
eign governments to build correctional institutions.
▲さんかく
Director of the Welfare Division
The Director of the Welfare Division is in charge of clerical
work pertinent to mutual aid associations, benefits, and welfare,
as well as enhancing the efficiency of pension and accident
compensation for employees.
▲さんかく
Judicial System Department
The Judicial System Department is in charge of conducting
research and studies as well as drafting of laws and regulations
on the judicial system; clerical work related to collecting, filing,
compiling and publishing of data on laws and regulations, court
precedents and legal affairs; the administration of the Legisla-
tive Council of the Ministry of Justice; the administration of the
Ministry of Justice Library and the Ministry of Justice Museum
and the Message Gallery; the compilation of statistics on the
work handled by the Ministry; matters concerning comprehen-
sive legal support; matters concerning law-related education;
matters concerning the qualification of attorneys-at-law (ben-
goshi) certified by the Minister of Justice; matters concerning
foreign lawyers registered as "Gaikokuho-Jimu-Bengoshi"
(Gaiben); matters concerning the examination of license and au-
thorization and the supervision of claim management and col-
lection companies (servicers); and matters concerning the cer-
tification of private dispute resolution services.
The Civil Affairs Bureau is responsible for handling affairs
related to registration systems for companies and real estate,
family registration, nationality (citizenship), deposit services,
notarization, judicial scriveners, land and house investigators,
and planning and drafting of civil legislation, such as the Civ-
il Code, the Commercial Code, and the Code of Civil Proce-
dure.
Civil Affairs Bureau10the destruction of evidence, while paying due respect to the de-
fendants’ basic human rights.
A pamphlet explaining the meaning and role
of prosecution
●くろまるFor details, please refer to the Ministry of
Justice website
http://www.moj.go.jp/keiji1/keiji_keiji12.html
A pamphlet clearly explaining the various systems in the Public
Prosecutors Office that support victims of crime.
●くろまるFor details, please refer to the Ministry of Justice website
http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/CRAB/crab-02.html
Penal institutions consist of prisons, which confine inmates
sentenced to imprisonment with or without work; juvenile pris-
ons, which confine sentenced juvenile inmates; and detention
houses, which confine defendants or suspects awaiting trial.
The treatment of sentenced persons aims at their rehabilitation
and smooth return to society, and for this purpose, they are tak-
en into the most suitable institution based on psychological ex-
amination regarding personality and social adjustment. The insti-
tutions draw up treatment plans deemed most suitable for
individual sentenced person and perform the various tasks in-
volved, including vocational training, life guidance, educational
programs, and more.
In addition, the Ministry is actively introducing new treatment
techniques, such as the adoption of "open treatment" measures
at some prisons, including Ichihara Prison and Ooi Shipyard Pris-
on Camp (of Matsuyama Prison).
The treatment of defendants awaiting trial is intended to con-
tribute to smooth trial proceedings by detaining and preventing
◎にじゅうまるSpecial Agencies (Public Prosecutors Office)
◎にじゅうまるFacilities
Fuchu Prison
Public Prosecutors
Penal Institutions
(Prisons, Juvenile Prisons, Detention Houses)
AbouttheMinistryofJustice
In criminal cases, public prosecutors have the power to investi-
gate any criminal offense, decide whether or not to prosecute,
request proper application of law by courts and control/super-
vise the execution of judgments, and furthermore, as representa-
tives of public interest, are given additional authority by the Civil
Code and other laws.
Prosecutorial power is exercised for the purpose of maintain-
ing law and order of the nation and society, and the exercise of
prosecutorial power is based on principles of strict fairness and
impartiality, and cases are handled with due respect to the hu-
man rights of suspects.
Public Prosecutors Office
The function of the Public Prosecutors Office is to exercise
control over all the work handled by public prosecutors, with of-
fices consisting of the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office (To-
kyo), the High Public Prosecutors Offices (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya,
Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sendai, Sapporo and Takamatsu), the Dis-
trict Public Prosecutors Offices (one each in the 46 prefectures
except Hokkaido, where, because of the large size of its adminis-
trative area, there are four offices) and Local Public Prosecutors
Offices (one each in major cities, wards or towns). Each of the
high public prosecutors offices and the district public prosecu-
tors offices has branches to handle parts of their work.
Public prosecutors offices are staffed with public prosecutors
(Prosecutor-General, Deputy Prosecutor-General, Superintending
Prosecutors, Public Prosecutors and Assistant Prosecutors) and
public prosecutors' assistant officers.11 A Juvenile classification home confines juveniles who have
been referred by the family court when the court orders protec-
tive measures, and conducts assessments of these juveniles
based on the home’s expertise in medicine, psychology pedago-
gy, and more., in order to provide information relevant to the in-
vestigation and family court hearing. Such assessments is con-
ducted by interviews, psychological tests and behavioral
observations as well as by psychiatric examinations if necessary;
the treatment guidelines for rehabilitation are drawn up through
examination and diagnosis of the mental and physical condition
of the juvenile and through understanding of the causes of delin-
quency.
The home also conducts assessments at the request of the
juvenile training school superintendent or probation office direc-
tor for the enforcement of protective measures.
Furthermore, the home provides advice using their expertise
and techniques in consultation with the general public and school
teachers on delinquency, bullying, and domestic violence, as well
as the necessary support, in order to prevent delinquency and
crime in the local community.
Juvenile Training Schools confine juveniles who have been sent
from the family court as protective measures that provide cor-
rectional education. A juvenile training school creates an Individ-
ual Plan for Correctional Education for each individual which de-
termines the goals, content, implementation methods, and terms
of correctional education to be implemented according to the
juvenile’s traits, such as age, physical and mental condition, and
criminal tendencies, and provides lifestyle guidance, vocational
guidance, school courses, physical education, and special activi-
ties according to the characteristics of each juvenile. In addition,
in order to ensure smooth rehabilitation in society for juveniles
who have difficulties leading independent lives after release, the
school provides support for learning and working, securing of a
place of residence, and continuous support in collaboration with
medical/welfare institutions.
Juvenile Classification Homes
Women’s Guidance Home
Juvenile Training Schools
Osaka Juvenile Classification Home
Photo of a psychological test at a juvenile classification home (image)
Kakogawa & Harima Juvenile Training School
Photo of guidance on problematic behavior
About the Ministry of Justice Outline of the Organization
The Women’s Guidance Home confines adult women who are
sentenced to guidance measures by the criminal court for viola-
tion of the Anti-Prostitution Act, and provides living guidance and
vocational training according to their rehabilitation needs.12 The Research and Training Institute is one of the agencies of
the Ministry of Justice, and conducts a wide range of work, in-
cluding (i) research related to criminal justice policies and other
Ministry of Justice affairs, (ii) various kinds of training for Minis-
try of Justice officials, and (iii) international cooperation both in
criminal and civil sectors provided for developing countries
mainly in the Asian region.
Activities of Research and Training Institute
■しかくResearch
The Institute conducts research useful for the Ministry of Jus-
tice to draft measures for prevention and control of crime and
implement policies. The results are summarized in the White Pa-
per on Crime, a foundational
document concerning criminal
justice policy, as well as the
Research Department Re-
ports or Research Depart-
ment Materials, which are
themed on concrete, individ-
ual issues concerning crimi-
nal trends and treatment of
offenders.
■しかくTraining
Various types of training are conducted for the officials of
the Ministry of Justice (excluding correctional personnel and
those at the Public Security Intelligence Agency). This train-
ing adopts various formats, such as lectures, debates, and
exercises, so that officials can acquire the knowledge and skills
needed as officials of the Ministry of Justice depending on
their duties. Through this training, the institute aims to foster
officials who can respond appropriately to operations that have
become increasingly diverse and complex in recent years.
■しかくInternational Cooperation
[The United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the
Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders]
The United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Pre-
vention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI),
established in 1962 upon an agreement between the UN
and the Government of Japan, regularly organizes training
courses and seminars for criminal justice practitioners in
developing countries etc., and also cooperates in the formu-
lation and implementation of UN strategies.
[Technical Assistance in the Legal Field]
The International Cooperation Department (ICD) of the Re-
search and Training Institute invites legal practitioners of select-
ed countries to Japan for training, and has also dispatched Japa-
nese experts to said countries to give counsel and hold seminars.
The ICD has so far offered support to such countries as Vietnam,
Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar.
See "Promotion of International Cooperation" on page 45 for
more about international cooperation.
The Training Institute for Correctional Personnel of the Min-
istry of Justice provides the necessary work training programs
for personnel engaged in correctional services.
History●くろまる
The Training Institute for Correctional Personnel, a venerable
institute whose predecessor is the Ministry of the Interior Prison
Officers Training Institute, established in 1890, has a long his-
tory and tradition as a training institution for public officers.
Research and Training Institute of the Ministry of Justice
Training Institute for Correctional Personnel
UNAFEI’s International Training Course; Group Discussion
Mock Mediation by ICD and Myanmar Trainees
Training Institute for Correctional Personnel
Training at the Training Institute for Correctional Personnel
AbouttheMinistryofJustice
White Paper on Crime13◎にじゅうまるExtra-Ministerial Bureaus
(Immigration Services Agency, Public Security Intelligence Agency, Public Security Examination Commission)
About the Ministry of Justice Outline of the Organization
Immigration Services Agency, established in April 2019 as an
external agency of the Ministry of Justice, is a government
agency that is responsible for equitable control over all those
who enter and depart from Japan, the residency of foreign
nationals residing in Japan, and procedures for refugee
recognition, based on the Immigration Control and Refugee
Recognition Act.
The Agency is also responsible for implementing a plan,
proposals and comprehensive coordination regarding the
development of an acceptance of foreigh workers, in addition to
the operations that the Immigration Bureau used to have
jurisdiction over.
Immigration Services Agency’s duties
■しかくImmigration Controls
Foreign nationals who intend to enter Japan are required to
provide personal identification information (fingerprints and fa-
cial photographs), except for those exempt from this require-
ment, and must be interviewed by an immigration inspector. The
immigration inspector checks whether the foreign national meets
the conditions for disembarkation, such as whether the passport
and visa held by the foreign national are valid, whether activities
to be conducted while in Japan are legitimate and come under a
status of residence prescribed in the Appended Tables of the
Immigration Control Act, and for certain statuses of residence,
the inspector checks whether the foreign national meets the cri-
teria stipulated in the Ministerial Ordinance, and that the foreign
national does not fall under the grounds for denial of entry. If the
immigration inspector deems these conditions have been met,
the foreign national will be permitted to enter Japan. Foreign na-
tionals who intend to depart from Japan must receive confirma-
tion of departure from an immigration inspector.
Immigration inspectors also verify the fact of departure and
return of Japanese nationals.
■しかくResidency Management of Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals residing in Japan are allowed to engage in
activities based on their status of residence and period of stay
decided when entering the country.
If those foreign nationals intend to change their status of resi-
dence, extend the period of stay, or obtain permission to engage
in activities other than those permitted under the status of resi-
dence previously granted, or obtain re-entry permission, they
need to go through necessary procedures at the Regional Immi-
gration Services Bureau. In granting permission for the activities
of foreign nationals in Japan, the Immigration Services Agency
strives to ensure proper residency management of foreign na-
tionals while paying due consideration to the interests of the
Japanese people and to the security of Japan.
Since April 2019, acceptance has started of work-ready foreign
nationals with certain expertise and skills in order to solve the
growing labor shortage, and the Agency also strives to provide
appropriate residency controls over such foreign workers.
Starting July 2012, a residency management system for mid-
to long-term residents was introduced, under which foreign na-
tionals residing in Japan mid to long-term are issued a residence
card when receiving permission relating to residence, such as
landing permission, permission to change the status of resi-
dence, or permission for extension of the period of stay. This
residence card gives such details as the name, date of birth, sex,
Immigration Services Agency
nationality or region, place of residence, status of residence, and
period of stay of the foreign national.
■しかくDeportation
Among foreign nationals residing in Japan, there are those
considered undesirable by Japanese society, such as those who
have entered or disembarked illegally, those who obtained entry
permission but have illegally overstayed their period of stay or
are engaged in activities other than those permitted, or those
who are imposed certain punishments. With regard to such
foreign nationals, the Agency carefully undertakes a required
series of procedures to verify the facts and understand their
circumstances through an investigation into and examination of
the violation and oral proceedings, determines whether the
violation serves as a ground for deportation, and deport those
who are accordingly determined to be liable for deportation.
In Japan, not all foreign nationals who fall under the grounds
for deportation defined in the Immigration Control and Refugee
Recognition Act are subject to deportation. The Minister of
Justice may grant special permission to foreign nationals,
considering their social history in Japan and family circumstances.
Foreign nationals who are in violation of the Immigration Con-
trol Act but satisfy certain requirements may leave the country
through simple procedures under the "departure order system."
■しかくRefugee Recognition
Japan has signed the Convention Relating to the Status of
Refugees and the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees,
which went into effect January 1, 1982. Various protection meas-
ures stipulated in the convention and protocol were granted to
refugees.
A refugee is someone who, "owing to a well-founded fear of
being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality,
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, is
outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to
such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that
country."
The Agency provides administrative procedures for the
recognition of refugee status for people who fall within the
refugee definition in the Convention upon the request of foreign
nationals residing in Japan, the issuance of refugee travel
documents to those who are recognized as refugees, and
Landing Permission for Temporary Refuge, which permits a
temporary entry into/stay in Japan, to foreign nationals who
apply for asylum at a seaport or airport in Japan and are likely to
fall under the refugee definition.
■しかくComprehensive Coordination for Environmental
Improvement in Accepting Foreign Nationals
The planning, policy development, and comprehensive
coordination needed for unifying the relevant administrative
branch policies concerning environmental improvement in
accepting foreign nationals are the responsibilities of the Ministry
of Justice according to "Basic Policy on the operations regarding
the development of an environment for the acceptance of
foreign workers(Cabinet Decision of July, 24, 2018)", and the
Immigration Services Agency has been responsible for foreign
nationals since April 2019.
Specifically, the Agency is responsible for holding ministerial
group meetings about the acceptance and coexistence of foreign
workers in cooperation with the Cabinet Secretariat and for
compiling comprehensive measures for the acceptance and
coexistence of such foreign workers.14An on-site inspection
The Public Security Intelligence Agency is an administrative in-
stitution that deals comprehensively with intelligence activities
and requests for dispositions regarding the control of subversive
groups and other organizations based on the Subversive Activi-
ties Prevention Act and the Act on the Control of Organizations
Which Have Committed Acts of Indiscriminate Mass Murder.
Furthermore, as a core member of the Japanese intelligence
community, the Agency contributes to the promotion of relevant
key governmental policies in various spheres including crisis
management, foreign policy, and national security, by providing,
in a timely and appropriate manner, the relevant organizations
with domestic and foreign intelligence/materials related to the
public security of Japan that have been collected and analyzed in
the process of investigation.
The Operations of the Public Security Intelligence Agency
■しかくControl of Subversive Organizations
In Japan, there are many organizations and forces which may
pose a security risk to the public, including Aum Shinrikyo, which
carried out the subway sarin gas attacks; leftist extremists, which
have repeatedly conducted illegal activities including terrorist
and guerilla attacks; right wing groups; and the General Associa-
tion of Korean Residents in Japan. Based on the "Subversive
Activities Prevention Act", the Agency conducts intelligence ac-
tivities regarding those organizations which have a potential for
subversive terrorist activities, and when it is deemed necessary
to take control measures as a result, the Agency files an applica-
tion with the Public Security Examination Commission (see page
14) in order to take control measures, such as restricting their
organizational activities or giving them a dissolution order. Also,
in accordance with the "Act on the Control of Organizations
Which Have Committed Acts of Indiscriminate Mass Murder",
the Agency files applications with the Commission against or-
ganizations that have committed indiscriminate mass murder in
the past and are still considered dangerous in order to take sur-
veillance measures or other measures to prevent a recurrence,
as well as collects reports from these organizations under the
Commission's order for surveillance, conducts on-site inspec-
tions at the facilities of these organizations, and also carries out
necessary investigations.
Public Security Intelligence Agency
The Public Security Examination Commission is an extra-minis-
terial agency of the Ministry created to maintain public security.
Upon receiving an application from the Director-General of the
Public Security Intelligence Agency for regulatory actions on sub-
versive organizations stipulated in the Subversive Activities Pre-
vention Act or the Act on the Control of Organizations Which
Have Committed Acts of Indiscriminate Mass Murder, the Com-
mission examines the application from an objective and neutral
viewpoint and makes a decision on whether control measures are
necessary, and if so, what control measures should be taken.
Public Security Examination Commission
Work of the Public Security Intelligence Agency
Intelligence contribution to
State administration
Control of subversive Organizations
Decision by the Public Security
Examination Commission on control order
Application for control order
Processing information and data as evidence
Collection and analysis
Domestic information and data Foreign information, materials
Work of the Public Security
Examination Commission
Workflow of the Public Security Intelligence Agency
and the Public Security Examination Commission
AbouttheMinistryofJustice
■しかくCurrent State of Surveillance Measures
In order to uncover the actual activities of Aum Shinrikyo (fo-
cused on the activities of "Aleph" and a group led by Yamada and
"Hikarinowa"), the Agency conducts surveillance of the cult in an
appropriate and rigorous manner. Investigations and on-site in-
spections of Aum Shinrikyo have revealed that the cult still main-
tains a risk of committing an act of indiscriminate mass murder:
the cult has increased the number of new followers through re-
cruitment activities that do not mention its name; the cult also
has maintained teachings designed to increase the followers’ ab-
solute faith in Chizuo Matsumoto, who is the founder of the cult
and popularly known as Shoko Asahara.
■しかくContribution to Intelligence
There are many challenges to the security of Japan and its
people, such as North Korea’s nuclear and missile development,
and abductions of Japanese nationals; China’s extensive and
rapid modernization of military strength; threats posed by inter-
national terrorism and cyber attacks; and proliferation of weap-
ons of mass destruction, that need to be monitored carefully. In
particular, Japan has repeatedly faced situations of heightened
tensions with its neighboring countries regarding the territorial
and maritime interests of Japan, and these situations have be-
come matters of great concern to the government and relevant
organizations of Japan. It has become one of the most important
missions of the Agency, which is tasked with protecting public
security, to collect and analyze relevant information with regard
to these challenges, thus contributing to the government’s poli-
cies by providing relevant organizations, including the National
Security Council, with intelligence.
■しかくInitiative for public-private collaboration
The Agency is strengthening its measures of providing intelli-
gence regarding terrorism, and the Director-General of the Agency
delivers lectures for private corporations and economic associa-
tions, as well as actively distributes relevant materials such as the
"Summary of International Terrorism," which outlines the trends of
terrorist groups and their activities in the world. The Agency pro-
Lecture at an outside seminar
motes initiatives that
protect important in-
formation owned by
private corporations
and research insti-
tutes by presenting
relevant information
at the "Public-Private
Forum on Trade Se-
crets" held by the Min-
istry of Economy,
Trade and Industry.15 At the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures Against Crime
in July 2012, the Comprehensive Measures for the Prevention of
Repeat Offenses stipulating the mid- to long-term government ef-
forts toward preventing re-offending were established.
In this strategy, a numerical target to "decrease the rate of in-
mates who become re-imprisoned within two years of release
from prison by more than 20 percent in ten years" was set as the
first ever government efforts toward preventing re-offending. De-
tails are presented in the following.
Toward Japan as "the Safest Country in the World"
Comprehensive Measures for the Prevention of Repeat Offenses1Establishing the Safest Country in the World
Ensuring favorable public security is an
important basis to enable women and the
young to live comfortably and with assurance
in the community. It is also an important issue
that can be the "foundation" for development
of the localities. Also, with the emergence of
new threats such as cybercrime, international
terrorism, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games
and the Paralympic Games, we aim to further
reduce crime and foster a sense of confidence
in public security.
Under such circumstances, at the Ministerial
Meeting Concerning Measures Against Crime
in December 2013, the "Strategy to Make
Japan ʻthe Safest Country in the Worldʼ" was
approved, and while efforts for comprehensive
crime control were made by the government
as a whole based on the strategy, the number
of reported crimes decreased from 2013
(1,314,140) to 2017(915,942), proving that an
improvement has been seen in the public
security of Japan.
However, roughly 50 percent of the cleared
persons for Penal Code offences was re-
offenders in 2017, and the rate of re-imprisoned
inmates among new inmates reached about 60
percent.
Taking the above facts into consideration,
the question of how we should prevent the
repetition of crimes and delinquencies
(=prevention of re-offending) is a major challenge.
The Ministry of Justice carries out
various measures to ensure the safety
and security of citizens, including
countermeasures for repeat offenses.
The Number of Repeat Offenders Among the Cleared Persons for Penal Code Offences (1998-2017)0 10 20 30 40 50 0100000
200000
400000
300000
500000
1998 2003 2008 2013(%)(persons) 2017
Re-offenders 104,774
First-time offenders 110,229
PICK UP!
First-time offenders Rate of Re-offenders
(Note 1)Source, White Paper on Crime 2018
(Note 2)"Re-offenders" refer to people who are arrested for the second criminal offence, excluding any violations of the Road Traffic Law.
48.7%
Re-offenders16 Business owners that employ ex-offenders and juvenile delin-
quents to help them become independent and rehabilitated are
called "cooperative employers" (see page 42).
The Ministry of Justice promotes financial aid for cooperative
employers as well as support systems that employers can continue
to employ ex-offenders and juvenile delinquents with an easy mind.
In order to match inmates with job offers from companies willing to employ released inmates, the Ministry of Justice promotes
measures that allow companies to post job offers in particular correctional institutions through Hello Work.
Further, Employment Support Information Center for Correction (commonly known as "CORRE-Work") was established in Tokyo
and Osaka Regional Correction Headquarters, and commenced operations in November 2016. CORRE-Work collectively manages
information on such things as place of return and acquired qualifications for inmates across the country, and provides companies
willing to employ released inmates with information on institutions housing inmates who meet their needs.
Prisons and juvenile training
schools conduct vocational
training that leads to employ-
ment in businesses with in-
creasing of social need, such as
construction, nursing care, and
welfare.
Also, in addition to acquiring
technique and skills, trainees
are given guidance that enables
them to acquire the attitude
and abilities needed for work,
such as social manners and
workplace communication abili-ty. As various factors underlie crime and delinquency, preventing
re-offending needs to focus on the problems that each individualhas. The re-offending rate of jobless people is three times higher
than those who are not. Employment provides not only steady in-
come, but is also expected to establish interpersonal relationships
through work that will then lead to greater opportunities to re-
establish oneself as an independent member of society.
However, those who have committed crimes or delinquency
Cooperative employers
Nursing Care and
Welfare Division
Toward
Japanas"theSafest
Countryinthe
World
"
Therefore, prisons, juvenile training schools, and probation of-
fices seek to enhance effective and seamless treatment based on
empirical studies, according to the individual characteristics.
tend to have difficulty obtaining jobs due to insufficient vocational
abilities or previous criminal records.
The Ministry of Justice has made effort toward work assistance
in cooperation not only with prisons and probation offices, but
with various organizations as well as private citizens such as coop-
erative employers in the community.
Enhancing Guidance and Support According to Offender Characteristics
Creating a Place to Belong and Work in the Community
Vocational Training that Meets the Needs of the Society Efforts in the Community
■しかく Securing Work to Lead an Independent Life
Providing Employment Information for Inmates
ACTION!1The Ministry of
Justice is recruiting
companies to serve
as cooperative
employers.
For inmates who have difficulty in reha-
bilitation or smooth return to society for
specified reasons such as drug dependen-
cy, the following programs are conducted
at prisons:
Treatment in juvenile training schools
takes into consideration the problem
of each individual inmate. For inmates
with specific needs, the following
programs are conducted.
In addition to specialized treatment
programs for sexual offenders or drug-
related offenders, probation offices have
implemented activities that help offend-
ers contribute to society as well.
Cleanup activity at a
dry riverbed
Helping prepare lunch
at a welfare facility
●くろまるEducation from the Perspectives of Victims
●くろまるGuidance for Prevention of Drug Depen-
dence
●くろまるGuidance for Prevention of Sex Offence
●くろまるGuidance for Prevention of Violence
●くろまるGuidance for Improvement of Family Rela-
tionships
●くろまるGuidance for Improvement of Peer Associa-tionGuidance Provided at Prisons and Probation Offices
●くろまる Examples of activities that contribute to society ●くろまる
Group session at a Prison
●くろまるGuidance for Overcoming Drug Dependence
●くろまるGuidance for Leaving Organized Crime Groups
●くろまるGuidance for Preventing Re-offending for
Sexual Offenses
●くろまるEducation from the
Perspectives of Victims
●くろまるGuidance for Traffic
Safety
●くろまるGuidance for Job
Assistance117
Toward Japan as "the Safest Country in the World"
For inmates who can rely on relatives, arrangements are
made so that they can receive support from their relatives
after release.
Meanwhile, for offenders whose repeated criminal behavior
has estranged them from relatives, have become isolated with
no one to support them, and have no place to return to, efforts
are made to provide them with temporary housing, such as
relief and rehabilitation facilities (see page 41).
Also, for inmates who have difficulty in leading independent
lives such as the elderly or disabled, improvements have been
made to the systems in cooperation with correctional
institutions/probation offices and local public authorities so
that they can receive appropriate welfare services after their
release.
To enhance treatment for inmates who have difficulty leading in-
dependent lives, such as the elderly, the disabled, or those de-
pendent on drugs, the Ministry has striven since 2011 to secure
a variety of places that can accept these inmates using housing
managed by NPOs (self-support homes) in addition to stationing
officials with professional qualifications in the fields of welfare and
psychology fields and strengthening the ability of rehabilitation
facilities to accept inmates.
A room of
a rehabilitation
facility
Strengthening Function of Rehabilitation Facilities and Securing a Variety of Housing
■しかく Ensuring a Place to Belong in the Community
Education at a rehabilitation
facility
To make Japan "the Safest Country in the World", without re-
peated crime and, above all, with no new victims, where citizens
can live in safety and peace, it is essential to create a social envi-
ronment in which those who once committed crimes or delinquen-
cy can be accepted naturally as responsible members of society
without rejection and isolation (re-entry).
To achieve such a society, the declaration "No Return to Crime,
No Facilitating Return to Crime" was approved at the Ministerial
Meeting Concerning Measures Against Crime held in December
2014.
Many drug addicts who have had difficulty recovering and many
elderly or disabled who have committed crimes fall between the
cracks of criminal justice and the local community, and return to
crime without receiving the necessary support.
For this reason, the Emergency Measures to Prevent Re-offend-
ing in Drug Addicts and Elderly offenders, which focuses on drug
Many drug addicts who have had difficulty recovering and many
elderly or disabled who have committed crimes fall between the
cracks of criminal justice and local community, and return to
crime without receiving necessary support.
For this reason, the Emergency Measures to Prevent re-offend-
ing in Drug Addicts and Elderly offenders, which focuses on drug
addicts and elderly offenders, were formulated in July 2017 at the
Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures Against Crime.
These measures promote the following three policies and aim
to establish a nationwide network by 2020 that supports the re-
covery of drug addicts and elderly or disabled persons who have
committed crimes.
addicts and elderly criminals, were formulated in July 2017 at the
Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures Against Crime.
These measures promote the following three policies and aim to
establish a nationwide network by 2020 that supports the recov-
ery of drug addicts and elderly or disabled persons who have
committed crimes.
Aimed at securing work and housing, which are key to prevent-
ing re-offending, this declaration asks for the effort of the nation
and support from citizens by setting the following two numerical
targets that to be achieved by 2020.
❶ triple the number of companies willing to employ those
who have committed crimes or turned to delinquency
by understanding their conditions
❷ 
reduce the number of those who return to society from
prisons without any place to go back to by more than 30
percent.
❶ An integrated system of guidance provided by correction
and probation facilities, as well as medical treatment by
medical facilities to aid drug addicts in their recovery
❷ The provision of guidance and support through all stages
of the criminal justice system in conjunction with the local
community
❸ Promotion of long-term civic support initiatives to facili-
tate rehabilitation
Implementing these initiatives in an integrated fashion will ensure that
the Comprehensive Measures to Prevent Re-offending will achieve their
numerical targets, and will help make Japan "the Safest Country in the
World," a country in which crimes are not repeated and in which people
can live with safety and peace of mind.
-Toward a Bright Society Where Everyone Supports Rehabilitation-
–Establishment of a Long-Term Support Network to Facilitate Rehabilitation–
Declaring"No Return to Crime, No Facilitating Return to Crime"
Emergency Measures to Prevent Re-offending by Drug Addicts and Elderly Offenders181
Toward
Japanas"theSafest
Countryinthe
World
"
Preventing re-offending is not easy, but it is an issue we must never give up on.
The Ministry of Justice will face this issue squarely, and strive to make progress through gaining understanding and cooperation
from as many citizens as possible to help make Japan "the Safest Country in the World."
Re-offending Prevention Promotion Act & Re-offending Prevention Promotion Plan
The Re-offending Prevention Promotion Act, which, along with
clarifying the responsibilities of the national and local govern-
ments, as to re-offending prevention sets basic measures and
stipulates the comprehensive and systematic promotion of
measures to prevent re-offending in order to create a society
where citizens can live in safety and peace, was announced
and took effect in December 2017.
Moreover, the Review Committee for the Re-offending Pre-
vention Promotion Plan, chaired by the Minister of Justice, was
established in February 2018 to discuss the matters listed in
the Re-offending Prevention Promotion Plan Draft created by
the Minister of Justice based on the said law, resulting in many
meetings with relevant ministries and committees of private
experts. A review committee was then held to compile a plan
proposal, and after passing throw the public comment, the
Cabinet decided on the Re-offending Prevention Promotion
Plan in December 2018.
Under five basic policies, regarding to seven priority issues
below, 115 measures are stipulated in this plan.
Seven priority issues in "Re-offending Prevention Promotion Plan"
❶ Securing employment and housing
❷ Promotion of utilization of healthcare and welfare services
❸ Implementation of school support in collaboration with
schools
❹ Implementation of effective instruction in accordance
with the characteristics of those who have committed
crimes
❺ Promotion of activities of cooperators from the private
sector/ Promotion of publicity campaigns and enlight-
enment activities
❻ Strengthening cooperation with local governments
❼ Improvement of human and physical systems at relat-
ed organizations
We ask everyone to understand the intent of this law and this
plan, support rehabilitation, and further ask for cooperation
and understanding on these measures to prevent re-offending
to help create a society in which everyone can live with peace
of mind.
Strengthening cooperation with local governments
●くろまるAnnual meeting of local governments about re-offending prevention
The role of local government is greater than ever in promoting re-offending
prevention promotion measures, since only national government but also local
governments are positioned as subjects to prevent repeat offenses. There-
fore, in August 2018, in order to establish a network between the national and
local governments relating to the re-offending prevention, the first meeting
was held. On that day, sixty-one local governments participated in the meeting
and the mayor of Shizuoka city and Akashi city, which are doing advanced
measures shared the contents of their efforts in their cities with other par-
ticipants. We will share necessary information through this conference so that
many local governments carry out measures to prevent repeat offenses.
●くろまるRegional re-offending prevention promotion model projects
Based on the Re-offending Prevention Promotion Act and re-offending prevention promotion plan, the Government is supposed to
tackle the measure related to re-offending prevention in cooperation with local governments. However, since the government has
played a major role in focusing on preventing repeat offenses so far, except for some, most local governments do not have enough
know-how and knowledge concerning measures to prevent repeat offenses. Therefore, in order to investigate the effective way of
preventing repeat offenses by cooperation with the government, some local public entities are asked to (1) investigate the actual
condition of the local regions and formulate support plans, (2) implement the model projects, (3) verification of the effectiveness
of projects and enhancement of regional re-offending prevention promotion plan. We have started the project since 2018 and each
local public entities entrusted by the governments will implement various model projects making full use of the social resources of
each region in the future.
Annual meeting of local governments about
re-offending prevention promotion
For further information on the
prevention of re-offending
http://www.moj.go.jp/hisho/seisakuhyouka/hisho04_00038.html
The Ministry of Justice website introduces a wide range of
information regarding prevention of re-offending. Please check
the website for regularly updated content.191 Toward Japan as "the Safest Country in the World"
In order to deal effectively with the frequent occurrence of violent
crimes by foreign nationals as well as the increasing number of inter-
national crimes, it is necessary to gather evidence from abroad more
effectively and strengthen cooperation between foreign investigative
authorities and Japan.
Examples of such enhancement of cooperation include the Treaty
between Japan and the United States of America on Mutual Legal As-
sistance in Criminal Matters (entered into force on July 21, 2006), the
Treaty between Japan and the Republic of Korea on Mutual Legal As-
sistance in Criminal Matters (entered into force on January 26, 2007),
the Treaty between Japan and the People’s Republic of China on Mu-
tual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (entered into force on No-
vember 23, 2008), the Agreement between Japan and the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on
Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (entered into force on
September 24, 2009), the Agreement between Japan and the Euro-
pean Union on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (entered
into force on January 2, 2011), the Treaty between Japan and the Rus-
sian Federation on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (en-
tered into force on February 11, 2011), the Convention on Cyber-
crime (entered into force on November 1, 2012), the United Nations
Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (entered into force
on August 10, 2017) and the United Nations Convention against Cor-
ruption (entered into force on August 10, 2017). These treaties,
agreements and conventions enable communication for the collection
of evidence not through diplomatic channels but directly between the
Ministry of Justice or the National Police Agency and the judicial au-
thorities of respective countries or regions, expediting the process.
The Ministry of Justice is committed to further strengthening interna-
tional cooperation.
In order to protect the lives and safety of citizens, it is highly
important to prevent those who intend to enter Japan for illicit
purposes, such as terrorists and criminals who disguise them-
selves as tourists, from entering the country at the borders and
ports of entry. To ensure that such illegal entrants are identified,
Immigration Services Agency conducts strict and effective immi-
gration examinations and implements surveillance and monitoring
through the methods below.
●くろまる
Immigration Examinations Through the Use of Biometric
Information (Fingerprints and Facial Photographs)
●くろまる
Utilization of Database of Stolen and Lost Travel Docu-
ments Provided by the International Criminal Police Organ-
ization (ICPO)
●くろまる
Utilization of API (Advance Passenger Information) and
PNR (Passenger Name Record)
●くろまる
Reinforcement of Information Collection and Analysis
●くろまる
Implementation of Patrols at Seaports and Other Measures
■しかく Cooperation Between the Foreign
Investigative Authorities and Japan
■しかく Measures at the Borders
Immigration examinations through
the use of biometric information
Scene at the port patrol
"Summary of International
Terrorism" (2018 edition)
Efforts to Achieve Safety and Security
Along with measures at the borders and ports of entry, reduc-
ing the number of foreign nationals currently residing in Japan il-
legally is important in restoring security. Immigration Services
■しかく Measures Against Illegal Foreign Residents
In September 2013, the Public Security Intelligence Agency es-
tablished the Special Task Force for Intelligence for the 2020 To-
kyo Olympic and Paralympic Games to strengthen intelligence
functions related to the Olympic events on a long-term basis.
Terrorism has become an increasingly real threat, as demonstrat-
ed by the terror attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh in July 2016, which
had Japanese nationals as victims, as wells as the frequent out-
break of terror attacks aimed at soft targets by those influenced by
international terrorist groups. Meanwhile, extremist groups in Ja-
pan have carried out illegal activities and have cooperated with
anti-globalization forces. In order to deal appropriately with these
situations, the Agency is strengthening its gathering and analysis
of information related to international terrorist groups and these
domestic groups, as well as strengthening systems for providing
pertinent information to Japanese citizens traveling or living
abroad. In addition, the Agency promotes and strengthens meas-
ures to prevent terrorism and other illegal activities as a core mem-
ber of the intelligence community of Japan by, among others,
closely cooperating with the International Counter-Terrorism Intelli-
gence Collection Unit of Japan (CTU-J) and other relevant organiza-
tions and also actively providing relevant intelligence to Counter-
Terrorism and -Intelligence Information and Data Exchange Center
of Japan (CTI-INDEX), which was established in August 2018 to
strengthen the sharing and analysis of information related to al-
leged terrorist cases, looking ahead to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and
Paralympic Games and other relevant events.
Furthermore, to strengthen counter-intelligence functions and
prevent the proliferation of materials and technology related to
weapons of mass destruction, the Agency also diligently pursues
the gathering and analysis of relevant information. In addition, to
counter increasingly serious threats to the cyberspace, the Agen-
cy gathers and analyzes information and provides intelligence to
relevant organizations in a timely manner, contributing to the gov-
ernment’s measures against cyber attacks.
The Agency is actively engaged in taking measures and
developing a society free from illegal immigrants, actively
analyzing information on foreign residents obtained through the
Residency Management System implemented in July 2012,
assembling a picture of illegal aliens, and appropriately undertaking
procedures for revoking residency status.
■しかく Public Security Intelligence Agency
Agency strives to reduce the number of illegal residents by rein-
forcing crackdowns, implementing safe and secure deportation,
preventing illegal employment, and publicizing the departure or-
der system more widely.
Also, the Agency has verified the danger
and anti-social nature of Aum Shinrikyo, as
there are still believers who place absolute
faith in Chizuo Matsumoto, who is the
founder of the cult and popularly known as
Shoko Asahara, and continues to conduct
surveillance on the group with appropriate
diligence and provide relevant local authori-
ties upon request by their heads with the
investigation results based on this surveil-
lance in order to protect public security and
also to remove and alleviate fear and anxi-
ety of local residents.
"Summary of International Terrorism" (Web version)
http://www.moj.go.jp/psia/ITH/index.html
The Web version of "Summary of International
Terrorism" can be viewed on the Public Security
Intelligence Agency's website.
 Basic Act on Crime Victims was established in 2004, stating
that "As everyone in society is vulnerable to becoming a Crime
Victim, policies from the viewpoints of Crime Victims are required.
These steps must be taken into account to realize a society where
the Crime Victims’ interests and well-being are protected".
Pursuant to the Basic Act on Crime Victims, The Basic Plan for
Crime Victims was formulated in 2005, the Second Basic Plan for
Crime Victims was formulated in 2011, and the Third Basic Plan
for Crime Victims was formulated in 2015, and measures for
crime victims are promoted through collaboration between rele-
vant government ministries.
Support for Crime Victims
■しかく Basic Act on Crime Victims and The Basic Plan for Crime Victims
Five priorities in the Third Basic Plan for Crime Victims
❶Efforts to recover the victims’ damages and to
provide them with economic support
❷Efforts for the victims to recover from or to prevent
mental and/or physical damage
❸Efforts to broaden the opportunity for victims to
participate in criminal procedures
❹Efforts to improve the systems to support crime
victims
❺Efforts to foster the understanding among citizens
and to earn their consideration and cooperation
Efforts by Ministry of Justice –Aiming for seamless and continuous supports to crime victims
The Ministry of justice promotes various support measures aim-
ing for seamless and continuous support to crime victims.
For example, Victim Notification System is in place, The public
prosecutor’s office notifies crime victims of information related to
their cases, including decisions on prosecution, trial outcomes, and
the dates of offenders’ release, as well as information on offenders,
such as treatment of offenders after the final decision of a criminal
trial and of offenders under protective measures, upon victims’ re-
quest and in collaboration with relevant organizations.
Besides this, The Ministry of Justice mainly promotes support
measures that can be taken at the time of trial or hearing and after
trial or hearing ends.
Support measures at the time of trial
■しかくVictim participation system
The victims of crimes such as murder or injury
may, when they so wish and with the court’s per-
mission, attend the trial dates, and engage in ac-
tivities such as questioning the defendant under
certain requirements.
Support measures at the time of hearing
■しかくHearing of victims’ opinions and conveyance of feelings
Systems are in place that allow crime victims to
voice their opinions during parole examinations
by Regional Parole Boards, as well as to have their
feelings regarding damages heard and conveyed
to the offender while on probation.
In implementing these measures, officers spe-
cifically in charge of these measures are posi-
tioned at each probation office (victim-specific
officers and victim-specific volunteer probation
officers).
Support measures after trial or hearing ends
■しかくOpinion hearing system in parole examination
A system is in place that allows crime victims to express their
opinions regarding the parole of the person subject to proceed-
ings and their sentiment on damage caused by the crimes or
delinquency during parole examinations by Regional Parole
Boards.
■しかくRemission payment system
Under the Act on Issuance of Remission Payments Using Sto-
len and Misappropriated Property it is now possible under cer-
tain conditions to confiscate property obtained by offenders
through property offenses, and to use this confiscated proper-
ty in the recovery of damages suffered by the crime victims of
relevant cases.
*Remission Payment System is for victims of criminal acts such
as property criminals who were certified in criminal trials.
■しかくCommunication system of victims’ sentiments to probationers
A system is in place that, during the probation or parole,
crime victims may communicate their sentiments regarding
damage, the current situation of the victims and their opinions
toward the life or behavior of the probationer or parolees to the
parole office, and the relevant probation office conveys them to
the probationer or parolee.
The Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu) nominates candidates to act as court-appointed attorneys for participating vic-
tims and notifies the court, as well as pays travel expenses, etc. to participating victims, provides information to support crime
victims, introduces attorneys with experience and understanding of victim assistance, and provides legal consultation aid for
victims of domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse.
The Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu)201
Toward
Japanas"theSafest
Countryinthe
World
"21Principal Measures of Immigration Controls
Immigration Control2Measures for Smooth and Strict Immigration ExaminationsAQ
PICK UP!
In recent years, there has been a signifi‐
cant increase in the number of foreign
tourists visiting Japan, and a further increase is
expected in the future in anticipation of the 2020
Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held
in Japan. Amid such circumstances, the Ministry
of Justice is working to achieve measures
included in "The Tourism Nation Promotion Basic
Plan" approved in March 2017. It is important that
Immigration Services Agency continues proac‐
tively working so as to quickly achieve various
measures towards creating a tourist‐friendly
nation, all while implementing measures to prevent
terrorists and other persons attempting to stay
illegally in Japan from entering at the
borders, so that the Immigration
Services Agency may protect the secu‐
rity of the country and the safety of its
citizens.
I have heard that recently there has been a sudden increase in the
number of foreign tourists coming to Japan. Have you been taking any
measures with regard to the immigration examinations?
While strict immigration examinations have been implemented
for foreign nationals attempting to work illegally in Japan, Immi-
gration has also taken various measures to implement smooth
immigration examinations for trouble-free foreign nationals to
help create a tourist-friendly nation.
To implement strict immigration examinations, the Agency
prevents undesirable foreign nationals such as terrorists
from entering the country, utilizing Advance Passenger
Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR)
reported by air companies and ICPO (International Criminal
Police Organization)’s data on lost and stolen passports,
and obliging foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan to
provide their personal identification information (fingerprints
and face photo), in principle.
The Agency, to implement smooth immigration examinations
at the port of entry, has installed in Narita, Haneda, Chubu, and
Kansai Airports automated gates, which facilitate immigration
processing by automatically verifying passports and fingerprints
for use by Japanese nationals and foregign nationals satisfying
certain creation requirements, who have registered their
completed user registration in advance. (From November 2016,
when the Trusted Traveler Program was launched, it became
available to a wider range of foreign users.)
Also, since October 2016, in order to speed up the acquisition
of personal identification information for landing examination of
foreign nationals, equipment for the acceptance of fingerprints
and facial photographs, known as" Bio-Cart", which utilize the
time spent waiting in line for a landing examination and have
been introduced at 17 airports.
Moreover, to streamline the departure and return procedures
for Japanese nationals utilizing facial recognition technology,
the Agency in October 2017 implemented and started the
operation of the facial recognition automated gates that do not
require prior user registration. The system is currently available
Bio Carts
Cruise ship examination
Facial recognition automated gates222
Immigration
Control
for departure and return procedures for Japanese nationals
at Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai and Fukuoka Airports. In
FY 2019, the system is scheduled to be available for departure
procedures of foreign nationals who had entered Japan for the
purpose of sightseeing and other such activities.
In response to the lately increasing number of foreign
tourists coming in by cruise ship, the Agency facilitates
immigration procedures for foreign passengers by
cruise ship by implementing in January 2015 the Landing
Permission for Cruise Ship Tourists system, which allows
foreign passengers arriving in Japan on cruise ships with
simple procedures specified by the Minister of Justice.
How to Use the Facial Recognition Automated Gate
The facial recognition automated gate verify the
identity of the traveler by crosschecking the facial
image contained in the IC chip of the IC passport with
the facial image taken using the camera at the facial
recognition automated gate. If the confirmation of
the identity of the traveler is completed through the
crosscheck and there are no problems, the traveler
is able to go through the gate. Those who used the
facial recognition automated gate do not have to be
stamped a seal(stamp) by an immigration inspector in
their passport.
Airports with Facial Recognition Automated Gates
Take a photo with
a camera
Verification
is O.K.
You can go through the
facial recognition automated gateIt'svery
easy!
The machine
reads your
IC passport
Procedures to use the facial recognition automated gate
In order to streamline the departure and return procedures
for Japanese nationals through the use of facial recognition
technology, allow more immigration inspectors to the
examination of foreign nationals, and maintain the strictness
of and facilitate inspection, the Agency implemented the
facial recognition automated gates at Haneda Airport in
October 2017 and started its operation for the return
procedures for Japanese nationals. It also was launched at
the landing/ departure examination areas at the following five
airports in 2018 and has been operated for the departure
and return procedures for Japanese nationals.
Also, the facial recognition automated gate will be
available for the departure procedures of foreign nationals
who had entered Japan for the purpose of sightseeing and
other such activities, and its operation is scheduled to be
launched within FY 2019.
Facial recognition automated gates
Facial Recognition Automated Gate - Available for the Departure and Return
Procedures of Japanese Nationals and Departure Procedures of Foreign Nationals
Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, Fukuoka Airport23●くろまる 
Supporters Accepting Fourth-Generation Japanese volunteer
to provide support to fourth-generation Japanese who enter
and stay in Japan under this Program.
※(注記) 
A fourth-generation Japanese who intends to use this
Program must secure a Supporter.
2 Immigration Control
❶Permission for Multiple Activities
❷Grant of the "five years" period of stay
❸Relaxation of Requirements for Permanent
Residence
❹Work Permission for Spouses
❺Permission for Accompanying Parents
❻Permission for Accompanying Domestic Workers
❼Preferential Processing of Entry and Residence Procedures
Program for Acceptance of Fourth-Generation Japanese
●くろまる
The "Program for Further Acceptance of Fourth-Generation Japanese" started on July 1, 2018. This Program aims to
provide fourth-generation Japanese with opportunities to deepen understanding of and interest in Japan by engaging
in activities to learn Japanese culture, while receiving support from Supporters Accepting Fourth-Generation Japanese,
thereby encouraging them to be a bridge between Japan and overseas Japanese communities.
●くろまるIn this Program, they can stay in Japan up to 5 years in total if they meet certain requirements.
Points-Based System for Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals
In order to promote entry of highly-skilled foreign professionals,
a points-based system that provides highly-skilled foreign profes-
sionals with preferential immigration treatment was introduced on
May 7, 2012.
The activities of highly-skilled foreign professionals are classified
into three categories: advanced academic research activities, ad-
The following preferential immigration
treatment is granted to foreign nationals
recognized as a Highly-Skilled Professional
(i) as a result of the points evaluation.
vanced specialized or technical activities, and advanced business
management activities. Points are set according to the characteris-
tic features of each category, such as academic background, pro-
fessional career, annual salary, research performance, and more. If
the total points reach 70, the foreign nationals will be recognized
as a Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional.
■しかく Objectives and Outline of the System
■しかく Details of Preferential Immigration Treatment
Activities of engaging
in research, research
guidance, or education
based on a contract en-
tered into with a public
or private organization in
Japan
●くろまるAdvanced academic
research activities
Activities of engaging in work requiring spe-
cialized knowledge or
skills in the fields of nat-
ural sciences or humani-
ties based on a contract
entered into with a pub-
lic or private organiza-
tion in Japan
●くろまるAdvanced specialized/
technical activities
Activities of engaging
in the operation or man-
agement of a public or
private organization in
Japan
●くろまるAdvanced business
management activities
The three categories of activities of highly-skilled foreign professionals
Items Details
Age Being between 18 and 30 years old
Behavior Having no criminal record at home
Health Having normal health Having medical insurance coverage
Means of living Having deposits or being expected to be employed after entry, or otherwise being surely able to earn a living in Japan
Funds for
returning home
Securing funds for returning home
Japanese
proficiency
At the time of entry: Having the ability to understand basic Japanese language (equivalent to N4 Level of the
Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
At the time of extending period of stay: When staying in Japan over two years in total
→ Having the ability to understand the Japanese language used in ordinary situations to a certain extent
(equivalent to N3 Level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
※(注記)1 
Either a six-month or a one-year period of stay is permitted. A fourth-generation Japanese who wishes to continue staying in
Japan needs to file an application for extension of period of stay around three months prior to the expiration of his/her visa. (A
six-month period of stay is permitted for the first year in Japan, in principle.)
※(注記)2 
A fourth-generation Japanese who intends to stay in Japan over three years must have deepened his/her understanding of
Japanese culture and general lifestyle in Japan sufficiently through activities during his/her stay, in addition to satisfying the
requirements listed above.
■しかく Purpose of the Program
■しかく Fourth-Generation Japanese subject to the Program
■しかく What is "Supporters Accepting
Fourth-Generation Japanese"?
http://www.moj.go.jp/nyuukokukanri/
kouhou/nyuukokukanri07_00166.html
For detailed information of the Program,
see the website of the Ministry of Justice.
"Program for Further Acceptance of Fourth-
Generation Japanese" by the Ministry of Justice
Fourth-generation Japanese who satisfy the following requirements are eligible. (However, there is an annual limit of 4,000
people accepted. *Subject to change due to social situations and other factors)242
Immigration
Control
Initiatives for Prompt and Reliable Protection for Genuine Refugees
Introduce Online Procedures for the status of residence
Based on changes in domestic and international trends
affecting the refugee recognition system,the Immigration
Services Agency revised the operations of the refugee
recognition system in September 2015 in order to promote
prompt and reliable asylum for genuie refugees, and as
part of this revision, measures are being implemented
in order to curb the abuse or misuse of applications for
refugee recognition status for the purpose of working.
However, there had been a persistent surge in the abuse
or misuse of applications, resulting in a situation where the
prompt protection of genuine refugees had been hindened
Therefore, the Agency conducted further revision of the
operations of the refugee recognition system(here in after
called "the further revision").
Based on Growth Strategy 2018 (decided by the Cabinet on
June 15, 2018), applicants will be able to apply online for the
procedures of Immigration Services Agency from July 2019,
allowing sub-organs, which satisfying certain requirements
such as employing foreigners properly, fulfilling the obligation
to make the Report on the Employment Situations of
Foreigners and more, make applications on behalf of the
foreign employee in order to facilitate and smooth the
procedures for the status of residence.
The application for the extension of period of stay can be
applied online. The status of residence covered is the status
of working category (specified in the Immigration Control and
Refugee Recognition Act, Appendix I, excluding "Specified
Skilled Worker" and "Temporary Visitor"). The status of
residence covered will be expanded in future.
Online application
Ministry
of Justice
Notification of the result
When approved,
the residence card is sent
after payment of the service
charge is confirmed
Foreign national
staying in Japan
Entrusting
Object organ
Examination
Notification of the result
When approved, the residence
card is delivered personally
Able to make
applications after
their use request
is admitted
[Referential image] Flow of online application
●くろまるPoints of the further revision
●くろまるSpecific contents of the further revision of the operations
●くろまる 
A Supporter is to provide the relevant fourth-generation Japanese with advice on the acquisition of knowledge on Japanese culture,
daily living-related information, and assistance in immigration procedures.
●くろまる 
Individuals or non-profit corporations can serve as a Supporter.
◆だいやまーくEstablishment of a pre‐sorting period (time limit not exceeding two months )for the first‐time application, reflecting the result
promptly to the status of residence.
◆だいやまーくFurther consideration to those who genuinely require asylum.
Applicants whose applicability as a refugee under the Refugee Convention, or applicants who are considered highly likely to need
humanitarian consideration is deemed to be high are quickly granted the status of residence of "Designated Activities"(six
months) permitting work, as soon as they are foud out about that there by given further consideration.
‐ Restrictions on stay are imposed on applicants, even with first‐time applicants, claiming circumstances that clearly do not corre‐
spond to the requests of the Refugee Convention and "repeat applicants"(excluding applicants whose applicability as a refugee
under the Refugee Convention is deemed to be high, or applicants who are considered highly likely to need humanitarian consid‐
eration).
‐ Even in cases where restrictions on stay are not imposed, applicants who applied for recognition of refugee status after aban‐
doning to engage in the activities falling under the original status of residence, such as technical intern trainees or international
students, or applicants who filed an application for recognition of refugee status during the departure preparing period have
restrictions imposed on their work. The period of stay in this case will be reduced from the previous six months to three months.
◆だいやまーくApplied to those who file an application on after January 15, 2018
Restrictions
on stay
Restrictionsonemployment
Fast‐track
process
(*) Excludes applicants whose applicability as a refugee under the Refugee Convention is deemed to be high, or applicants
who are considered likely to require humanitarian consideration due to the situation in their home country.
Prior to the further revision
of the operations
Current
Applicants repeating an application three times or more
without a good reason
Applicants repeating an application twice clearly without the
Convention definition
Re‐applicant(*)
Applicants clearly without the Convention definition
(the first application)
Applicants capable of supporting
themselves without working
Applicants repeating an application
twice without a good reson
Applicants capable of supporting themselves without working
Applicants applying after getting the designated status to
make the preparations for departure (the first application)
Applicants applying after abandoning their initial activities
(the first application)
Applications clearly without the Convention definition
Multiple applications without a good reason
Applications clearly without the Convention definition
Re‐applications
Applications after abandoning initial activities
Applications after getting the designated status to make the
preparations for departure252 Immigration Control
http://www.moj.go.jp/nyuukokukanri/
kouhou/nyuukokukanri01_00127.html
For detailed information of the System,
see the website of the Ministry of Justice.
System of Accepting New Foreign Profes-
sionals (Establishment of "Specified Skilled
Worker" as status of residence, etc.)2Immigration
Control
System of Accepting New Foreign Workers
The Japanese economy has largely recovered
and has been in a virtuous cycle from growth to
distribution due to the promotion of Abenomics.
The active job opening rate has marked the
highest level since the 1970s, exceeding one point
in all prefectures, and the unemployment rate has
reached the lowest level in 25 years. The labor
force participation rate has been increasing mainly
among women and aged people, and the number
of workers has been drastically increasing even
under a population decrease. On the other hand,
the labor shortage experienced by companies has
been deepening to the level of the "bubble" years.
This System responds to such a serious lack of
labor with which we accept foreign workers who
have certain expertise and skills as work-ready
labor in areas where foreign professionals are
needed even after efforts are made for enhancing
productivity and securing domestic human
resources.
Skill levels of statuses of residence permitting work
Specialized/Technical field
Highly Skilled Professional (i), (ii)
Professor
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Nursing Care
Skilled Labor,etc
Specified Skilled
Worker (ii)
Specified Skilled
Worker (i)
Non‐specialized/
Non‐technical field
Technical Intern Training
Registered
support organizations
Accepting
organizations
Employment contract
Foreign Workers
Current statuses of residence Newly established statuses of residence
Entrusting
Providing support
Collabo‐
rating
Specialized/Technical field
Highly Skilled Professional (i), (ii)
Professor
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Nursing Care
Skilled Labor,etc
Specified Skilled
Worker (ii)
Specified Skilled
Worker (i)
Non‐specialized/
Non‐technical field
Technical Intern Training
Registered
support organizations
Accepting
organizations
Employment contract
Foreign Workers
Current statuses of residence Newly established statuses of residence
Entrusting
Providing support
Collabo‐
rating
●くろまる
Establishment of "Specified Skilled Worker" as a
status of residence
Specified Skilled Worker (i): 
Status of residence for
foreign nationals engaged
in work that requires skills
needing considerable
knowledge or experience
in an industrial field where
the lack of labor should be
compensated.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii): 
Status of residence for
foreign nationals engaged
in work that requires
expert skills in such an
area.
●くろまるSupport for foreign workers
Accepting organizations and registered support
organizations organs shall provide support for
foreign nationals with Specified Skilled Worker (i)
in their vocational life, daily life, or social life.
Details of support
- Provision of life guidance before entry
- Assistance in securing housing
- Orientation on life during their stay
- Assistance in acquiring Japanese language for
living
- Dealing with inquiries and complaints
●くろまる
Basic policy on acceptance and field-specific
operation policy
(Decided by the cabinet on December 25, 2018)
We conduct acceptance based on the basic
policy that defines the cross-sectional policy, and
field-specific operation policy that defines the
policy in the respective accepting areas.
■しかく Background
■しかく Outline of the System (Enforced on April 1, 2019)26Promotion of Judicial System Reform3 The justice system is expected to play an even larger role in
the 21st century due to various social changes, including change
from a society of ex-ante regulation and coordination to one of
ex-post facto checks and remedies, making it necessary to con-
tinue strengthening judiciary function and establish a new legal
system that is readily accessible to the general public.
To achieve a justice system that is faster, more reliable, and
more familiar to the public, the Ministry has implemented reform
based on the following three fundamental principles: (1) con-
struction of a justice system that meets the expectations of
citizens; (2) reform of the legal community to support the justice
system; and (3) establishment of the foundations of justice
among citizens (citizen participation in the justice system). A
total of 24 acts related to judicial system reform were enacted
and implemented in the three years from 2002 to 2004.
In the future, we must work to establish this judicial system
reform so that the justice system can fully exercise its function
and the public can share in the fruits of reform.
Being in charge of the justice system, the Ministry of Justice
is ready to take appropriate measures to meet the demands of
a new age while giving due regard to the aims of judicial system
reform.
Ensuring that the Results of Justice System Reforms Take Root
Government
Efforts
July 1999
▶ Justice System Reform Council (JSRC) within the Cabinet established
June 2001
▶ Recommendations of the JSRC to the Cabinet submitted
December 2001
▶ Office for Promotion of Justice System Reform (OPJSR) within the Cabinet established
(time limit for establishment: November 2004)
March 2002
▶ Plan for Promotion of Justice System Reform approved by the Cabinet
December 2004
▶ Office for Promotion of Justice System Reform established within the Cabinet Secretariat
(until: December 2009)
The Three
Pillars of the
Reform
●くろまるEstablishment of the Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu)
The Center aims to enable citizens to acquire information and services necessary to settle disputes
based on law anywhere in Japan. (Concerning the Japan Legal Support Center, please see page 36 of
"Implementation of Comprehensive Legal Support by the Japan Legal Support Center")
●くろまるEnhancement of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
The function of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution), which allows for autonomous and flexible dispute
settlement, will be enhanced in addition to enhancing its functions of adjudication. (For enhancement of
ADR, please see page 35 of "Legal Services" )
●くろまるImprovement and Acceleration of Criminal Trials
Punitive authority shall be exercised more appropriately and expeditiously through the introduction of
pretrial arrangement proceedings and state‐appointed counsel.
●くろまるPromoting Translation of Japanese Laws
Translation of Japanese laws shall be promoted in order to build a foundation for facilitating
international transactions and promoting direct foreign investment.
●くろまるEducation System Reform for the Legal Community
Cultivate the legal community through law schools, the national bar examination, and legal training.
●くろまるIncreasing the Number of Legal Professionals
Cultivate the legal community in terms of both quality and quantity, and increase the number of legal
professionals.
●くろまるLay Judge System ‐"Saiban‐in System"
A system in which citizens participate in criminal trials. commenced May 21, 2009
●くろまるPromotion of Law‐Related Education
Law‐Related Education shall be promoted in order to understand the significance of law and the judicial
system, and acquire ways of legal thinking that support a free and just society.
Construction of a Justice System that Meets the Expectations of the People
Reform of the Legal Community
Establishment of the Foundations of Justice Among Citizens3PromotionofJudicial
System
Reform
3 Promotion of Judicial System Reform27 In order for Japanese laws to be broadly and correctly under-
stood, the Ministry of Justice is committed to translating Japa-
nese laws into foreign languages and making them available on
the Ministry’s website. By using the Japanese Law Translation
website (listed on right), over 700 English translations of the
laws, including the Civil Law and Companies Act, can be ac-
cessed along with the Standard Legal Terms Dictionary, which is
a dictionary of legal terms translated from Japanese to English,
used as a guideline by the relevant ministries and agencies.
The Ministry of Justice will continue to publish and update in-
formation related to English translations of the laws, and the
Standard Legal Terms Dictionary, in order of priority.
Promotion of Translation of Japanese Laws
With regard to the criminal justice system, a variety of re-
forms, such as the Saiban-in (lay judge) system, have been ad-
vanced as part of judicial system reform. On the other hand,
discussions on reform have highlighted problems, such as pro-
cedural methods for investigations and trials suitable to this new
era, which remain on the agenda to be examined in the future.
Under these circumstances, questions have been raised about
whether the criminal justice system methods for investigations
and trials may be too dependent on interrogations and confes-
sion statements. In order for the system to fully achieve its goal
of ensuring the safe and secure livelihood of citizens, it is neces-
sary to examine diverse issues and to build a new criminal justice
system based on such suggestions.
In May 2011, in order to establish a new criminal justice sys-
tem that keeps pace with the times, the Minister of Justice
called on the Legislative Council of the Ministry of Justice to
deliberate ways to develop substantive criminal and procedural
law relating to criminal cases, and in a report submitted to the
Minister in September 2014, the Council delivered two princi-
ples: (1) the moderation and the diversification of evidence-
gathering and (2) the improvement of trial procedure.
Based on this report, the Ministry of Justice prepared and
submitted a proposal for a bill to revise the Code of Criminal
Procedure and other codes to the 189th session of the Diet.
This bill includes nine items necessary for the new criminal jus-
tice system: i) introducing audiovisual recording systems for in-
terrogations, ii) introducing a prosecutorial agreement system
for cooperation in investigations and trials, iii) rationalizing and
streamlining the interception of electronic communication, iv)
clarifying elements for consideration concerning whether to ad-
mit discretionary bail, v) improving legal assistance by defense
counsels, vi) broadening information disclosure systems, vii) in-
troducing measures for protecting victims and witnesses, viii)
raising statutory penalties of crimes related to obstruction of
justice, and ix) introducing measures to simplify and accelerate
trials when defendants admit their guilt. The bill incorporates all
the items mentioned above into the present criminal justice sys-
tem and aims to establish a more moderate and more effective
criminal justice system.
The law was enacted into law in May 2016. Most of it have al-
ready been enforced, with the rest coming into force until June
2019.
Establishing a New Criminal Justice System that Keeps Pace with the Times
Law-related education aims to enable citizens who are not le-
gal professionals to understand laws, the judicial system, and
the values that underlie them. Following the reforms in various fields and deregulation in
Japan, it has become even more crucial to prevent disputes and
solve them fairly based on law once they occur. Furthermore, as
is symbolized by the lay judge system(see page 28), it is essential
for every citizen to take an active role in the judicial system so
that it is supported nationally. This has made law-related
■しかく The Importance of Law-Related Education
education, which aims to give citizens a deeper understanding of
laws and the judicial system, even more important.
The Courses of Study, the national curriculum standard,
provides that students study the basic concepts of laws, the
significance of public involvement in judicial proceedings, and
the importance of contract.
Considering the importance of law-related education, the
Ministry of Justice is working on its improvement and
development, and will continue efforts to improve the content of
law-related education at schools and other places in cooperation
with Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and
Technology, and other relevant organizations.
Enrichment and Development of Law-Related Education
■しかく Law-Related Education
The Japanese Law Translation website
http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jpYAKUJapanese Law Translation
Promotion Mascot283
PromotionofJudicial
System
Reform
■しかく The Law-Related Education Promotion Council
"Hourisu‐kun"
Law‐Related Education mascot,
Hourisu‐kun plays an active role in
law‐related teaching materials,
various events, and more to help
make it more familiar to the
general public.
Appointment Procedure
※(注記)At this stage the candidates do not need
to appear in the court.
Persons selected by lot as next yearʼs candi‐
dates for jurors are notified of their selec‐
tion.
The candidates who have been further
selected by lot for each trial will be
notified of the date of their court
appearance by writ of summons.
Six jurors will be appointed through
procedure at court.
Around November About six weeks before
the trial
The day of the appointment
procedure
Duties of jurors
Jurors hear witness testimonies and exam‐
ine the evidence.
Jurors and professional judges deliber‐
ate and determine together whether the
defendant is guilty and what the
sentence will be.
Trial Deliberations
The presiding judge renders the judgment.
Judgment
For more information
about the system,
please refer to
our website
http://www.moj.go.jp/
keiji1/saibanin̲index.html
A courtroom for jury trials Deliberation room
The Law-Related Education Promotion Council established by
the Ministry of Justice aims to increase opportunities to learn
about law and the judicial system and to promote law-related
education in schools through such activities as developing
teaching materials for law-related education.
The Ministry of Justice will continue its efforts to enhance and
develop law-related education for citizens, especially those
involved in education.
Commenced May 21, 2009, Saiban-in System is a system in
which jurors selected from the general public participate in the
criminal trials for serious cases. The jurors, along with
professional judges, determine whether the defendant is guilty
and what the sentence should be.
This system will make the justice system more familiar to
citizens.
The Ministry of Justice has conducted public relations in order
to deepen citizen understanding of this system.
Saiban-in System
Realization of Basic Rights for People429
As a regional organization of the Ministry of Justice, the Legal
Affairs Bureau is responsible for civil administrative affairs that
protect the property and
identity of citizens, such as
registration, family register,
nationality, and deposits, as
well as litigation work rele-
vant to the interests of the
State and the human rights
affairs that protect basic
human rights.
Real Estate Property Registration is a system that records the
actual condition of our important property, including the location and
area of land and buildings, the name and address of the owner, and
the rights involved in a public book called a registry in a way that
anyone can understand so as to create safe, smooth real estate
dealings.
Registering inheritance clarifies rights regarding estate and
enables you to sell property that you have acquired through
inheritance immediately or take out a mortgage as collateral.
On the other hand, if real estate is inherited multiple times, it
may take a considerable amount of time to identify the heir, with
high procedural costs and fees for the inheritance registration.
If the inheritance process takes too much time, it might bring
you unforeseen disadvantages, such as being unable to sell your
real property immediately even though you would like to.
In order to secure your rights as well as the rights of future
generations, we recommend you register your inheritance.
After many years of saving, I purchased my home. But
later, someone claiming to be the owner of the house
appeared. When I checked the registry, I found out
that this person was listed as the owner. When I looked
more carefully, it appeared that, after I purchased the
house, the seller sold this person the house at a higher
price. Isn’t the owner of the house me, since I bought
the house earlier?
Unfortunately, you will not be able to claim owner-
ship. Even though you purchased the house earlier,
since it was not registered as your house, you will
not be able to claim ownership as third parties. In
order to avoid such trouble, it is important to regis-
ter property properly as soon as possible after
completing a transaction.
The Legal Affairs Bureaus are divided into 8 blocks nationwide, with
a Legal Affair Bureau in charge of each block (8 bureaus), and placed
under these Legal Affairs Bureaus are the District Legal Affairs Bu-
reaus, which are generally responsible for prefectural units (42 bu-
reaus).
Moreover, Branch District Legal Affairs Bureaus and Branch Offices
have been placed under the Legal Affairs Bureaus and District Legal
Affairs Bureaus.
The Legal Affairs Bureaus, District Legal Affairs Bureaus and Branch
District Legal Affairs Bureaus
are responsible for registra-
tion, family register, nationality,
deposit office deposits, litiga-
tion, and human rights affairs,
while Branch Offices are main-
ly responsible for registration.
Legal Affairs Bureau
System for Documenting Your Rights
◆だいやまーく Registration (This system creates a public register on property and rights for the Legal Affairs Bureau and announces it to the public.)
■しかく Responsibilities of the Legal Affairs Bureau
■しかく 
Protecting Assets:
Real Estate Property Registration
If you don’t register...
■しかく Inheritance Registration for the Future
■しかく Organization of the Legal Affairs Bureau
Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau
For further details, please check
the Legal Affairs Bureau website.
http://houmukyoku.moj.go.jp/homu/static/index.html
Total Number of Registrations (2017)
Other
registrations
213,772
Real estate
property
registrations
11,526,256
Commercial and
corporate
registrations
1,603,811
Total number of
applications for
registration
13,343,839QA
State of the Legal Affairs
Bureau304
RealizationofBasic
RightsforPeople
In order to clarify the exact location and dimensions of
registered land, the registry office includes in the registration
documents a map called a Registry Office Designated Map,
created by high-precision surveying. However, since maintenance
of Registry Office Designated Maps is insufficient because many
registry offices use old maps created in the Meiji era, experts
with specialized knowledge and many years of experience in the
registry office have promoted the creation of Registry Office
Designated Maps around the country.
Parcel Boundary Demarcation is a system in which, based on
requests from registered landowners, Registrars for Parcel
Boundary Demarcation specify the location of land boundaries
on-site based on the opinion of external experts called Parcel
Boundary Examiners. Registrars for Parcel Boundary Demarca-
tion do not make decide new
boundaries, but rather clarify
original boundaries set at the
time of registration after con-
ducting a range of investiga-
tions, including field research
and surveys.
When issues regarding parcel
boundaries arise, use of this
system makes it possible to re-
solve of the problem without
filing for litigation promptly.
Commercial registration is a system for publicly notifying names,
addresses and board members of companies (stock companies,
general partnership companies,
limited partnership companies,
and limited liability companies) while corporate registration is a
system for publicly notifying those of corporations other
than companies (including general incorporated associations,
general incorporated foundations,
NPOs,
and social welfare
corporations).
Companies and corporations can obtain legal personality only
after they register their establishment and maintain the public’s
confidence by registering their basic information.
Commercial registration also helps them ensure safe and
smooth transactions. As information must be correctly registered
in line with the actual information of the companies, they must
attach supporting documents upon registration application.
False statements and negligence in applications will result in
legal punishment.
The Adult Guardianship System is designed to protect and
support those unable to make decisions for themselves due to
conditions such as dementia, intellectual disability, or psychiatric
disorders, by appointing a guardian to handle affairs, such as
managing assets or entering into contracts, on their behalf.
In the Adult Guardianship Registration system, a registrar reg-
isters the authority of the adult guardians appointed by the
court, and registers the details of voluntary guardian contracts
made by notarial deed, and this information is made public in the
form of a certificate.
When the land around Roppongi Hills was redeveloped, it
took considerable time and money to define land parcel
boundaries because only the old map existed.
In order to prevent such problems, a highly accurate Registry
Office Designated Map is required. The development of
Registry Office Designated Maps supports smoother economic
activities such as land development.
A parcel boundary is a line that defines the position and
dimensions of the land at the time of registration. The parcel
boundary cannot be changed through agreements between
the owners.
■しかく 
Define Your Parcel of Land Clearly:
Creating a Registry Office Designated Map
■しかく Solving Boundary Disputes
-Parcel Boundary Demarcation-
■しかく Commercial and Corporate Registration
■しかくAdult Guardianship System and
Adult Guardianship Registration System
What is a Parcel Boundary?
Old Map Registry Office Designated Map
Public awareness poster for the
Parcel Boundary Demarcation system
Economic Activity and
Registry Office Designated Maps
In addition to the above-mentioned legal systems, we have
promoted various measures to establish a registration system
appropriate to today’s advanced information society, including
enhancing the organization of personnel working in clerical reg-
istration, establishing work processing systems such as mecha-
nization and streamlining of office work, optimizing registration
office placement, and improving government buildings.
Also, in order to meet the needs of today’s IT advances, we
have introduced a registry information service through which
registered information can be verified online and an electronic
certification system based on commercial registry, and have
also made available online registration applications for real es-
tate property, commerce and incorporation, transfer of as-
signed movables, transfer of receivables, and adult guardianship
registration.
■しかく Efforts to Implement Registration314 Realization of Basic Rights for People
Family registration is a system that notarizes kinship of a person
from birth until death, are made for every Japanese national, and are
the only public document that notarizes a person’s Japanese
nationality. Family registration is handled by each city, town or village,
but the State (Director of the Legal Affairs Bureau or the District
Legal Affairs Bureau) gives advice, suggestions or instructions to
ensure that registration is performed in a smooth, proper, and uniform
manner throughout the country.
In recent years, the existence of people for whom a birth certificate
has not been issued and are thus not entered in a family register has
become social issue. Therefore, the Ministry of Justice has posted an
explanation of the procedure for entering such persons in a family
register on the Ministry of Justice website.
(http://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji04_00034.html)
Meanwhile, starting May 1, 2008, the Family Register Act restricts
cases in which a third person can request the issuance of a copy of a
family register, and stipulates that identification must be shown when
the applicant submits information for registration.
The deposit system is designed to accomplish certain legal
objectives by submitting money or negotiable securities to na-
tional organizations called deposit offices, entrusting manage-
ment to the deposit office, who ultimately allows the rights hold-
er to acquire the assets.
An online deposit application system has been implemented in
response to IT advances in today’s society, and in an effort to
reduce the burden on applicants, deposit applications for pend-
ing cases can be made easily by presenting a deposit card, and
a large number of deposit applications can be made at the same
time using a dedicated application system tool.
Nationality is the qualification of an individual to be a national
of a particular country. The Ministry of Justice performs various
functions related to Japanese nationality, including the following.
❶ 
Work related to naturalization when a foreign national
wishes to acquire Japanese nationality
❷ 
Work related to applications for acquisition of Japanese
nationality
❸ 
Work related to applications for renouncement of Japa-
nese nationality
❹ 
Work related to the choice of nationality by a person
who has dual nationality
❺ 
Work related to recognition of Japanese nationality
❻ 
Consultation concerning nationality
An amended Nationality Act was enacted on January 1, 2009,
which has changed the conditions for acquiring Japanese na-
tionality under the provision of the third article of the Nationality
Act, and has established new penal regulations.
◆だいやまーくFamily Registration
◆だいやまーくDeposits
◆だいやまーくNationality
Statistics on Family Registration (from Apr. 2017 to Mar. 2018)
Number of Deposits (from Apr. 2017 to Mar. 2018)
Total Number of Naturalizations Approved
Deaths
1,749,492
Others
1,492,591
Births
1,389,621
Divorces
351,337
Marriages
1,425,591
Total
6,408,632
■しかくNumber of Cases ■しかくAmount of Money
Deposits received
378,544
Deposits paid out
226,969
Deposits received
303,871,895,881 yen
Deposits paid out
213,429,658,656 yen
2015 2016 2017 year0(persons)500010000
15000
9,469
10,315
9,554324
RealizationofBasic
RightsforPeople
Notarization is a system under which a notary, a State agent
whose function is to officially certify legal matters related to the
legal life of a private person, such as contracts, certifies matters
as prescribed by law by such means as creating documents. By
having a notary participate in the preparation of the contract in
advance and check the legality and the validity of the contents,
this system guarantees the protection of individual’s rights and
helps prevent possible future legal disputes, and in this sense, is
a preventive justice system.
Notaries are commissioned by the persons or parties involved
to create notarized documents such as wills, certify private
instruments and articles of incorporation, and attaching a
certified date.
With regard to digital documents, notaries can certify private
documents, attach certified dates, and save or certification of
digital information (electric notary system).
Notaries are appointed, instructed, and supervised by the
Minister of Justice (Legal Affairs Bureau directors, District Legal
Affairs Bureau directors). About 500 notaries are working in
about 300 notary offices throughout the country.
◆だいやまーくNotary SystemAQ
PICK UP!
Improvement of Basic Civil Laws
The world is changing rapidly in terms of living
environment and more. Will laws be reviewed?
There are various fundamental laws on civil
affairs, such the Civil Code, the Commercial Code,
the Companies Act, and the Code of Civil Proce‐
dure, which stipulate the basic rules for citizenʼ s daily lives
and economic transactions, the family system, and judicial
proceedings. Recently in Japan, socioeconomic circum‐
stances have changed significantly, with great diversifica‐
tion in the public, which is why the Ministry of Justice is
conducting necessary examinations and reviews to make
the fundamental civil laws that can handle these changes
and are well‐suited to the current era. The Ministry also
delivers its views on bills governed by other ministries and
agencies regarding consistency with fundamental law
from a position of jurisdiction over basic civil law.
●くろまるCivil Code
In 2016, a partial amendment was made to the Civil
Code to shorten the six‐month remarriage waiting period
to 100 days following a decision of unconstitutionality in a
case judged by the Supreme Court on December 16th,
2015.
In 2017, the Civil Code was revised, reviewing the overall
regulations related to credit.
In 2018, a partial amendment was made to the Civil
Code to lower the age of majority to 18 years and raise
the marriageable age for women to 18 years(making the
marriageable age 18 years for both men and women).
(and inheritance.)
In addition to these revisions, provisions of the Civil
Code concerning inheritance have been amended, and the
new procedure in which testators can deposit their holo‐
graph wills with the Legal Affairs Bureaus has also been
introduced.
Furthermore concerning the Civil Code and the Real
Property Registration Act, we are currently reviewing
articles related to property law and the real property
registration system in order to resolve the issue of "land
with unknown owner". Also,we are currently reviewing
articles related to the special adoption system,which is a
type of adoption system that extinguishes the kinship
between the child and the natural relatives,and the Chari‐
table Trust Act on the basis of the reform of the public‐
interest corporation system.
●くろまるCommercial Code
In 2014, amendments were made to the Companies Act
with the aim of strengthening corporate governance, and
we are currently examining possibilities for a further
reform of rules concerning corporate governance.
In 2018, amendments were made to the Commercial
Code related to transport and maritime commerce
(corporate activities involving the use of seafaring ships,
such as sea transport).
●くろまるCivil Procedural Laws
In 2018, a partial amendment was made to the Personal
Status Litigation Act etc. to provide rules regarding inter‐
national jurisdiction on personal status litigations and
domestic relations cases.
Also, regarding civil procedural laws, we are currently
discussing the review of the laws regarding Civil Execu‐
tion.334 Realization of Basic Rights for People
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
(Human Rights Counseling, Investigation and Remedy Measures Human Rights Awareness Raising, and More)
Associations of human rights volunteers
(Report, adjustment, research, and opinion
exchange, etc. between human rights volunteers)
About 14,000 Human Rights Volunteers in cities,
towns and villages all over Japan
(Apr. 1, 2018)
Ministry of Justice (Human Rights Bureau)
Human Rights Division of
District Legal Affairs Bureau
Human Rights Department of
Legal Affairs Bureau
Branch Bureau (261)
Human Rights Volunteers Councils (314)
Regional Association of Human Rights Volunteers (8)
National Federation of Associations
of Human Rights Volunteers
Prefectural Association of Human Rights Volunteers (50)
42 District Legal Affairs Bureaus
located at the seats of prefectural
governments excluding those where
Legal Affairs Bureaus are situated (In
addition, located in Hakodate,
Asahikawa, and Kushiro in Hokkaido)
8 Legal Affairs Bureaus in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya,
Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sendai, Sapporo and Takamatsu
Chart of Human Rights Bodies of the Ministry of Justice
There are various human rights violation cases (cases where
human rights violations are suspected), including assault and
abuse of women, children, and the elderly; bullying at schools;
compulsion and coercion in the forms of sexual harassment,
power harassment, and stalking; and online defamation and
invasion of privacy. The Human Rights Bodies have taken
measures to seek a remedy and prevent damages in human
rights violation cases, such as providing assistance to victims
(introducing relevant authorities or organizations, giving legal
advice, etc.), conciliating the parties involved, as well as providing
"instruction" and "recommendations" to the other party when
violation of human rights is recognized.
Raising awareness for human rights involves making citizens
understand the necessity and importance of respecting human
rights and disseminating these ideas, and is one of the most
important duties of the Human Rights Bodies.
●くろまるAwareness-Raising Activities
A variety of methods are used to raise wider awareness
among citizens, but in general, priority targets on which to focus
these activities are set, using various events including symposi-
ums, lectures, and movie viewings, as well as mass media such
as TV, radio and the internet to raise awareness.
■しかく 
Investigation and Remedy Measures
for Human Rights Violation Cases
■しかく Awareness-Raising for Human Rights
Number of Human Rights Violation Cases (from Jan. 1 to Dec.31, 2017)
bullying in
schools
3,169
assault,
abuse
3,219
compulsion, coercion
2,022
workerʼs rights
violation
2,064
violation of
rights by
school teachers
1,284
discriminatory
treatment785violation of rights
by other public officials262violation of rights
by special
public officials 195
violation of rights
by prison officials 141
violation of rights
in welfare facilities 128
others 650
Newly
received cases
19,533
privacy violation
2,705
violation of
the security of
residence and living
2,909
poster "STOP!
HATE SPEECH"
●くろまるAwareness-Raising Activities Aimed at Children
"The Human Rights Flower Campaign"
The Human Rights Flower Campaign is an awareness-raising
activity carried out mainly for elementary school children in
which children grow flower seeds or bulbs through cooperation,344
RealizationofBasic
RightsforPeople
Chinese
Korean
English
Filipino
Portuguese
Vietnamese
Nepalese
Spanish
IndonesianThai0570−003−110
0120−007−110
0570−070−810
0570−090−911 http://www.jinken.go.jp/
(nationwide)
(nationwide toll‐free number)
(nationwide)
(nationwide)
Human Rights
Hotline
Children's Rights
Hotline
Women's Rights
Hotline
Foreign-language
Human Rights
HotlinePCSmartphone
Mobile
Human Rights Counseling Services on the Internet Search
Click
Counseling Services
Human rights counseling is available for all kinds of human
rights problems, with counselors providing advice depending on
the content. When human rights violations are suspected, the
human rights bodies initiate an investigation in accordance with
the consulter’s consent. The counseling services are free of
charge, require no difficult procedures, and strictly confidential.
●くろまるHuman Rights Counseling Centers
Human rights counseling centers are permanently installed at
Legal Affairs Bureaus, District Legal Affairs Bureaus and their
branches across the nation, with interview-style counseling,
phone counseling, and online counseling available, as well as
Human Rights Counseling Center for Foreigners, which provides
counseling through interpreters for foreigners unable to speak
Japanese fluently.
●くろまるChildren’s Rights SOS Mini-Letters
Legal Affairs Bureaus and District Legal Affairs Bureaus
nationwide have actively responded to consultations from
children through "Children’s Rights SOS Mini-Letters" (letter
paper with a pre-stamped envelope), which are distributed to
elementary and junior high school students nationwide as part
of an effort to solve human rights problems involving children,
such as bullying and corporal punishment at school and
domestic child abuse.
Human Rights Volunteers are "Counseling Partners in Your Town"
recommended by the mayor and appointed by the Minister of
Justice. The system of Human Rights Volunteers was introduced in
1948 based on the concept that the government and citizens should
work together to protect human rights of local residents, and there
are currently about 14,000 Human Rights Volunteers (about 6,500
of whom are women) placed in municipalities across the nation
working to solve human rights problems through raising awareness
and providing counseling on human rights in cooperation with Legal
Affairs Bureau and District Legal Affairs Bureau officials.
■しかく Human Rights Counseling
■しかく Human Rights Volunteers
Human Rights Flower Campaign
Human rights lectures
Children’s Rights SOS Mini-Letters
helping them realize the preciousness of life and gain kindness and
compassion.
"Human Rights Lectures"
The human rights lectures is an awareness-raising activity for chil-
dren aimed at nurturing compassion and understanding the pre-
ciousness of life by creating opportunities to think about such top-
ics as bullying. The lecture targets mainly elementary and junior
high school students, and is held with Human Rights Volunteers
across the country playing a central role.
"National Essay Contest on Human Rights for Junior High School
Students"
The National Essay Contest on Human Rights for Junior High
School Students is an awareness-raising activity designed to enable
junior high school students to deepen their understanding of the
importance and necessity of respect for human rights and to foster
awareness of human rights through writing essays on human rights
issues.
人権イメージキャラクター
人KENまもる君 ・ 人KENあゆみちゃん
Human rights promotion characters
Jin-KEN-Mamoru-Kun & Jin-KEN-Ayumi-Chan
(for elementary school students)354 Realization of Basic Rights for People
Legal Services
In order to obtain the attorney qualifications, a person is gen-
erally required to complete a legal apprentice training course
after passing the national bar examination, but an exception to
this are the attorney qualifications through the Attorney Certifi-
cation System with the approval of the Minister of Justice given
to those who have passed the national bar examination and have
acquired a certain level of actual legal practice experience in a
corporation.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for work concerning the
certification of attorney qualifications.
■しかく Attorney Certification System
■しかく Gaikokuho-Jimu-Bengoshi
(Registered Foreign Lawyers)
The Gaikokuho-Jimu-Bengoshi system is designed to permit
persons qualified as lawyers in foreign states to handle specific
legal business in Japan as a registered foreign lawyer, without
having to retake qualification examinations.
To become a registered foreign lawyer, the qualified foreign
lawyers must be approved by the Minister of Justice in accord-
ance with the Act on Special Measures Concerning the Handling
of Legal Services by Foreign Lawyers, and must also register on
the Roll of Registered Foreign Lawyers kept by the Japan Fed-
eration of Bar Association.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for work concerning the
approval of qualifications for registered foreign lawyers.
In order to promote the disposal of non-performing loans and
thereby contribute to the sound development of the national
economy, the Act on Special Measures Concerning the Claims
Servicing Business (Servicer Act; Act No. 126 of 1998) was en-
acted on February 1, 1999 as an exception to the Attorney Act.
Servicers licensed by the Minister of Justice are allowed to
manage and collect specified monetary claims provided in the
Servicer Act.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for reviewing approvals
of claim management and collection, as well as for supervising
servicers to ensure appropriate practices through on-site in-
spections.
■しかく Claim Management and Collection
Companies (Servicers)
■しかく Certified Dispute Resolution Business Operators
The Act on Promotion of Use of Alternative Dispute Resolu-
tion, enacted on April 1, 2007 as part of the reform of the judi-
cial system, has introduced a system in which the Minister of
Justice certifies private dispute resolution services (conciliation
and intercession services performed by private businesses on a
civil dispute), when legal criteria and requirements are met and
the service is deemed appropriate, to promote the use of alter-
native dispute resolution processes (procedures for the resolu-
tion of a civil dispute between parties who seek, with the involve-
ment of a fair third party, a resolution without using legal
procedures).
Certified dispute resolution business operators (private busi-
nesses certified by the Minister of Justice) resolve disputes, uti-
lizing professional knowledge and experience to accurately meet
the diverse needs of citizens.
The number of certified dispute resolution business operators
increased from 10 in FY 2007 when the system was launched to
over 150 in FY 2018, with the area of disputes handled growing
more diversified and accessibility to the system further im-
proved.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for work concerning the
certification of private dispute resolution services and undertak-
ing various efforts to ensure that procedures for conciliation
taken by certified dispute resolution operators are used exten-
sively as an accessible means of resolving disputes.
認証紛争解決サービス
http://www.moj‐go.jp/KANBOU/ADR/index.html
■しかく Judicial Scriveners
Judicial scriveners are legal experts whose purpose is to help
protect the rights and interests of citizens, and who register real
estate and commercial registration on behalf of the client, as
well as prepare documents for the court. Since 2003, judicial
scriveners, certified by the Minister of Justice after completing
the designated training, may engage in civil procedures on be-
half of clients at summary courts. Furthermore,
since 2006, they may undertake proceedings as representatives
in identifying registered land parcel boundary demarcations
within a certain range.
The Civil Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Justice is responsi-
ble for the judicial scriveners system.
Land and house investigators contribute to the clarification of
rights of the people related to real estate, and take charge of
necessary investigations, surveys, and application procedures of
lands and buildings for registering real estate on behalf of a cli-
ent. Since 2006, land and house investigators approved by the
Minister of Justice after completing a certain training to act as
agents in proceedings to identify registered land parcel sections
may undertake proceedings for solving civil disputes originating
from unclear registration of land parcel sections, and dispute
resolution business operators engaged in proceedings must be
designated by the Minister of Justice, with operations carried
out jointly with attorneys-at-law.
The Civil Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Justice is responsi-
ble for the land and house investigators system.
■しかく Land and House Investigators364
RealizationofBasic
RightsforPeople
Implementation of the Comprehensive Legal Support by the Japan Legal Support Center
The Comprehensive Legal Support Act was approved at the
2004 ordinary Diet session. The Act is based on the Compre-
hensive Legal Support Plan designed to provide all citizens in
Japan with necessary information and services for legal solu-
tions to both civil and criminal disputes so that the justice sys-
tem may be more accessible to citizens.
●くろまるThe Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu)
The Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu) is a corporation
established within the framework of an independent administra-
tive agency and forms the core of the Comprehensive Legal
Support Plan, with the Ministry of Justice as its competent min-
istry.
Houterasu was established in April 2006 with the purpose of
promptly and properly implementing operations related to com-
prehensive legal support, and commenced its operations in Oc-
tober of the same year. The popular name Houterasu, a play on
words meaning either "shining a light on law" or "law terrace",
reflects the desire to "shed light on the path to solving legal
troubles for the confused" and "to be a kind of sunny terrace
where people can relax."
The principal work of Houterasu consists of the following five
services as prescribed in Article 30, Paragraph 1 of the Compre-
hensive Legal Support Act:
❶ Information Services
❷ Civil Legal Aid
❸ Legal Aid for Criminal Defense
❹ Measures for Areas with Limited Legal Services
❺ Support for Victims of Crime
Building cooperating with relevant organizations required for
these five services is also part of the work at Houterasu. Moreo-
ver, Houterasu may also provide services entrusted by national
and local governments or non-profit organizations, provided this
does not hinder these core services (Article 30, Paragraph 2). In
addition, since April 2012, Houterasu has been providing legal
aid for victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
■しかく What is the Comprehensive
Legal Support Plan?
■しかく 
Outline of the Operations of Houterasu
●くろまる
●くろまる
●くろまる
●くろまる
●くろまる Services relating to Court-Appointed Defense Counsel
Support for Victims of Crime
Measures for Areas with Limited Legal Services
Civil Legal Aid
Provision of free information for the settlement of legal problems.
Information Services
https://www.houterasu.or.jp
THE JAPAN LEGAL SUPPORT CENTER
(Call Center)
(Victims of Crime Support Line)
Organizations and
other persons that
cooperate with the
Japan Legal Support
Center for settlement
of legal problems
-Local
governments
-Legal experts such
as attorneys-at-law
and judicial scriveners,etc.-Organizations and
other persons
providing assistance
for victims, etc.
Users
(General
Public)
Social
Activities
Provision of
information/
services
for settlement of
legal problems
Consultation
Coordinationandcooperation
0570−078374
0570−079714☎☎
Free legal consultations for persons of limited means for legal
problems, or granting of loans for them to cover the expenses of
trials, etc.
Provision of legal services at a reasonable cost in areas where it
is difficult to receive legal services because of the lack of legal
experts such as attorneys-at-law or judicial scriveners, etc.
Provision of free information concerning attorneys-at-law who are
well versed in offering assistance to victims or organizations
providing assistance for victims.
Ensuring the system for the prompt and proper appointment of
court-appointed defense counsel, etc. and court-appointed
attorneys-at-law for victims.
Prosecution
Admission
Summary proceedings
Identification
Court
Fine, minor fine
Suspension of execution of sentence
Not guilty, etc.
Protective measures
Suspension of execution of sentence
with probationary supervision
Women’s
Guidance Home
Release on parole
Detention in a work house
Fine, minor fine
Revocation, etc.
Release on parole
Public
Prosecutors Office
Police, etc.
Offense
Referral to
a public prosecutor
Prison
Probation Office
Non-prosecution
Investigation initiated by a public prosecutor, etc.
Disposition of trivial cases
Pecuniary penalty against traffic violations
Acceptance
Release on expiry of term
of probation and parole, etc.
Release on expiry of term
of protective measures
Admission
Release on expiry of full
prison sentence
Acceptance
Imprisonment with or
without work, Penal detention
Acceptance
Process of Criminal Cases Committed by Adults
Total
1,224,812
Total
persons persons
1,224,812
Theft8.8%Road Traffic
Law violations
31.0%
Causing death or
injury through
negligence in
vehicle driving
39.8%
Other offenses9.2%Special law
offenses
40.2%
Penal Code
offenses
59.8%
Other offenses7.5%Suspension of
institution of
prosecution
49.5%
Injury 3.7%Insufficient
evidence
for prosecution3.7%Prosecutions
instituted
26.9%
Other decisions
18.3%
Other decisions
13.2%
Other
dispositions1.6%Referrals to
the family court5.1%Nonprosecution
54.8%
●くろまるThe proportion is rounded off to the first decimal places. Therefore,the sum of the composition rates do not add up to 100.0.
By type and name of offense
■しかく By dispositions rendered
■しかく
Cases Handled at Public Prosecutors Offices Nationwide (2017)
■しかく Process of Criminal Cases Committed by Adults〈Figure 1〉
Enforcement of Proper Criminal Policy537385
EnforcementofProper
Criminal
Policy
Total
12,760
Total
2,843
Breaking into
a Residence72■しかくProbationers under Suspended Sentence
Stimulant drugs592153
Injury193Forcible indecency・Forcible indecency
causing death of injury123Road traffic
violations
Fraud137■しかくParolees
Theft908Other665Acts of negligence
causing death or injury246Robbery・causing death
or injury through
robbery490Stimulant drugs
3,916
Road traffic
violations395Fraud
1,249
Injury351Theft
4,155
Other
1,958
●くろまるParolees : Persons who are allowed to be released on parole from a penal institution
●くろまるProbationers under Suspended Sentence : Persons who have been placed under probationary supervision with suspended sentence by a court decision
Number of Persons Newly Commencing Their Probation/Parole According to Offense Types (2017)
●くろまるFigure 1 shows the process of criminal offenses committed by
adults.
❶ Police
All cases in which the police arrest suspects and conduct nec-
essary investigations are, in principle, transferred to public pros-
ecutors.
❷ Public Prosecutors Office
Public prosecutors conduct necessary investigations on cases
transferred from the police and determine whether or not to
indict the accused based on the law and evidence.
At times, they themselves may detect criminal cases or con-
duct investigations on cases that have been charged or ac-
cused.
❸ Court
The courts hold hearings at public trials, and when they recog-
nize the accused as guilty, the courts hand down a sentence,
such as the death penalty, penal servitude, imprisonment, or a
fine. In the case of penal servitude or imprisonment for three
years or less, prison terms may be suspended due to extenuat-
ing circumstances, and probation may be given during the peri-
od of suspended sentence.
In the case of a relatively minor offense, the court may decide
to examine the case through summary proceedings as long as
the accused has no objection.
❹ Prison
After the accused is convicted, the punishment will be admin-
istered under the direction of public prosecutors. As a general
rule, punishment, including imprisonment, with or without prison
work, or detention is enforced at penal institutions such as pris-
ons. Penal institutions help inmates to reform and re-integrate
into the community through correctional treatment.
Those who are incapable of paying the full amount of a pen-
alty or fine will be detained in a workhouse attached to a penal
institution.
❺ Probation Office
Inmates may be released on parole in accordance with a deci-
sion by the regional parole board even before their sentence
ends, and such parolees are placed under probationary supervi-
sion while on parole. Those given a suspended sentence on the
condition of probation will be placed under probationary super-
vision during the suspension period as well.
These parolees receive guidance and assistance from proba-
tion officers and volunteers probation officers at probation of-
fices for rehabilitation and a smooth return to society.
❻ Women’s Guidance Home
Adult females taken into custody for violating the Anti-Prosti-
tution Act are detained in women’s guidance homes and are
placed on probation when they are granted parole release.
Number of Newly Committed Inmates, by Offense (2017)01,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
Penal Code offenses 12,184 Special law offenses 7,152
(persons)
Total 19,336
176412
1,35884788268312
6,502884139
1,925
5,355476Homicide
Robbery
Theft
Bodily injury
Extortion
Fraud
Forcible sexual intercourse, indecent assault
Dangerous driving causing death or injury, Gross negligence
causing death or injury, Negligent driving causing death or injury
Others
Others
Stimulant
drugs
Road traffic violations
Firearms and swords
5 Enforcement of Proper Criminal Policy39Imprisonment with or
without work, Penal detentionrt
Probationary
supervision
Suspension of execution
of sentence
Citizens, police, etc.
Institution of prosecution
after being referred from a family court
Child Guidance Center Public Prosecutors Office
Case referred to
a public prosecutor
for the institution
of prosecution
Acceptance Acceptance
Referral to
a family court Acceptance
Referral to
a family court
Discovery
Notification
Investigation
Police, etc.
Referral to a
public prosecutor
Juvenile
Offenders
Pre-delinquents
JuvenileChildren
Offenders
Discharge
Dismissal without hearing
Referral to a public prosecutor
for the institution of prosecution
Referral to
a child guidance center
and others Family Court
Not guilty, etc.
Suspension of execution
of sentence with
probationary supervision
Fine, minor fine
District Court,etc.Juvenile Prison,etc.Juvenile
Training School
Release on parole
Release on parole
Juvenile
Classification Home
Probation Office
Early discharge Expiration
of sentence
Acceptance
Notification
Referral
Commitment to
a self-support
facility for children
Commitment to a
juvenile training school
Release on expiry
of full prison sentence
Release on expiry
of sentence
Admission Admission
Revocation
Younger than 16
16 or older
Handling Juvenile Crimes and Delinquencies
■しかく Process for Juvenile Delinquents〈Figure 2〉
Correctional facilities nationwide are supported by community
volunteers, such as volunteer visitors and religious counsellors.
Volunteer visitors are those who help reformation and reha-
bilitation as well as smooth re-entry into society of inmates
through of counseling, guidance sessions, music instruction,
and more.
Religious counsellors provide religious guidance upon re-
quest from inmates according to their religious beliefs in order
to ensure freedom of religion.
Community volunteers supporting correctional facilities
Volunteer visitors405
EnforcementofProper
Criminal
Policy
Volunteer visitors
Total
9,259
Total
2,469
Forcible indecency・Forcible indecency
causing death of injury89■しかくJuvenile Training School Parolees
Fraud180Injury376Robbery・causing death
or injury through
robbery
126 Road traffic
violations183■しかくJuvenile Probationers
Theft845Others568Breaking into
a residence264Acts of negligence
causing death or injury678Road traffic
violations
1,634224Injury
1,043
Assault294Theft
3,134
Others
1,988
Extortion102Fraud
●くろまるJuvenile Probationers : Juveniles who have been placed under probationary supervision by a family court decision (excluding those under short‐term probation for traffic offenses)
●くろまるJuvenile Training School Parolees : Persons who are released on parole from a juvenile training school
Number of Persons Newly Commencing Probation/Parole According to Types of Delinquency (2017)
●くろまるFigure 2 is a flowchart of proceedings for juvenile delinquents.
❶ Police
When juvenile suspects are arrested by the police, the cases are
in principle transferred to public prosecutors after investigations
are complete.
❷ Public Prosecutors Office
When public prosecutors suspect juveniles of committing
crimes, or have good reason to refer them to family court for pre-
delinquency (juvenile delinquents with behavioral problems that
stop short of crime yet may lead to crime and need to be taken
into custody), the relevant cases will be transferred to the family
court after investigations are complete.
❸ Family Court
A family court orders investigators to conduct investigations on
relevant juveniles, including their dispositions and family back-
grounds, and sends them to a juvenile classification home for as-
sessment.
❹ Juvenile Classification Home
A Juvenile classification home conducts assessments of juve-
niles based on medical, psychological, pedagogical, sociological,
or other expertise, and submits the results to a family court.
❺ Family Court
When a family court decides that a juvenile has no reason to un-
dergo adjudication procedures, or that adjudication procedures are
not appropriate based on the result of the investigation of the dos-
sier, the court elects dismissal without hearing, and when the court
finds it reasonable to take adjudication procedures, it employs the
closed-door process
When recognizing delinquency for certain serious incidents be-
comes necessary, the prosecutor will take part in judgement by
family court decision.
If placing the juvenile in protective custody is deemed unneces-
sary as a result of the adjudication process based on the above-
mentioned investigations and assessment of ❸ and ❹, the court
declares the juvenile not to be charged. However, if placing the juve-
nile in protective custody is deemed, the court decides whether to
place them on probation or in a juvenile training school.
❻❼ Sending Juveniles to Public Prosecutors and Indictment
When a family court finds it reasonable to impose criminal punish-
ment on those who have committed a crime that deserves the death
penalty, penal servitude, or imprisonment, the court sends the case
to public prosecutors.
When juveniles aged sixteen or older are accused of killing victims
intentionally, the cases are, in principle, sent to public prosecutors
who must indict them once they have accepted the case.
❽Juvenile Training School
Juveniles given a family court judgment to be sent to a juvenile
training school are admitted to any of Type-I, Type-II or Type-III juve-
nile training schools, where receive correctional education and reha-
bilitation support as they work toward reform. Juvenile sentenced
inmates younger than 16 are accomodated in Type-IV juvenile train-
ing schools if needed.
❾Probation Office
Juvenile delinquents who have been placed on probation by a
family court, or those who are provisionally permitted to be released
from a juvenile training school, receive guidance and assistance
from probation officers and volunteer probation officers for reha-
bilitation and a smooth return to society.
Number of Juveniles Newly Committed to Juvenile Training
Schools According to Delinquency (2017)02004006008001,00087743366108 11260144 1484980 61
Penal Code offenses 1,809 Special law offenses 277 Pre‐delinquency 61
Total 2,147
(persons)
Robbery
Theft
Bodily injury
Extortion
Forcible sexual inter course, indecent assault
Dangerous driving causing death or injury,
Negligent driving causing death or injury
Others
Others
Stimulant drugs, poisonous agents
Road traffic violations
Pre‐delinquency189Fraud415 Enforcement of Proper Criminal Policy
What is Offender Rehabilitation?
Exterior of an Offenders Rehabilitation Facility
Designed by the late Sagenji Yoshida, Profes-
sor Emeritus at the Tokyo University of the Arts,
this badge consists of 18 chrysanthemum petals
with a sunflower and the rising sun, with the cir-
cle of its contour representing harmony among
people and the red cloth representing human
heart and passion.
Badge of Volunteer Probation Officers
This is a system carried out in cooperation with the nation and
volunteers designed to give guidance and assistance to those
who have committed crimes or those who have turned to juve-
nile delinquency so that they can become sound members of
the society.
Regional Parole Boards
Regional parole boards are located in the eight regions across
the country that correspond to the jurisdictional areas of the
high courts. The major functions of the boards are to make deci-
sions on parole of inmates of prisons or juvenile training schools,
and revoking parole when parolees fail to observe the parole
conditions.
Probation Offices
There are 50 probation offices throughout the country located
in each of the district court jurisdiction. Their major function is
conducting probationary supervision over juveniles placed on
probation by family court decision, those released on parole
from prisons or juvenile training schools, and those on probation
with suspension of sentence. The probation offices also engage
in activities that promote community-based campaigns to pre-
vent crime and delinquency.
Probation Officers
Probation officers are full-time government officials of the
Ministry of Justice who are assigned to either the Secretariat of
the Regional Parole Board or to the Probation Office. With ex-
pert knowledge on psychology, pedagogy, welfare and sociolo-
gy, they work to rehabilitate those who have committed crimes
or have turned to juvenile delinquency, giving them guidance
and assistance in everyday life in collaboration with volunteer
probation officers. They also perform crime and delinquency
prevention and provide support for crime victims.
Volunteer probation officers are private citizens commissioned
by the Minister of Justice, and there are 47,000 of these officers
across the country. As they are familiar with the circumstances
and customs of their community, they are able to give effective
guidance and assistance to those who have committed crimes
or have turned to juvenile delinquency in the community in col-
laboration with probation officers. In addition, they engage in
crime prevention in their community to promote prevention of
crime and delinquency, and provide support for crime victims.
Volunteer probation officers have the status of part-time gov-
ernment officers, but do not receive compensation except for
the expenses involved in their activities.
Volunteer Probation Officers
Of all the persons who have been placed on parole/probation-
ary supervision or released from prison, offender rehabilitation
facilities accommodate those who have no proper place to live
and give them living guidance and vocational trainings so that
they will be able to live independently at the earliest possible
date. There are 103 such facilities in the country, mainly oper-
ated by juridical persons for the offender rehabilitation services,
which are private foundations approved by the Minister of Jus-
tice to run the services in order to facilitate the rehabilitation of
offenders.
Offenders Rehabilitation Facilities
The Big Brothers and Sisters Association is a youth volunteer
organization that aims to support the healthy growth of juveniles
with various difficulties including delinquency by interacting with
them like a friendly older brother or sister. There are about,
4,500 BBS members who conduct activities such as "Friendship
Activities", which supports the growth and independence of the
juveniles by befriending them, and carry out crime prevention to
create a crime-free society.
The Women’s Association for Rehabilitation Aid is an organiza-
tion composed of women volunteers working toward crime pre-
vention as well as rehabilitation for those who have committed
crimes or juvenile delinquents from a female perspective in or-
der to build a brighter society, free from crime and delinquency.
There are about158,000 volunteer members across the country
engaged not only in crime and delinquency prevention educa-
tional activities, but also in a wide range of activities rooted in
the community, such as sound upbringing of youth, child-sup-
port, rehabilitation support in offender rehabilitation facilities,
cooperation in volunteer work with offenders on probation, and
visits to prisons and juvenile training schools to encourage in-
mates.
BBS Association
Women's Association for Rehabilitation Aid425
EnforcementofProper
Criminal
Policy
Cooperative Employers are business owners who employ ex-
offenders and juvenile delinquents to help them become inde-
pendent and rehabilitated. These employers understand the
feelings of offenders and provide them with stable jobs, which
serves as a tremendous contribution to offenders rehabilitation
in society.
There are about 20,000 such cooperative business owners
across the country.
The National Center for Offenders Rehabilitation is established
and operated to provide parolees from penal institutions or ju-
venile training schools who cannot secure the necessary social
surroundings for smooth reintegration into society from rela-
tives or private-sector offender rehabilitation facilities with lodg-
ing at state-established facilities, where probation officers di-
rectly provide them with intensive supervision and generous
employment assistance, thereby encouraging their rehabilitation
and preventing them from committing further offenses.
Among these facilities, organizations that perform selective,
specialized treatment in society in accord with the relevant spe-
cific problem are called the National Center for Offenders Reha-
bilitation, while other organizations that provide vocational train-
ing, primarily in agriculture, are called the National Center for
Offenders Job Training and Employment Support.
The National Centers for Offenders Rehabilitation is estab-
lished and operated in Kitakyushu and Fukushima City, while the
National Centers for Offenders Job Training is established and
operated in Hokkaido (Numata-cho) and Ibaraki (Hitachinaka
City).
Ensuring that those who have committed a crime can get
rehabilitation and become law-abiding members of society
is a task that cannot be achieved by government alone. The
efforts of offender rehabilitation volunteers, including Vol-
unteer Probation Officers, the Women’s Association for Re-
habilitation Aid, BBS, and Cooperative Employers have been
of great help.
If you are interested in participating in such activities,
please contact your nearest Parole Office.
Become an Offender Rehabilitation Volunteer
The National Center for Offender Rehabilitation in Fukuoka (Kitakyushu City)
The National Center for Offender Job Training and Employment
Support in Hokkaido (Numata-cho, Uryu-gun)
In June 2016 the Act for Partial Revision of the Penal Code and the Act for Partial Suspension of Sentence for Criminals Con-
victed of Drug Use and Others were enforced to provide suspension of part of a criminal’s sentence, and the Partial of Sentence
System these laws introduced enable judges to partially suspend sentences for 1-5 years in rendering a sentence of imprison-
ment with or without labor for terms less than 3 years, with the aim of preventing re-offending and helping offenders to reha-
bilitate by securing a period of treatment in prison, followed by a longer period of treatment in society.
Under this system, those who have no previous record of sentences heavier than imprisonment without work are put on dis-
cretional probation during the period of the suspended sentence, while those who have been imprisoned with work because of
drug use and other substance issues are put on mandatory probation.
System for Partial Suspension of Sentence
Cooperative Employers
National Centers for Offenders Rehabilitation435 Enforcement of Proper Criminal Policy
Securing Volunteer Probation Officers
Medical Treatment and Supervision Measures for Persons Who
Have Caused Serious Cases under the Condition of Insanity
Volunteer probation officers play an extremely important role
in the Japanese offenders rehabilitation system by supporting
rehabilitation of offenders in the community and by engaging in
publicity campaigns and enlightenment activities to build a
brighter community without crime and delinquency. "The Third
World Congress on Probation" held in Japan in 2017 also recog-
nized again that the roles of the volunteer probation officers in
the community is significant in the field of offenders rehabilita-
tion.
Furthermore, in the Re-offending Prevention Promotion Plan
decided by the Cabinet in 2017, national government, local gov-
ernment and private sector shall closely work together to pro-
mote recidivism prevention measures, and therefore it is expect-
ed that public interest in and expectations for volunteer
probation officers as supporters in the community will become
higher and higher.
Meanwhile, due to the changes in social circumstances,such
as the weakening of interpersonal relationships in the commu-
nity, it is becoming more difficult to secure suitable persons as
volunteer probation officers. Recently there was adownward
trend in the number of the volunteer probation officers (quota is
52,500). Due to the trend, securing volunteer probation officers
constantly for the future is the most serious issue for the of-
fenders rehabilitation in Japan.
The Medical Treatment and Supervision for Persons Who
Have Caused Serious Cases under the Condition of Insanity is a
system which gives persons who have committed murder, arson,
or other serious offences continuous and appropriate medical
treatment, conducting observations and guidance necessary to
prevent them from committing such acts again, and promotes
Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Justice is working
on various strategies for constantly recruiting the volunteer pro-
bation officers and reinforcing the volunteer probation officer
system, based on the suggestions written in the report submit-
ted to the Rehabilitation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice by the
"Study Group on Improving the Volunteer Probation Officer Sys-
tem" launched in 2011.
For example, the Ministry of Justice supports the local volun-
teer probation officers associations across the country to hold
"Volunteer Probation Officer Candidate Information Meetings"
so as to secure appropriate candidates for volunteer probation
officers from local residents with various points of view such as
a wide range of age groups, including youth, and occupations,
and to conduct the "Internship for Volunteer Probation Officer"
for local residents to experience the activities of volunteer pro-
bation officers.
There are in total 802 "Offenders Rehabilitation Support Cent-
ers" nationwide in 2018, which serve as hubs for offenders reha-
bilitation by the volunteer probation officers, which are planning
further enhancement and improvement in the future.
The volunteer probation officer organizations and the national
government are working together to secure volunteer probation
officers and support for the volunteer probation officers’ activi-
ties so that Japan can develop a sustainable world-class volun-
teer probation system.
the return of people to society.
The Probation Offices have psychiatric social workers known
as Rehabilitation Coordinators who work in collaboration with
medical institutions designated by the Minister of Health,Labor
and Welfare and relevant local institutions to promote the return
of people to society.
Changes in the Number of Volunteer Probation Officers (2011-2019)
(persons)201148,664
48,221
47,990 47,914 47,872
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
47,939 47,909201947,641
45,000
46,000
47,000
48,000
49,00024547,
Offenders Rehabilitation Support Center
■しかく Current Volunteer Probation Officer System ■しかく Efforts of the Ministry of Justice
The figures are those at the time of January 1 each year445
EnforcementofProper
Criminal
Policy
Improvement and Enhancement of Treatment in Correctional Facilities
The Ministry of Justice conducts appropriate treatment of in-
mates that respects their human rights based on the Act on Penal
Detention Facilities and Treatment of Inmates and Detainees en-
acted under a total revision of the Prison Law, and to achieve this,
the Ministry has striven to improve facilities and human resourc-
es, as well as to rationalize and mechanize clerical work.
In addition, modeliny cases in foreign countries, the Ministry of
Justice manages some penal institutions through joint operation
between the public and private sectors using the PFI (Private Fi-
nance Initiative), which utilizes private capital, ingenuity, and ex-
pertise, and in doing so plans to enrich and develop correctional
treatment by incorporating programs never seen in conventional
prisons, such as the Training Program for Guide Dog Puppies for
the Blind in cooperation with the Japan Guide Dog Association
Foundation.
The Ministry of Justice is working to implement the Act on Pe-
nal Detention Facilities and Treatment of Inmates and Detainees
smoothly to prevent recidivism and will contribute to the creation
of a safe society where the people can live with peace of mind.
To prevent recidivism, juvenile classification homes are work-
ing to enhance their ability to assess juveniles by developing and
introducing a new assessment method, "Ministry of Justice Case
Assessment Tool (MJCA)" in order to grasp the risk of recidivism
and educational needs of each juvenile.
The homes are also working to enhance treatment for recidi-
vism prevention by conducting assessment of juveniles under
protective measures in response to requests from juvenile train-
ing schools and probation offices.
Furthermore, the home provides counseling and consultation
services to juveniles and their families on problems related to
crime and delinquency (crime, delinquency, misbehavior, family
upbringing problems, troubles at work or school, interpersonal
problems, etc.). Moreover, staff at the home provide explana-
tions on various topics such as delinquency, crime, child-rearing,
or educational and instructional methods for youth at work-
shops or lectures held at schools or related organizations.
Those interested are welcome to contact a nearby juvenile
classification home.
■しかく 
Smooth Enforcement of Act on Penal Detention
Facilities and Treatment of Inmates and Detainees
■しかく 
Enhancement of Assessments of Juveniles and Community
Support Activities by Juvenile Classification HomesAQ
PICK UP!
Further Improvement of Juvenile Correction
Recently, I frequently hear about juvenile crimes
on the news. What measures are being taken?
The Ministry of Justice has been strengthening efforts toward
preventing recidivism offenses by changing laws.
●くろまるStrengthening Correctional Education Based on
New Juvenile Training Schools Act
In June 2015, the New Juvenile Training Schools Act was
enacted. Under this act, the Juvenile Training Schools design
an individual correctional education plan for each juvenile in
accordance with his or her traits and implement programs
addressing individual problems such as drug use, sexual
delinquency, and family issues. The Juvenile Training Schools
also implement vocation guidance for such things as acquiring
qualifications for employment and social skills necessary for
retaining a job, thus conducting appropriate correctional
education aimed at preventing recidivism.
●くろまるLegal Provisions for Reintegration Support by
Juvenile Training Schools
In order to prevent recidivism, it is important not only to
provide diverse correctional education, but also to support the
smooth reintegration of delinquent juveniles. The New Juvenile
Training Schools Act stipulates that Juvenile Training Schools
are responsible for providing support for juvenilesʼ reintegra ‐
tion into society. Specifically, they proactively provide academ ‐
ic support such as helping re‐entry or transfer to a local high
school, as well as support in finding work and assistance for
obtaining accommodations.
●くろまるPerforming Appropriate Classification under the
Juvenile Classification Act
A new Juvenile Classification Act has also been enacted. This
new law makes it possible for juveniles detained in Juvenile
Training Schools to spend a certain amount of time in Juvenile
Classification Homes specialized in determining the causes
behind the juvenileʼs delinquency and drawing up individual
treatment plans that enable more detailed classification.
●くろまるAssisting Local Communities With Juvenile
Classification Homes
In order to contribute to the prevention
of delinquency and crimes in local commu ‐
nities, juvenile classification homes provide
local people and those involved in schools
and education with counseling based on
specialized knowledge and skills.45Justice Affairs Diplomacy6 The Ministry of Justice provides assistance mainly to developing
countries with a view to establishing the rule of law for the
democratic and free development as well as to realizing peaceful
and secure society of these countries. Promoting and enhancing
good governance based on the rule of law through international
cooperation with developing countries contributes not only to the
sound development of these countries and stability of the region,
but to the strengthening countermeasures against transnational
crime and the promotion of economic activity for Japanese
companies as well, serving as an important contribution to the
international community.
In the field of civil and commercial law, the Ministry of Justice has
provided legal technical assistance for Asian countries such as
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar mainly through
activities of the International Cooperation Department. These
activities include drafting and amending fundamental laws and
regulations, strengthening function of judicial institutions for the
operation of enacted laws, and capacity-building of legal
professionals. Through such technical assistance, a number of
legislation, including civil code and civil procedure code, have been
enacted and relevant legal commentaries have also been prepared
in recipient countries. Moreover, a great number of individuals in
leadership positions at judicial institutions have built their capacities
PICK UP!
Promotion of "Justice Affairs Diplomacy" by the Ministry of Justice
How does the Ministry of Justice get involved with the international society?
The Ministry of Justice's policies and
measures are not limited to those targeting
the domestic field. We have long been working
on international cooperation in the field of legal and
justice affairs with the developing countries including
the Asian and African countries through the
International Cooperation Department (ICD) of the
Research and Training Institute of the Ministry of
Justice and the United Nations Asia and Far East
Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment
of Offenders (UNAFEI).
These activities are the challenges to permeate the
"rule of law", which is enabling us the enjoyment of
"Japan as the safest country in the world", not only in
our country but also throughout the world. Furthermore,
advancement in the rule of law is also set out in the
Goal 16 of the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)"
to realize the peaceful and inclusive societies. The
SDGs are the adopted by the United Nations and all the
member states including Japan are working to achieve
the shared goals.
To achieve the goal of permeating the rule of law
internationally, the Ministry of Justice is working on the
following areas; a) active promotion of international
cooperation including the legal technical assistance that the
ICD and the UNAFEI have been engaging in, b) strengthening
the collaboration with the foreign governments and
international organizations with our longstanding reputation
for international cooperation as Japan’s strength, c) active
involvement in the United Nations including hosting of the
14th United Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal
Justice, d) promotion of international arbitration, and e)
strengthening of preventive legal service in the international
field.
The International Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat
was established in April, 2018, to promote and expand
the individual policies and measures
that the Ministry of Justice had been
working on steadily to meet the
international challenges with even
more strong and strategic approach
of "Justice Affairs Diplomacy".
Promotion of International CooperationAQ
through our assistance.
The United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention
of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI), established in
1962 by the agreement between the United Nations and the
Government of Japan, has held training courses and seminars in
the field of crime prevention and treatment of offenders for
criminal justice personnel (police officers, public prosecutors,
judges, correctional and probation officers, etc.) from developing
countries. Since 1962, more than 5,800 practitioners from 139
International Training Course466
Global
Cooperation
http://www.moj.go.jp/housouken/houso_
kyouryoc_index.html
For further details, please check
the Ministry of Justice website.
jurisdictions have participated in training courses and seminars
organized by UNAFEI (as of 1st November 2018). Many UNAFEI
alumni are playing leading roles in the area of criminal justice. Some
alumni members have served as, among others, Minister of Justice,
Prosecutor General, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in
their respective countries. This personnel network provides a
foundation for valuable relationship between criminal justice
personnel of Japan and those of other countries.
The Ministry of Justice makes efforts to promote and achieve
United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through
these activities that contribute to crime prevention and capacity-
building of legal professionals and criminal justice personnel. Such
efforts are highly valued by international community as well as
individual countries.
Furthermore, reflecting the expansion of our roles required in
the international sphere, a growing number of officials of the
Ministry of Justice are working in foreign countries, including
diplomatic establishments and international organizations. In
addition to the above-mentioned, each bureau/department of the
Ministry of Justice promotes international corporation while
engaging in cooperation activities in its own field.
Local Activity
Vitalization of the International Arbitration
The 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (Kyoto Congress)
The UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is
one of the largest UN conference in the field of crime prevention
and criminal justice. The 14th UN Crime Congress will be held in
Kyoto in 2020, and it will be the 50th anniversary since the last time
it was held in Japan.
Kyoto Congress will bring together delegations headed by justice
ministers, attorney-generals or high ranking criminal justice officials
from across the world. The discussions will identify concrete
measures of crime prevention and criminal justice towards
achieving the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)".
Kyoto Congress is an excellent opportunity for participants from
across the world to promote the rule of law in Japan, and it will be
an excellent opportunity to highlight our culture of lawfulness that
supports the world’s most safe and security society.
As the growing number of Japanese companies is expanding
business overseas in the era of globalization, the Ministry of
Justice is taking initiatives to promote the use of international
arbitration as a method of dispute resolution.
Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution in which the
disputing parties select one or more arbitrators who are the
third party and make an award. Compared with litigation,
arbitration has various advantages such as the ease of
enforcement of arbitration awards, confidentiality of a trade
secret through closed sessions, impartial arbitrators with
relevant expertise chosen by the parties, and avoidance of
litigation where the judicial system is less reliable. Because
of these advantages, international arbitration has become a
global standard to resolve disputes arising from cross-
border transactions and investments. The development of
the international arbitration in Japan as part of judicial
infrastructure will contribute not only to the promotion of
Japanese companies’ business activities overseas, but to
attracting inward investment.
In September 2017, the government set up the "Liaison
Conference of the Relevant Ministries for Vitalizing the
International Arbitration" chaired by the Assistant Chief
Cabinet Secretary. Since then, the Conference has been
holding discussions on challenges to be tackled and policy
measures to be taken. The Ministry of Justice is also
promoting wide-ranging efforts for human resource
development as well as awareness-raising and advertisement
through symposiums, seminars and other means with a view
to vitalizing the international arbitration in Japan.
The Ministry of Justice will continue to take initiatives so
that Japan will be the core of international dispute resolution
in Asia and more and more Japanese experts will be active in
the field of international arbitration.
Local Seminar476 Justice Affairs Diplomacy
For further information, please refer
to our webpage on the Ministry of
Justice and the promotion of the
SDGs (Japanese web page).
http://www.moj.go.jp/kokusai/kokusai03_00007.html
Intensification of International Legal Support
Nowadays globalization is rapidly expanding in the areas such as
politics and economies surrounding our country, and many foreign
companies are coming into our country, and vice versa, many
Japanese companies are going abroad. And by backing international
commercial activities of these companies through signing
investment treaties and the like by our government, people, goods
and money come and go actively beyond national borders of the
countries.
Based on these circumstances, it is estimated that conflicts
would happen, and therefore, the number of cases is likely to
increase, in which our country is involved in courts of other countries
or international organizations.
Especially in the situations where conflicts regarding our national
interests are settled, or where negotiations with other countries are
conducted so as to avoid these conflicts, it is necessary to deal
from the legal views including international public law, international
private law and the like. In order to achieve appropriate and
reasonable outcomes, it is indeed important and effective to utilize
know-how and knowledge regarding allegation and presentation of
evidence which Ministry of Justice has gained through litigation
procedures at the national level over the long term.
Ministry of Justice will continue to endeavor to avoid conflicts in
advance and strengthen the power to address international
conflicts by establishing robust framework to deal with conflicts
through close cooperation with related agencies including Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Ministry of Justice incorporates the perspective of the
United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) when
convincing the domestic and international audience the necessity
to promote the Justice Affairs Diplomacy.
SDGs are the 17 international goals that were adopted by all
United Nations Member States at the UN Summit in September,
2015. There is a concerted effort globally, including Japan, to
achieve sustainable and inclusive societies where "no one shall be
left behind".
The promotion of Justice Affairs Diplomacy to permeate the rule
of law will contribute to the achievement of the Goal 16 of the
SDGs, which aims to realize the rule of law for peaceful and
inclusive societies.
The Ministry of Justice is also undergoing various initiatives
other than the Justice Affairs Diplomacy in order to achieve the
SDGs.487
Global
Cooperation
Unified and Appropriate Settlement of
Disputes Involving Japanese Government7 Lawsuits in which the state is a party include actions for damages
against the State on the grounds of illegal acts by public officers
who exercise public authority, or defects in the establishment and
administration of public buildings, and administrative lawsuits seek-
ing the revocation of administrative disposition.
The number of such lawsuits are on an increasing trend, and in
particular, the percentage of serious and large-scale cases which
may potentially have a profound impact on the politics, administra-
tion, and economy of the State have increased.
By producing evidence and constructing an argument from the
State’s viewpoint in a unified and appropriate manner as part of the
judiciary, the Ministry of Justice contributes to the achievement of
appropriate settlement of disputes based on law and evidence. This
allows the interests of the whole nation and the rights and interests
of the individual to be balanced properly and thereby is expected to
ensure adherence to the principle of "administration by rule of law".
The Litigation Bureau, as legal professionals in the Japanese
government, provide, according to requests from ministries and
agencies having legal issues, legal advices by presenting the
know-how which we have gained through litigation procedures ,and
the like("Preventive Legal Support System").
"Preventive Legal Support System" is aiming to support the pro-
tection of rights and interests of Japanese citizens, by checking, in
advance from the legal point of views, whether measures, disposi-
tions, and the like which each administrative authority is likely to
carry out are appropriate, so that those cases in which lives, bod-
ies, assets ,etc. of Japanese citizens would be damaged or other
cases in which Japanese citizens would become involved in legal
disputes such as court cases will be prevented from happening
through the abovementioned measures, dispositions and the like.
Litigation BureauAQ
PICK UP!
What kind of work does the Litigation Bureau do?
The Litigation Bureau represents the
Japanese government in any dispute
involving Japan as a nation and performs, as an
agent of Japan, a range of litigation activities
including filing complaints, claims, and proofs.
In addition, the Bureau provides legal
advice in order to prevent litigation and
supports international litigation involving
national interests.
Summaries of Major Pending Lawsuits
The Litigation Bureau posts information on the Ministry of Justice website about lawsuits involving the Japanese government,
including summaries of major pending lawsuits and major decisions.
This database enables you to search and browse precedents
contained in the Monthly Litigation Report
(the information magazine issued by the Litigation Bureau).
http://www.moj.go.jp/shoumu/
shoumukouhou/shoumu01̲00024.html
Database of Important Litigation Precedents
http://www.shoumudatabase.moj.go.jp/
search/html/shoumu/general/
menu̲general.html
List of Major Decisions
http://www.moj.go.jp/shoumu/
shoumukouhou/shoumu01̲00023.html
Pursuit of Lawsuits Preventive Legal Support System
International Litigation
The progress of globalization in the political, economic and other
realms could increase the chance of Japan becoming parties to
cases before foreign courts or international organizations. The Liti-
gation Bureau, with its skills and expertise on legal strategies, such
as submitting claims and proofs, provides support in order to skirt
such court cases or deal properly with those cases through coop-
eration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries
and agencies.
(cf. page 47 Intensification of International Legal Support)
Change in Number of Major Pending Lawsuits0500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
5,000
4,600
1,800 2012About
About
2013 2014 2015 2016 201749Qualifications and Employment
The national bar examination is designed to determine wheth-
er those who wish to become judges, public prosecutors, or at-
torneys have the necessary knowledge and practical abilities. In
2006, it was replaced by a new national bar examination more
organically linked with education provided at law school and le-
gal apprentice training.
The national bar examination can be taken by those who have
completed law school or passed the preliminary bar examina-
tion, but there is a time limit, and candidates can take the ex-
amination within a five-year period from the first day of April
after gaining qualifications.
The examination consists of a short-answer test (including
multiple-choice questions) and an essay test, and all candidates
take both tests at the same time.
The successful candidates will be qualified to enter the legal
profession as judges, prosecutors, and attorneys after training
A judicial scrivener represents a client in procedures such as
or deposition, and with authorization from the Minister of Jus-
tice, may also represent a client in summary court trial. A land
and house investigator performs investigations, surveying, and
application procedures needed for registration of real estate.
These are national examinations that determine whether can-
didates have the necessary knowledge and ability to enter into
The purpose of the preliminary bar examination is to judge
whether a person who intends to take the national bar examina-
tion has the knowledge, practical ability, and a basic grounding
in legal practices equal to those who have completed law school,
and consists of a short-answer test (including multiple-choice
questions), an essay test, and an oral test. There are no qualifi-
cation requirements for candidates.
▲さんかく
For further information, please contact the National Bar Examination Commission
Address: The Ministry of Justice, 1-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8977 Tel: 03-3580-4111
at the legal training center of the Supreme Court. (For details on
the training, please contact the Recruitment Division, Personnel
Affairs Bureau, Supreme Court.)
these professions, and are administered by the Minister of Jus-
tice. Both examinations consist of written and oral tests, and
those who pass the written test are entitled to take the oral test,
and passing this earns the candidate qualifications. The suc-
cessful candidates start work immediately after registration and
admission procedures.
●くろまるNational Bar Examination
●くろまるJudicial Scrivener Examination and Land and House Investigator Examination
●くろまるPreliminary Bar Examination
Qualification Examinations
■しかくResults of the National Bar Examination
CandidatesYearFigures in parentheses show the number of women from the total on the left.
Successful
candidates
Average age
of successful
candidates
Successful
percentage201420152016201720188,015
8,016
6,899
5,967
5,238
1,810 (408)
1,850 (399)
1,583 (371)
1,543 (315)
1,525 (375)28.229.128.328.828.822.58%
23.08%
22.95%
25.86%
29.11%
■しかくResults of the Preliminary Bar Examination
Candidates
Year Successful candidates
Figures in parentheses show the number of women from the total on the left.2014201520162017201810,347
10,334
10,442
10,743
11,136
356 (37)
394 (40)
405 (71)
444 (81)
433 (81)
■しかくResults of the National Examination for Land and House Investigators
Land and House Investigator
Examination candidates
Successful candidatesYear20142015201620172018
5,754
5,659
5,658
5,837
5,411407403402400418■しかくResults of the National Examination for Judicial Scriveners
Judicial Scrivener
Examination candidates
Successful candidatesYear2014201520162017201875970766062962124,538
21,754
20,360
18,831
17,66850QualificationsandEmployment
▲さんかくContact:
Each Regional Immigration Services Bureau’s General
Affairs Division(Personnel Division for Tokyo Regional Immigration Servic-
es Bureau)Each Immigration Center’s General
Affairs Division
Immigration control officers are as-
signed to regional immigration services
bureaus, offices, branch offices, or im-
migration detention centers, and are
responsible for detecting illegal immi-
grants or over-stayers, investigating vi-
olations, and treating and deporting
detainees.
▲さんかくContact: Personnel Section, Regional Correction Headquar-ters Prison officers are, in principle, as-
signed to prisons, juvenile prisons, or
detention houses.
In prisons and juvenile prisons, the
officers conduct various treatment pro-
grams for inmates to facilitate rehabili-
tation and smooth reintegration.
Detention houses mainly keep those
suspects or defendants in custody,
where they are prevented from fleeing
or attempting to destroy evidence, and
are given consideration to ensure fair trial.
▲さんかくContact: Personnel Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry
of Justice
Those employed in the category of public administration, poli-
tics and international matters, law, economics, engineering, and
culture are generally assigned to various departments of the
Ministry and are involved in planning measures and policies.
Those employed in the human sciences category are assigned
to local offices to make the most of their specialized knowledge.
▲さんかくContact: Personnel Section, Regional Correction Headquarters
Correctional psychologists work at juvenile classification homes, penal institutions or juvenile training
schools as professional staff (MOJ technical official (psychology)) making use of their specialized knowl-
edge and skills to provide guidelines for treatment of detained juveniles based on analysis of the causes
of delinquency or criminal acts through interviews and psychological tests, and carry out treatment pro-
grams in penal institutions and juvenile training schools.
▲さんかくContact: Personnel Section, Regional Correction Headquar-ters Ministry of Justice instructors work mainly at juvenile training
schools or juvenile classification homes, providing specialized
education (correctional education), including lifestyle and course
guidance, as well as observation, in order to develop the juve-
niles’ individuality and abilities and ensure their smooth return to
society based on the instructors’ broad perspective and exper-
tise, and additionally provide employment support instruction
and course instruction at prisons.
▲さんかくContact: General Affairs Divisions of Regional Parole Boards
Probation officers work at probation offices and regional pa-
role boards, providing criminals and juvenile delinquents with
instruction through interviews and specialized treatment pro-
grams as well as job assistance, based on expert knowledge
about psychology, pedagogy, welfare and sociology, and are re-
sponsible preventing recidivism and supporting rehabilitation
within society.
▲さんかくContact: General Affairs Section, Facilities Division, Minister’s
Secretariat (architecture, electrical engineering and mechanical
engineering)
Local offices intending to employ officials (public administration)
Those employed in the public administration category, exclud-
ing in the Facilities Division of the Minister’s Secretariat (archi-
tecture, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering), are
generally assigned to local offices outside the Ministry.
The Ministry of Justice employs officials who have passed the Examination for Comprehensive Service, Examination for General
Service, Employment Examination for the Ministry of Justice Specialized Staff (Human Sciences), Prison Officer Employment Exami-
nation and Immigration Control Officer Employment Examination.
●くろまるExamination for Comprehensive Service
●くろまるImmigration Control Officers Employment Examination ●くろまるPrison Officer Employment Examination
●くろまるEmployment Examination for the Ministry of Justice Specialized Staff (Human Sciences)
Correctional Psychology Profession
Ministry of Justice Instructor Probation Officers
●くろまる
Examination for General Service
(college graduates and high school graduates)
Employment Examination for Services
The Ministry of Justice Museum and the Message Gallery inside the red-brick
building of the Ministry consists of a room restored to its original appearance
(formerly the dining room of the Justice Minister’s official residence) which
retains the atmosphere of the Meiji era, and an adjacent room with brick walls,
and exhibits various historical documents and data on the modernization of
the judiciary and architectural modernization, as well as information on
promotion and publicity for the new justice system.
The Museum exhibits materials concerning the activities of
the old Ministry of Justice, including basic legislation
requiring urgent enactment in the first half of the Meiji era,
such as the laws concerning the organization of the judiciary
and criminal laws, and records of the contributions of the foreign government
advisors, in addition to displaying historical records of sensational cases in the
Meiji era as well as those related to the administration of justice.
In the Museum‐Message Gallery
Dining room of the old Justice Minister's official residence
G. Boissonade, a French jurist,
and a draft of the old Japanese
Penal Code
MoreFamiliar
Making the Ministry
ofJustice
The red‐brick building is the only building that still exists
among all the buildings constructed as part of the Central
Government Building Integration Project promoted by the
Meiji government, and exhibits materials concerning the
establishment of the building, which has now been designated as a cultural asset
symbolizing the modernization of Japanese architectural techniques, as well as
the project to remodel and restore it to its original appearance.
Visit
Ministry of Justice Museum
and the Message Gallery
Modernization
of the Judiciary
Architectural
Modernization51MakingtheMinistryofJustice
L o c a t i o n
A c c e s s
Open Days
Open Hours
Reservations
3F Ministry of Justice Red‐Brick Building,
1‐1‐1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda‐ku, Tokyo
From Monday to Friday/Free admission
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays,
the year‐end and New Year holidays)
From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(No admission after 5:30 p.m.)
Please make a reservation by phone or online when
arriving in a group of ten or more. Reservations will be
accepted three months in advance.
Please refer to Access on back cover page.
Let’s Visit the Ministry of Justice!
Visit
Visiting the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice provides tours on request from students and children to deepen their
understanding of the role and the duties of the Ministry. You can hear an explanation of the duties of the
Ministry, have your questions answered by officers, and take a look around the Ministry of Justice Museum
and the Message Gallery located inside the red‐brick building.
Briefing of their work Red‐Brick Building and Central Government Office No.6‐A
■しかくPublic Relations Office, Ministry of Justice
(Secretarial Division, Ministerʼs Secretariat) TEL:
03‐3580‐4111
Please check
the latest information
on events on
the Ministry of Justice
website.
Contact information for tours and events of the Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice
website
Letʼs Visit the
Ministry of Justice!
"Kids Room"
Materials related to the Saiban‐in (lay judge) system
and the Houterasu are also on display
We display materials about major public relations promoting deeper
understanding of the judicial system and the Ministry of Justice
among citizens, and currently exhibits materials relating to the
Saiban‐in (Lay Judge) System and the Japan Legal Support Center
(Houterasu) concerning the new judicial system.
Red brick and steel
Birth of the Red‐Brick Building
and Architectural Techniques
German architects
Left : W. Böckmann
Right : H. Ende
■しかくMinistry of Justice Museum(3F) Tel:
03‐3592‐7911
E‐mail:renga1@i.moj.go.jp
http://www.moj.go.jp/
housei/tosho‐tenji/
housei06̲00004.html
■しかくMinistry of Justice Website "Welcome to the
Ministry of Justice Museum and the Message
Gallery" (Japanese‐only)
ACTION!5252
MakingtheMinistryofJustice532019.4
2020.3>E v e n t Kasumigaseki Open Day for Children
(First Wed. and Thu. of August)
Collaboration show of the Ministry of Justice and Yoshimoto:
"Letʼs Learn about the Works of the Ministry of Justice!"
Photo session with the Ministry of Justice's mascots456789
MainWeeklyand MonthlyEvents
of the Ministry of Justice
●くろまるConstitution Week
Constitution Week (May 1‐7)
Every year, the week from May 1 to 7
around Constitution Day on May 3 is
designated as Constitution Week, with events
across the country designed to spread
knowledge and public understanding about
the spirit of the Constitution, the functions of
the justice system and other related matters.
(Co‐hosted by the Ministry of Justice, the
Supreme Court and the Japan Federation of
Bar Associations) ●くろまるIllegal Work Prevention
Campaign
●くろまるHuman Rights
Volunteers Day
Human Rights
Volunteers Day (June 1)
In commemoration of the
day of enactment of the
Human Rights Volunteers
Act (June 1, 1949), the 1st
of June was named Human
Rights Volunteers Day. Every year around
this day, Human Rights Volunteers carry out
activities nationwide by setting up ad‐hoc
centers for human rights counseling and
conducting activities for human rights
awareness‐raising.
●くろまるRecidivism Prevention
Awareness Month
●くろまるThe Brighter Society Campaign
The Brighter Society Cam
The power of community action to pr
delinquency, assisting in the rehabilita
The purpose of this nationwide c
people understand the importance o
and delinquency and rehabilitating of
the efforts of people in their respect
community to build a brighter socie
crime and delinquency. The highlight
variety of activities rooted in local com
each year across the country that ca
and understanding of the rehabilitation
Recidivism Prevention
Awareness Month (July)
Under Article 6 of the Recidivism
Prevention Promotion Act, July has been
d e s i g n a t e d R e c i d i v i s m P r e v e n t i o n
Awareness Month, with public awareness
events held to deepen interest and
understanding of recidivism prevention
among the wider public.
●くろまるKasumigaseki Open Day fo
●くろまるNationwide Children's Righ
Hotline Promotion Week
Poster
"Human rights volunteers"
The Ministry of Justice holds events for elementary and junior
high school students during summer vacation to deepen their
understanding of the Ministry. In FY 2018, the Ministry of Justice
provided some events that included a demonstration and
simulation of an interrogation by public prosecutors, the
collaborative program with the NHK TV program "Knock‐Out
Bullying", work experience of land surveying and work as
immigration officers. Original Handmade Eco‐bag Workshop, Learn
Human Rights session, and
the Kodomo Rakugo show
"Akarenga‐tei".
A mock interrogation session by public pro
White Paper on the Promotion
of Prevention of Re‐offending
MakingtheMinistryofJustice5354
Old Ministry of Justice Building
(Red‐Brick Building) tour101112123
Making the Ministry of Justice
More Familiar
mpaign (July)
revent crime and
ation of offenders
campaign is to help
of preventing crime
ffenders, combining
tive positions in the
ty that is free from
of this campaign is
mmunities held in July
all for cooperation in
n of offenders.
or Children hts●くろまるJapan Law Day (Japan Law Day Festa)
●くろまるNotarization Week
●くろまるNationwide Legal Affairs Bureau Holiday Counseling
Notarization Week
(October 1‐7)
Every year, the week from October 1 through 7 is
designated as Notarization Week, with public awareness
activities through newspapers and TV, posters, leaflets,
lecture meetings, and consultation services held
extensively throughout the country to publicize the
notary system.
(Hosted by Japan National Notaries Association, Supported
by the Ministry of Justice)
Japan Law Day Week (October 1‐7)
Japan Law Day Festa (First Sat. of October)
Japan Law Day originates from Judicial Memorial Day, created on October 1, 1928
to commemorate enactment of the Jury Law on October 1 of the previous year, and
on June 24, 1960, the Cabinet designated the 1st of October every year as Law Day,
with the week from October 1 to 7 as Japan Law Day Week. During this week, various
programs such as lectures, free legal counseling services and other related programs
are organized all across the country to promote respect for law, the protection of
fundamental human rights, and the establishment of an orderly society through the
rule of law. Every year, on the first Saturday of October, Ministry of Justice holds an
open day named "Japan Law Day Festa", and holds various programs there, so that
citizens may be encouraged to understand the importance and the role of law.
(Co‐hosted by the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court and the Japan Federation
of Bar Associations)
●くろまるHuman Rights Week
●くろまるThe North Korean Human
Rights Abuses Awareness Week
Human Rights Week
(December 4‐10)
The United Nations, at its 5th
General Assembly on December
4, 1950, invited all member
states to observe December 10
to celebrate the proclamation
of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights on this day in 1948,
Central Event "Rehabilitation Festival"
and to exert increasing efforts in the field of human
rights. In Japan, the week ending on December 10
each year was designated as Human Rights Week in
1949, the year following the adoption of the
Declaration, and awareness‐raising activities for
human rights have been carried out throughout the
country since then.
(Hosted by the Ministry of Justice and the National
Federation of Associations of Human Rights
Volunteers)
●くろまるNationwide Women's Rights Hotline Promotion Week
Poster "Human Rights Week"
An event during Human Rights Week
A mock court
osecutors
A public talk discussing the
theme "lowering the legal
age of adulthood"
MakingtheMinistryofJustice54検索
The Kids Room character Akarenga‐kun
This page is designed to give elementary and junior
high school children an easy‐to‐understand
introduction to the Ministry of Justice. When read
together with the Kids Room page on the Ministry
of Justice website, it provides an even deeper
understanding of the Ministry.
What are laws for? What is Kids Room ?
What kind of place is
the Ministry of Justice?
Kids Room is a website that introduces the Ministry of
Justice to elementary and junior high school students. The
What Kind of Place is the Ministry of Justice? and the Ministry
of Justice in Photographs sections use illustrations and
photographs to help explain the jobs of each department and
agency of the Ministry. Once you get a better understanding of
the Ministry, try taking the Ministry of Justice Quiz ! There is
also a children s human rights desk that provides counseling on
bullying and other issues.
The Ministry of Justice takes measures to make our society
safer and brighter.
For example, the Ministry makes the basic rules that help
people live with a feeling of safety. When someone commits a
crime, the Ministry educates him/her in prisons or in juvenile
training schools, or supports them to live in the community, so
that they can live a better life without committing another
crime.
In addition, the Ministry takes various measures to make
society a comfortable place to live in, such as investigating
human violation cases such as bullying, so that it will not
re‐occur, or conducting immigration examinations for both
Japanese and foreign nationals when they enter and depart
Japan.
Laws can make us happier.
Laws are rules that help us all live together through
cooperation and respect each other s individuality.
By protecting our rights and showing clearly what rules we
have to comply, laws make us possible to live and act freely and
enjoy a more fulfilling life.
There are more than 70 unique mascots that
reflect the regional characteristics and features of
each administrative agency of the Ministry of
Justice around the country, such as the Legal
Affairs Bureau, the Public Prosecutors Office and
the Probation Office, etc. Let us introduce some
of the mascots.
http://www.moj.go.jp/KIDS/index.html
Get information
in an easy‐to‐
understand
quiz format.
Jakkun of
Nagasaki District
Legal Affairs Bureau
Poppo‐chan of
Fukuoka Regional
Immigration Services Bureau
Akaruiine of
Osaka Probation Office
Katakkuri‐chan of Asahikawa Prison
Saitama Juvenile
Classification Home
Mascot Saikan‐kun
Rehabilitation penguins
Hogo‐chan & Sara‐chan
Appuri of
Aomori District Public
Prosecutors Office
Entora‐kun of
Osaka Regional
Immigration Services Bureau
Law‐Related Education mascot
Hourisu‐kun
The Kids Room character
「Dr.Brick」
Friends of the
Ministry of Justice
Have you learned
anything about
the Ministry of Justice?
Now, let s take a look at
what the Ministry of Justice
does in our daily lives!551 2 3
4 5 6107 8 9
11 12
Civil Affairs
Bureau
The Civil Affairs Bureau conducts work involving
registration, family registration, nationality,
deposit services, and notarization, as well as
manages and operates the Legal Affairs Bureau
and the District Legal Affairs Bureau, creates
bills on basic civil laws such as the Civil Code,
the Commercial Code and the Code of Civil
Procedure.
Rehabilitation
Bureau
The Rehabilitation Bureau is responsible for
giving life guidance and livelihood support in
cooperation with private citizens to offenders
and juvenile delinquents so that they are
rehabilitated in local communities and do not
turn to delinquency again, and is also
responsible for conducting crime prevention
activities such as "The Brighter Society
Campaign" and work related to parole from
prisons or juvenile training schools.
Immigration
Services Agency
The Immigration Services Agency is responsible
for work involved in examinations when
Japanese nationals or foreign nationals enter or
depart from Japan, proceedings for foreign
nationals staying in Japan, and deportation of
illegally staying foreign nationals. The Agency
is also responsible for proceedings for refugee
recognition when a foreign national seeks
asylum in Japan for fear of persecution in the
country of origin.
Public Security
Intelligence Agency
The Public Security Intelligence Agency works
to protect the safety of the country and the
citizens from organizations that assert them‐
selves with violence, such as terrorist organiza‐
tions. For example, the Agency is undertaking
an investigation into an organization called
Aum Shinrikyo, which committed indiscriminate
mass murder in the past, so that similar
incidents will never happen again.
Research and Training
Institute of the
Ministry of Justice
The Research and Training Institute of the
Ministry of Justice is responsible for compiling
the outcomes of the studies and research on
crimes in the White Paper on Crime as well as
providing training for the officials of the Minis‐
try of Justice. Also, the Institute helps create
laws for countries where laws are not yet well
established, as well as providing international
training for the prevention of crimes in cooper‐
ation with the United Nations.
Human Rights
Bureau
The Human Rights Bureau handles various
human rights problems regarding discrimination,
abuse, bullying, and violation of privacy, and
conducts activities such as human rights
counseling, and investigations and resolution of
human rights violation cases, as well as human
rights awareness‐raising in cooperation with
Human Rights Volunteers, who are private
citizens.
Criminal Affairs
Bureau
The Criminal Affairs Bureau plans and drafts
bills to inflict punishment on those who commit
crimes, asks for cooperation from foreign
countries and responds to requests for
cooperation from foreign countries to
investigate cases, as well as providing
assistance for the activities of the Public
Prosecutors Office.
Correction
Bureau
The Correction Bureau is responsible for giving
guidance or supervision to correctional institutions
such as prisons or juvenile training schools so that
treatment (such as security, prison work,
classification, assessment, education, medical
treatment, hygiene, etc.) of inmates is performed
properly, and is also responsible for conducting
research and studies on new treatment methods.
Litigation
Bureau
The Litigation Bureau conducts work as attor‐
neys for the national government, filing motions
with the court, making claims or bearing testi‐
mony on behalf of the national government in
lawsuits where the government is the plaintiff
or the defendant.
Public Security
Examination Commission
The Public Security Examination Commission is
responsible for fair investigations and neutral
d e c i s i o n s u p o n r e q u e s t f r o m t h e
Director‐General of the Public Security
Intelligence Agency for control measures
against subversive organizations that pose
threats to the safety of the country and the
citizens through violence.
Public Prosecutors
Office
The Public Prosecutors Office investigates
crimes in cooperation with the police and
decides whether or not to bring indictments
against criminals to the court, and when decid‐
ed, asks for proper punishment against crimi‐
nals by the court.
The Judicial System Department conducts a wide
range of work related to the judicial system,
including the structure of the court, measures to
make the court more accessible to the general
public, how to settle disputes by means other than
a trial, the lawyer system, and training of legal
professionals. The Department also promotes
efforts to enrich and develop law‐related education
so that all citizens can gain a good understanding
of the importance of laws and judicial process.
Judicial System
Department
The Ministry of Justice
is doing various work.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE WORK GUIDE
and you ll learn more !
Read together with The Ministry of Justice in our daily lives
The Ministry of Justice in our daily lives
MakingtheMinistryofJusticeMoreFamiliar
History of the Ministry of
Justice Building
ACCESS TO THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
この印刷物は、
印刷用の紙へ
リサイクルできます。
リサイ
クル適性 A
Central Government Office Complex No. 6‐A, which houses
the Ministry of Justice, consists of 21 floors and 4 basement
floors. The building is functionally divided into two zones: the
Ministry of Justice zone on the north side and the Public Prose‐
cutor Offices zone on the south side. The outer wall of the
building is covered with dignified red granite from Canada that
harmonizes well with the red‐brick walls.
The building was completed on June 30, 1990 as the new
Ministry of Justice building. During its construction, the preser‐
vation and restoration of the old Ministry of Justice building
(the present red‐brick building of the Central Government
Office Complex No. 6) was discussed, leading to the conclusion
that the building should be preserved and utilized. As the only
remaining historical building among the Central Government
Building Integration Project drawn up in the Meiji era, the
retention of the building is essential for the setting of the
Kasumigaseki district. The exterior was restored to its original
state.
The original red‐brick building, designed by the two German
architects W. Bockmann and H. Ende, was completed in
December of 1895 (the 28th year of Meiji) after about seven
years of construction to serve as the Ministry of Justice
building. The roofs and floors of the building were destroyed
by fire in March 1945 during World War II, but the red‐brick
walls remained intact. When the structure was renovated
through the restoration work conducted from 1948 to 1950,
some alterations were made in the materials and the shape of
the roof. The present red‐brick building has, however, been
restored completely to it original appearance in 1895, and its
exterior was designated as a national important cultural
property on December 27, 1994.
■しかくJR
■しかくMetro
Yamanote Line
Keihin Tohoku Line
10-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station
Yurakucho Line
1-minute walk from Sakuradamon Station
Marunouchi Line
Hibiya Line
3-minute walk from Kasumigaseki Station
Chiyoda Line
5-minute walk from Kasumigaseki Station
Toei Mita Line
6-minute walk from Hibiya Station▶▶▶▶▶▶▶Ministry of
Agriculture,
Foresty &
Fisheries
Ministy of Health,
Labour & Welfare
UchiboriStr.5A1SakuradamonSta.
Red-Brick
Building
Tokyo High Court
Mninistry of Internal
Affairs &
Communications
Metropolitan
Police Department
Public
Prosecutors
Of ceA10Hibiya Sta.
Hibiya Park
Hibiya Str.
Iwaida Str.
Kasumigaseki Sta.
KasumigasekiSta.KasumigasekiSta.Sakurada Str.
Ministry of
Justice
Website : http://www.moj.go.jp/index.html
Twitter @MOJ_HOUMU
YouTube MOJ Channel
1-1-1 Kasumigaseki Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8977
Tel. 03-3580-4111 Fax. 03-3592-7393
Published in 2019 by the Public Relations Of ce,
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE