Victim Protection
and Victim Support
"For Victims of Crime"
Public Prosecutors Office
https://www.kensatsu.go.jp/
We acknowledge that individuals who become victims of a crime and their
bereaved families may have various concerns regarding the conduct of criminal
proceedings, their available actions, and the support they can access.
When a crime has been committed, usually the police conduct an investigation,
and all cases are referred to the public prosecutor. Subsequently, the prosecutor
undertakes the necessary investigations, including questioning the suspects (i.e.,
individuals suspected of committing the crime and under investigation) and
witnesses. The prosecutor evaluates the evidence collected and decides whether
or not to proceed with prosecution. Further, when a case is brought to trial, the
prosecutor examines witnesses, makes a closing statement, and recommends a
sentence to ensure an appropriate punishment.
In order to carry out investigations and trials, cooperation from the victims is
essential. Victims assist the criminal justice process by agreeing to be
interviewed by the prosecutor and/or testifying at trial. Through such
cooperation, the truth will be revealed to realize the appropriate level of
punishment that aligns with the severity of the offense committed.
At the same time, it is not uncommon for victims, who face various difficulties
resulting from the crime, to be in need of appropriate support. The Public
Prosecutors Offices endeavor to protect and support victims by listening to their
needs and/or notifying them of the disposition of the case.
This brochure describes protection and support services for the victims of crime
or their bereaved family members offered by the Public Prosecutors Office in
accordance with each stage of the criminal justice process, including
investigation, trial, etc.
We hope that referencing this brochure on support services will be of some help
to crime victims or their bereaved family members.
Additionally, if you have any questions about this brochure, please use the Victim
Support Hotline listed on page 64 and inquire to the Victim Support Officers or
staff of the Public Prosecutors Office.
If you have any requests or questions concerning investigation and trial, please
consult with the public prosecutors at the nearest Public Prosecutors Office.
Introduction1 ●くろまる Can the Public Prosecutors Office explain to me about...thedisposition of the case? ........................... 15
●くろまる Can I inspect a case file on a non-prosecution case?
........................... 23
●くろまる Can names and other personal information be concealed
from the offender and others? ........................... 18
●くろまる I would like to participate in a trial of a case and
express my opinion. ..................... 28,32
●くろまる Can I receive information about the release from prison
of the offender in the case in which I became a victim?
........................... 43
●くろまる Is there any system to recover property damages?
........................... 52
●くろまる Where can I ask for advice about the harm caused
by crimes ? ..................... 10,11
Frequently asked questions
for victims 2 Course of Criminal Proceedings... ...................................................... 4
1. The Public Prosecutors Office and the Course of Criminal Proceedings... ... 6
1 Public prosecutors offices and public prosecutors... .............................. 6
2 Criminal investigations... ........................................................................ 6
3 Dispositions of cases.............................................................................. 7
4 Trial...
...................................................................................................... 8
5 Enforcement of the Court's decision ...................................................... 9
2. General Victim Support Services...
................................................... 10
1 Victim Support Officers...
........................................................................ 10
2 Victim Support Hotline... ........................................................................ 11
3 Victim Notification System... .................................................................. 15
3. Protection of Information on Crime Victims... ................................. 18
1 Concealment of names and other information during the investigation stage...... 18
2 Protection of information during trials and after the judgement is given...... 18
4. Victim Support During the Investigation Stage...
..............................20
1 Reports made by victims to the police, complaint and accusation..................... 20
2 Criminal investigation.............................................................................. 21
3 Disposition of the case (the decision to prosecute or not)...
..................... 22
4 Inspection of non-prosecution case files... ............................................. 23
5. Victim Support During Trials... .........................................................24
1 Examination of witnesses........................................................................ 24
2 Attending trials....................................................................................... 27
3 Victim participation system..................................................................... 28
4 Expression of victim's feelings and opinions.......................................... 32
5 Delivery of opening statement documents... .......................................... 33
6 Inspection and photocopying of trial case records... .............................. 33
7 Settlement in criminal proceedings......................................................... 34
8 Restitution Order.................................................................................... 35
6. Victim Support Related to Juvenile Hearings...
....................................37
1 Inspection and photocopying of juvenile offense case records..................... 38
2 Hearing of victim's opinion... .................................................................. 39
3 Victim's attendance at the juvenile hearing... .......................................... 39
4 Explanation of the circumstance of the hearing to the victim... ............... 39
5 Hearing Results Notification Scheme...................................................... 40
6 Victim Notification System (after the juvenile hearing)... ........................ 40
7. Victim Support in Relation to Hearings under the Act on Medical Care
and Treatment for Persons Who Have Caused Serious Cases Under
the Condition of Insanity.............................................................................. 41
8. Procedures After Trial... ..................................................................43
1 Information to be notified regarding the offender’
s treatment in prison
and when he will be released from prison...
............................................. 43
2 Returning evidence................................................................................. 47
3 Attending the site of destruction of evidence.......................................... 48
4 Inspection of records of finalized case... ................................................ 48
5 The System for victims' sentiments hearing and communicating in correctional institutions...... 48
6 Opinion hearing system in parole examination ....................................... 50
7 Victims' sentiments hearing system and Communication system of victims’
sentiments to probationers... .................................................................. 51
9. Other Forms of Victim Support...
......................................................52
1 Procedure for payment based on the recovery of the victim's property... ... 52
2 Benefit system for crime victims... ......................................................... 56
3 Civil actions...
.......................................................................................... 57
4 Priority of moving into public housing...................................................... 58
5 Protection of trafficking victims............................................................... 59
6 Victim support offered by relevant organizations and entities.................. 60
List of offenses eligible for victim support services... ........................62
Victim Support Hotline Telephone and Fax Numbers...........................64
TableofContents1234567893
Investigation
▲さんかく
Victim support during the investigation stage
⇨ page 20‐
▲さんかく
The Public Prosecutors Office and
the course of criminal proceedings ⇨ page 6‐
▲さんかく
General victim support services ⇨ page 10‐
▲さんかく
Protection of Information on Crime Victims ⇨ page 18‐
Non‐
prosecution
Request
for trial
Request for
summary order
Investigation
Police, etc.
Public prosecutor
Indictment
Course of Criminal Proceedings 4 Trial After trial
▲さんかく
Victim support during trials
⇨ page 24‐
▲さんかく
Procedures after trial
⇨ page 43‐
* In a case
of judgment
of conviction
Trial
Court
decision
Summary
order
Enforcement of the Court
s decision
Release upon completion of the sentence
or by receiving parole, etc.
* If the suspect is a juvenile (under twenty years old), the case will be sent once to the Family
Court. If the Family Court decides that criminal punishment is appropriate, the case is
referred to the Public Prosecutors Office and, as a rule, the suspect will be indicted
afterwards. As for other cases, the Family Court will decide proper treatment including
probation and treatment in a reformatory.5 1 Public prosecutors offices and public prosecutors
There are four levels of Public Prosecutors Office, which correspond to each
level of the court: the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office (Tokyo), High Public
Prosecutors Offices (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sendai,
Sapporo and Takamatsu), District Public Prosecutors Offices (at prefectural
capitals, Hakodate, Asahikawa and Kushiro) and Local Public Prosecutors
Offices (at municipalities throughout Japan).
Each public prosecutor is affiliated with one of the Public Prosecutors Offices
and strives to uphold social justice as a representative of public interests.
Their primary objective is to uncover the truth in cases through investigations
and trials, ensuring that offenders are appropriately punished. In addition,
public prosecutor's assistant officers work at Public Prosecutors Offices to
assist prosecutors.
2 Criminal investigations
Typically, when a crime occurs, the police carry out an investigation, arrest
the suspect, and then refer the case to the Public Prosecutors Office. The
Public Prosecutors Office collects statements from the victim and witnesses,
interrogates the suspect, and, after completing investigation, decides
whether to prosecute the case (bring it to court) or not. In the case of a
crime committed by a juvenile, the Public Prosecutors Office refers the case
to the Family Courts along with a recommendation for treatment.
Public prosecutor
Public prosecutor's assistant officer
Victim
1. The Public Prosecutors Office and 6 3 Dispositions of cases
After the investigation is completed, a public prosecutor makes a decision on
whether to prosecute or not.
Prosecution by the public prosecutor includes a request for trial, held in a
courtroom, and a request for a summary order, where a criminal fine or
petty fine is imposed through the examination of documentary evidence
without a trial.
Reasons for non-prosecution include"insufficient suspicion,"where the
evidence is insufficient to prove an offense;"suspension of prosecution,"
where an offense is provable but prosecution is deemed unnecessary in light
of the character, age, and environment of the suspect, the gravity of the
offense, the circumstances or situation after the offense (including the motive
of the offense, the suspect’
s remorse, and other relevant facts used to
determine disposition); and"criminal insanity,"where the suspect’
s mental
state impedes their ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and they
are judged to be not criminally responsible for their actions.
Victim's feelings The suspect's
character and age
The suspect's
previous
convictions
The suspect's
remorse
Recovery of
damages
Seriousness
of the harm
caused
the Course of Criminal ProceedingsThePublic
Prosecutors
Officeandthe
CourseofCriminal
Proceedings17
4 Trial
The public prosecutor will attend the trial to prove that the defendant
(person who has been indicted) has committed the offense by requesting and
conducting examination of evidence including witness testimonies.
The public prosecutor, after examining the evidence, will make a
recommendation as to the degree of punishment. After considering the
opinions of the public prosecutor and the defense counsel, the court will
render its sentencing judgment. The sentence will include imprisonment with
work and imprisonment without work. Execution of the sentence may be
suspended, depending on the circumstances of the case.
If the public prosecutor believes the court made a wrong judgment about the
facts or the sentencing, the public prosecutor may appeal the case.Q1A
What is the saiban-in (lay judge) system?
The saiban-in system involves selected individuals from the public,
with voting rights, participating in criminal trials held at district
courts for certain serious cases (homicide, robbery causing death or
injury, non-consensual sexual intercourse causing death or injury,
dangerous driving causing death or injury, etc.) to determine
whether the defendant is guilty or not and, if found guilty, to
determine the sentence with professional judges.Q2A
I worry that if one of the s aib an - in
participants is someone I know, he/she will
learn about my involvement in the case. Are
accommodations made in this case?
A public prosecutor makes accommodations that acquaintances of
the victim are not to be appointed as Saiban-in in communication
and cooperation with trial-related parties.
1. The Public Prosecutors Office and
the Course of Criminal Proceedings 8 5 Enforcement of the Court's decision
The public prosecutor supervises and directs the enforcement of the Court's
decision (e.g., imprisonment, fine, etc.)
* Trial is open to public.
Judge
Public prosecutor
Court clerk
Defense counsel
Witness
Saiban-in (lay judges)
Saiban-in (lay judges)
Defendant
Spectator
A picture of a courtroom (a saiban-in trial)ThePublic
Prosecutors
Officeandthe
CourseofCriminal
Proceedings19
1 Victim Support Officers
People never expect that they or their family members will become a victim
to a crime.
If you do become a victim to a crime, you may be overwhelmed by the
sudden incident. However, we would like to ask your cooperation to the best
of your ability in giving a statement or testifying in court.
You may be at a loss for direction, and you may feel anxious during the
criminal proceedings, but you don't know who you can talk to.
To help ease the worries and burdens of victims and their bereaved family
members, Victim Support Officers are available at District Public Prosecutors
Offices throughout Japan.
Victim Support Officers offer support through activities such as responding
to victim's questions, guiding and accompanying the victims in the
courthouse and helping them with the access of the case records or have
the evidence return to them. Victim Support Officers can also introduce
victims to organizations that provide psychological, economic and other
forms of support, according to the victim's needs.
Consultation
Support
Procedures
2. General Victim Support Services 10 2 Victim Support Hotline
The Victim Support Hotline has been set up in all District Public Prosecutors
Officers throughout Japan to provide easy access for victims seeking advice
or inquiries on the case. It is also possible to use Victim Support Hotline via
fax as well as by telephone. The Hotline's answering machines and fax are
available at night and during holidays as well.
Telephone numbers for Victim Support Hotlines in Public Prosecutors Offices
throughout Japan can be found on page 64"Victim Support Hotline
Telephone and Fax Numbers."
Victim Support Hotline
General
Victim
Support
Services211 Q1A
How can I ask the Public Prosecutors Office
for advice?
Please call the Victim Support Hotline in the nearest Public
Prosecutors Office. The Victim Support Officer will respond to you. It
will be better to call us first and share your concerns beforehand
even if you prefer to seek advice in person.
After hearing your concerns, we can provide you with information
and advice or introduce you to other support organizations that will
address your concern.Q2A
What do victim support officers do?
They are officers at the Public Prosecutors Office who have much
experience in supporting victims.
They received a specialized training to provide thoughtful support
empathizing with the victims, so please do not hesitate to ask them
for advice.
2. General Victim Support Services 12 Q3AWhat kind of advice can the Public
Prosecutors Office offer?
The officers can give advice to crime victims and their bereaved family
members regarding all kinds of criminal procedures. For instance,
they can explain all kinds of procedures or offer a helping hand, if
they want to inspect the case records or want the evidence back.
If the Victim Support Officers cannot help your query, they will
introduce you to an organization that can respond your request.
If you have any questions, problems, or concerns, please feel free to
contact them.Q5A
Can you introduce me to organizations other
than the Public Prosecutors Office that can
offer support?
Victims need various kinds of
support, including psychological,
financial and lifestyle-related. When
necessary, we will introduce you to
the appropriate organization to
help you.Q4A
Is personal information, for example, the
content of the consultation in the Public
Prosecutors Office, kept confidential?
All personal information is kept strictly confidential.
Psychological
support*Victim Support Officers introduce victims
to appropriate organizations.
Financial
support
Lifestyle-related
support
General
Victim
Support
Services213 Q6A
I attended the trial, but I didn't understand
w h at w a s g o ing o n . C a n t h e Pub li c
Prosecutors Office explain to me the court
procedures?
If you have any questions about the court procedures or other
criminal procedures, please ask a Victim Support Officer.Q7A
I am afraid that, if I give a statement that I was
victimized or testify about that at the court,
the offender will want to retaliate against me.
Only victims can reveal the truth of the harm caused by crimes. If
offenders go unpunished, they might commit another offense, making
someone a new victim. So, please find the nerve to support the
investigation and trial. In order to prevent retaliations by the
perpetrators, the Public Prosecutors Office will appropriately utilize
systems set forth by laws and have close contact with the police to
make necessary arrangements.
Hold on!
2. General Victim Support Services 14 3 Victim Notification System
Public Prosecutors Offices understand that victims and their family members
have a strong interest in the matters, such as how the case has been
disposed, how the trial has been conducted, what does the offender do in
the prison now. Also, many witnesses involved in the procedure may be
interested in the disposition of the case or the trial.
Accordingly, the Public Prosecutors Office has established the Victim
Notification System. This is to provide as much information as possible to the
victims and their family members, such as how the case has been disposed,
what is the outcome of the trial, how the offender is treated in prison, and
when they will be released.
Also, our Office provides as much information as possible to a witness, such
as the disposition of the case, outcome of the trial, and when the offender
will be released, upon their request.
* Information is notified by
means such as telephone
and mail.
Please tell me
about the
disposition
of the case.
We have indicted
him/her on such
a date to the AB
court.
General
Victim
Support
Services215 Q1A
Who can receive notifications?
The people who can receive notifications are:
a. 
Victims, their families, co-habitants, fiancés (fiancées), and others
in a quasi-family relationship or their agents who are attorneys-at-
law are eligible recipients.
b. 
Witnesses (excluding some notifications)Q2A
What information is included in a notification?
The following information will be included in the notification:
a. 
Disposition of the case (Indictment, Request for summary order,
Non-prosecution, Referral to Family Courts, etc.,)
b. 
Venue and time of the trial
c. 
The results of the trial (conclusion section of the judgment, status
on appeal etc.,)
d. 
Particulars corresponding to items a) - c) such as the offender’scustody status, the fact that the prosecutor has charged, summary
of the grounds for non-prosecution.
e. 
Particulars concerning the offender after the conviction is finalized
(please refer to page 43 for details).
f. The fact that the offender was executed by death penalty.
The status of an offender means whether the offender has been
released or not (including bail status), and the facts that a
prosecutor has charged means the facts that were included in the
indictment in a criminal case.
However, the summary of the grounds
for non-prosecution, the particulars
concerning the offender after
conviction is finalized (excluding the
scheduled date of release on
completion of the sentence and the
date when the offender was actually
released), and/or the fact that the
offender was executed by death
penalty will be only notified to
victims, their family members, and
persons equivalent thereto.
Notification
* For notification after juvenile trials,
please refer to page 40.
2. General Victim Support Services 16 Q3AAre notification always provide when
requested?
In cases where, the public prosecutor decides that it would be best
not to issue notifications, even if victims and others want to receive
them, notifications may contain only partial information or there may
be no notifications at all.Q4A
How do I received notifications?
Please tell the public prosecutor or public prosecutor's assistant
officer in charge, or Victim Support Officers that you would like to
receive notifications, and what notifications you would like to receive.
You will receive the requested notifications by telephone, mail or
other means.
When public prosecutors interview a victim or other witness, they
ask whether the victim or witness desires notifications and, if so,
what information. With regard to particulars concerning the offender
after conviction is finalized (item e. of Q2) and the fact that the
offender was executed by death penalty (item f. of Q2), a form to
request notification of such information (items e. and f. of Q2) will be
sent only to those who have requested notification of a judicial
decision that became final and binding, when it is sent. However,
with regard to the particulars concerning the status of the offender,
etc., (item d. of Q2), generally a public prosecutors will not ask
whether you wish to receive notifications or not. So, if you so wish,
please let the public prosecutor-in-charge know which particulars
you wish to be notified.
Witnesses may also receive notification; therefore, if you would like
to receive notifications from the Public Prosecutors Office, please
inform the public prosecutor to that effect.
I'd like to receive
notifications,
please.
Certainly.
General
Victim
Support
Services217 QA
What kind of cases, other than sexual offenses,
are eligible for concealment?
Cases eligible for concealment, in addition to sexual offenses, include
those where the acquisition of personal identification information by
the suspect may seriously affect the reputation or peaceful social life
of the victim (including the victim’
s spouse, direct family, or siblings
in cases where the victim is deceased or is suffering serious mental
or physical disability). Additionally, cases in which such acquisition
may pose a risk to the body or property of the victim or their
relative, or cause threats or disconcert, are also eligible.
When arresting and detaining a suspect, an arrest warrant and a detention
warrant need to be presented to the suspect. These warrants describe the
outline of the offense and may contain information such as the victim’
s name,
which can identify the individual (
"personal identification information").However, for sexual offenses and certain other cases, the presentation of the
warrants can be made without the personal identification information.
In principle, criminal trials are held in open court. However, the court can
decide not to disclose the names and other information of victims of sexual
and other offenses in open court. In such cases, proceedings, including the
reading of the indictment and the examination of witnesses, will be carried
out without disclosing the information to be kept secret.
In criminal procedures, information such as victims’names and addresses,
which can identify the individual, is handled.
For sexual offenses and certain other cases, a system has been established
to conceal and protect such information from suspects and defendants from
the investigation and after the judgement is given.1Concealment of names and other information
during the investigation stage2Protection of information during trials and
after the judgement is given
3. Protection of Information on 18 Q1AHow is information kept secret in open court?
If it is decided that information must be kept secret, a temporary
name, for example,"Ms. A"is determined among those involved in
the trial, and this name is used in the courtroom.Q3A
I am worried about the extent to which my
information is protected.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask the
public prosecutor in charge for advice.Q2A
Are names and other information disclosed to
the defense counsel without exception?
If merely establishing conditions in which the defense counsel is
prohibited from disclosing information to the accused might not
suffice to prevent significant harm to the victim’
s reputation, peaceful
social life, or harm to the body and property of the victim or their
relatives, it is also an option to withhold personal identification
information from the defense counsel, unless such a measure
substantially harms the defense of the defendant.
During criminal trials, a certified copy of the indictment describing the details
of the offense is sent to the defendant and the defense counsel. Furthermore,
documentary evidence is disclosed to them, and they are given the
opportunity to know the names and addresses of witnesses. However, in the
case of sexual and certain other offenses, conditions may be established
wherein the personal identification information of victims is not disclosed to
the defendant. The defense counsel is prohibited from disclosing such
information to the defendant unless such concealment may substantially
harm the defense of the defendant.
Furthermore, in the post-judgement stage, there is a system to prevent the
disclosure of personal identification information kept secret during the trials
to the defendant through delivering a certified copy of the judgment
document.
Crime Victims3ProtectionofInformationonCrime
Victims19 1
Reports made by victims to the police,
complaint and accusation
When someone falls victim to a crime, they can report the incident to the
investigating authorities by submitting an incident report. Such reporting
usually initiates an investigation. In addition, victim can file a complaint
seeking punishment of the offender by reporting the facts of the crime to the
investigating authorities. People other than the victim can make accusations
seeking punishment of the offender also by reporting the facts of the offense
to the investigating authorities.
In cases of defamation or other such offenses classified in Japanese law as
crime indictable upon a complaint, the victim needs to submit a formal
complaint for the offender to be criminally prosecuted.
Although sexual offenses such as non-consensual sexual intercourse are not
classified as crimes indictable upon a complaint (*), public prosecutors
endeavor to consider the sentiments of victims, carefully assessing their
intentions, in determining whether to prosecute a case.
*Before the law revision in 2017, sexual offenses such as rape had been
classified as crime indictable upon a complaint.
The victim can withdraw the complaint up until the offender is prosecuted
but cannot file the complaint again once he/she has withdrawn it.
4. Victim Support During the Investigation 20 2 Criminal investigation
Investigations will commence with the arrest of the suspect. On other
occasions, investigations will commence without an arrest. When the police
arrest a suspect, they must refer the case to the public prosecutor within 48
hours. If the public prosecutor decides that it is necessary to detain the
suspect to prevent the suspect from absconding or destroying evidence,
they will make a request for detention to the court. Although the detention
period is ten days, in the case of unavoidable circumstances, a further ten-
day extension will be permitted. The public prosecutor will usually carry out
an investigation during this detention period and will make a decision
whether or not to prosecute. Cooperation from the victim, such as agreeing
to be interviewed, is essential, as the victim is most familiar with the incident
in question. Even when the police have already conducted the interview,
please understand that sometimes the public prosecutor needs to confirm
the information directly to dispose the case. The public prosecutor will be
considerate of the emotions and the reputation of the victim during such
interviews.
Arrest and detention period
For two months from the day of prosecution,
renewed each month thereafter
Arrest
Detention
Decision to prosecute or not
Detention is remanded after indictment
Case is referred to the public prosecutor
within 48 hours
10 days
A maximum of 10 days
Detention
extension
Stage
Victim
Support
DuringtheInvestigation
Stage421
3 Disposition of the case (the decision to prosecute or not)
When the investigation is completed, the public prosecutor decides whether
to prosecute the case. Decision of non-prosecution can be reported to the
Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution for review. Alternatively, for crimes
including abuses of authority by a public officer, a request to commit the
case to a court for trial can be made to the District Court having jurisdiction.QA
How do I make a request to the Committee for
the Inquest of Prosecution regarding non-
prosecution decisions?
When a public prosecutor decides to not prosecute an offense, victims or
accusers can request the Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution to
conduct an inquest. Victims' bereaved family members can also make such
request.
Additionally, people making such request can submit legal opinions and
other documentation to the Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution.
The Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution will conduct an inquest into
the case submitted to them, and will decide whether non-prosecution is
appropriate. If decision is rendered as it is appropriate to prosecute or non-
prosecution decision was inappropriate, the public prosecutor will reopen
the investigation. If the Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution decides
that it is appropriate to prosecute and the public prosecutor decides on
non-prosecution disposition as a result of re-investigation, the Committee
may reexamine the case and render the decision to prosecute the case. If
such decision were rendered, the attorney designated by the Court will
prosecute the case and will play the role of a public prosecutor in trial
proceedings. The Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution is located in the
district courthouses, so please ask at the district courthouse about
procedures to make inquest requests. (For details, please see the website
of the court.)
Victim's
bereaved
family
Inquest Request Committee for
the Inquest of
Prosecution
4. Victim Support During the Investigation Stage 22 4 Inspection of non-prosecution case files
As a general rule, the records of cases that prosecutors have decided not to
prosecute are not available for inspection. However, the prosecutor's office
has been granting requests from courts undertaking related civil actions, and
bar associations for evidence, such as examination reports of traffic accidents.
Victims of cases subject to the victim participation system (refer to page 28)
can also inspect such records as the examination report, even for the
purpose of"understanding the details of the case"if it will not obstruct the
investigations or trials and will not infringe the privacy of those involved.
Furthermore, the inspection of records such as the examination report is
also allowed for victims of cases not subject to the victim participation
system, if it is deemed necessary to exercise their rights to claim
compensation for damages or other rights under the condition that it will not
obstruct investigations and trials and will not infringe the privacy of those
involved.
Restitutions
Traffic accident
Examination report
Victim
Support
DuringtheInvestigation
Stage423 Q1A
I explained what happened to the police and
the prosecutor and made a statement. Do I
really have to testify again in court?
Generally, the law provides that the written statement at the police
station or the Public Prosecutors Office cannot be submitted to the
court as evidence if the defendant makes an objection. In such
situation, it is necessary for the victim or the witness to testify at
trial to prove the circumstances of the case. In addition, it is often
better to have the judges and saiban-in (lay judges) hear the victims
directly so that they can better understand the victim's suffering. We
hope you will understand why we ask the victim or the eyewitness to
testify.Q2A
I was the victim of a sex crime, and I am very
nervous about testifying in front of my
defendant. Can you help me?
The Court may make a decision to take the following measures to
ease the burden of those who testify in court, which may be taken in
combination:
1. Accompanying person.
2. Screens to hide witness giving testimony.
3. Testimony over video link.
After the public prosecutor has made the indictment, trial will take place in
court. The public prosecutor will submit evidence to prove the case and will
examine the witnesses to seek fair punishment.
1 Examination of witnesses
In order to prove the offense, witnesses are called to testify in court. For
example, victims will be asked to testify about the harm they have suffered
and their feelings toward the defendant. Eyewitnesses will be asked about
the crime or the accident they witnessed.
5. Victim Support During Trials 24 Victims of sexual offenses,
Children, and other
people sometimes feel
great nervousness or
a n x i e t y w h e n t h e y
testify in a criminal
court. To ease such
feelings, family members,
psychological counselors
or others person can
accompany the witness
during testifying.
T o l e s s e n t h e
psychological pressure
people sometimes feel
when testifying in front
of the defendants or a
spectator, a witness
can be screened off
from the defendant and
spectator when he/she
gives testimony so that
the witness can remain
focused.
Judges
Judges
Public prosecutor
Public prosecutor
Court clerk
Court clerk
Defense counsel
Defense counsel
Saiban-in (lay judges)
Saiban-in (lay judges)
Saiban-in (lay judges)
Saiban-in (lay judges)
Defendant
Defendant
Spectator
Spectator
Witness
Witness
Accompanying person
Witness screen
Accompanying persons
Witness screen
Victim
Support
During
Trials525
Victims of sexual offense and others who would experience significant
psychological stress to appear in front of a court can sit in a separate room
in order to ease their stress during testifying. This room will be connected by
a cable to the courtroom, allowing the witness to give testimony over a
monitor.
※(注記)The Court can in some case allow the witness
to sit in a room in another courthouse and
give testimony over video.
Judges
Public prosecutor
Court clerk
Defense counsel
Saiban-in (lay judges) Saiban-in (lay judges)
Defendant
Spectator
Court attendant
Witness
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
Cable
Testimony by video link
5. Victim Support during Trials 26 QAHow do the priority attendance systems for
victims and others work?
In cases of high public concern where a large spectator is expected
to attend the trial, admission tickets must be allocated by drawing
lots.
However, the Court gives as much consideration as possible to
securing seating for victims, their bereaved family members and
other such persons.
In the case victims or their bereaved family members wish to attend
the trial and a large spectator is expected, please consult in advance
with the Court, the public prosecutor, public prosecutor's assistant
officer or victim support officers handling the case.
2 Attending trials
Since trials take place in public courtrooms, spectators can attend them.
There is a system that gives victims and their bereaved family's priority
attendance at trials.
Attendance
ticket
Victim
Support
During
Trials527 Q1A
Who is eligible?
Victims of intentional criminal acts such as murder, bodily injury, or
dangerous driving causing death or injury, as well as victims of non-
consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual indecency, unlawful
capture/confinement, or negligent driving causing bodily injury or
death. Additionally, a spouse, direct families, or siblings of victims
who are deceased or suffer serious mental or physical damage are
included.Q2A
What is the procedure to participate
in criminal trials?
The law provides that victims and their bereaved families are to
notify the public prosecutor of their intent to request to use the
victim participation system, in advance. The public prosecutor will
notify the Court along with the opinion on whether the victim should
participate.Q3A
Will participation be guaranteed if requested?
If the Court, after hearing opinions of the defendant and the defense
counsels and considering the nature of the crime, relations with the
defendant, and other circumstances, deems that the person should
be permitted, he or she can participate in the criminal trial as a
victim participant. Even in cases where a person has been permitted
to participate, not all procedures are open for participation.
3 Victim participation system
The victim participation system offers victims or their bereaved family
members of certain cases the opportunity to participate in criminal trials by
attending trials and questioning the defendants.
Victims and their bereaved family members who are allowed to participate
in criminal trials are called"victim participants."
5. Victim Support during Trials 28 Q4AWhat can victim participants do in criminal
trials?a. They can, as a general rule, be seated next to the public prosecutor
and attend the court on trial date.
b. They can state their opinions and ask for explanation concerning the
public prosecutor's activities, such as the request of examination of
evidence, closing statement and sentencing recommendation.
c. They can question mitigating witnesses concerning matters
necessary to test the probative value of their testimony.
d. They can question the defendant when deemed necessary in stating
their opinions.
e. After the evidence has been examined, they can state their opinion
in court with regard to the facts or the application of laws.
*1 Final opinion stated by the public prosecutor with regard to the facts or the application
of laws as a result of examination of evidence.
*2 Final opinion stated by the defense counsels with regard to the facts or the application
of laws as a result of examination of evidence.
*3 Even where the case is appealed, the victim participation system is available with the
permission of the court. However, the extent of participation allowed may differ. In
addition, a request for participation and notification of delegation to an attorney
should be conducted again, so please ask the public prosecutor in charge of the case.
*4 Specific facts described in the indictment as criminal facts by the public prosecutor.
Outline of the system for crime victims participating in criminal trials
Request for participation
by victims
Permission by the court
Reading
of the
indictment
Examination
of witnesses
Closing
argument(*2)Closing
statement(*1)
and sentencing
recommendation
Questioning
of defendant
Victim
participation system
a. They can attend the court and be seated on each trial date.
b. They can state their opinions and ask for explanation
concerning the public prosecutor s activities.
c. They can examine
mitigating
witnesses to test
the probative
value of their
testimony.
d. They can
question the
defendant when
it is necessary
to state their
opinions.
e. They can state their
opinions within the
scope of the
count(*4)
with regard
to the facts or the
application of laws.
Indictment
Judgment
Appeal(*3)
Victim
Support
During
Trials529 Q5A
When using the victim participation system, can
participants receive attorney assistance?
When victims participate in trials, they can receive the assistance of
attorneys (participating victims’attorneys). For participants who
need financial help, a system in which the court appoints attorneys
for participating victims and the national government bears the
remuneration and costs for the attorneys (court-appointed attorney
system for participating victims) will be available.
In cases where victim participants request the assistance of an
attorney, the public prosecutor will attend the trial in communication
and cooperation with the attorney for victim participants.Q6A
When can victim participants use
state-appointed attorney services?
Participating victims can request the appointment of a court-
appointed attorney for participating victims from the court when
they intend to entrust to the attorney acts such as attending trials
and questioning the defendant. The appointment is applicable if their
financial resources (cash, deposits with banks, etc. If any medical
treatment costs incurred by the criminal acts are to be paid within
six months, such costs will be deducted) are less than 2 million yen.
Should you require the appointment of an attorney, please ask the
Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu). (Please refer to page 60
for contact information, etc.)Q7A
When using the victim participation system, can
participants receive payment of travel expenses, etc.?
There is a system where the Japan Legal Support Center
(Houterasu) will pay for travel expenses, daily allowance and other
expenses (travel expenses, etc. paid for victim participants) to
participants in criminal trials using the victim participation system.
Financial resources
Base amount
Total assets including
cash and deposits
Costs
Costs for treatment to be paid due
to the harm of crime suffered, etc.
Period to be counted for costs
(from the day the participant requested
the appointment of an attorney)
Within six months
Base amount
Less than
2 million yen
( ー )<5. Victim Support during Trials 30 Q10A
When is the claim deadline?
Claims must be made within 30 days from the finalization of the trial.Q8A
In what cases is the payment receivable?
Participating victims can receive the payment when they attend a
trial on the trial date. However, they cannot receive it in cases where
they just observe a trial in the spectator seating or simply express
their feelings and opinions in court as"victims, etc."(refer to page32).Q9AHow dose one submit a claim?
Please fill out a"Claim for Participating Victim Travel Expenses Form,"
which can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Justice
or the Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu). (Please see page 61
or the back cover for URLs and other information.) Then, please
submit the form together with the necessary documents to the Court
when you attend a trial. For detailed information of the system and
how to fill out the form, please see the"Notice of travel expenses,
etc. paid for participating victims"and"How to fill out the form for
travel expenses, etc. paid for victim participants"posted on the
websites of the Ministry of Justice and Houterasu.
Travel and other expenses are paid
Victim
Support
During
Trials531 QA
How can victims express their feelings and
opinions in court?
When victims or their bereaved family members wish to express
their feelings or opinions about the harm they suffered, they can do
so in court.
In this way, the trial can proceed more clearly in line with the feelings
and wishes of the victims. Also, by giving the defendant the
opportunity to directly hear the feelings and opinions of victims or
their bereaved family members, he/she is forced to reflect on his/
her actions.
Victims' family members are allowed to express their opinions not
only when the victims are deceased, but also when the victim suffer
serious damage mentally or physically. Should you wish to express
your opinion, please ask the public prosecutor in charge.
Please refer to page 28 for systems of victims’and bereaved families’
participation in criminal trials.
4 Expression of victim's feelings and opinions
This is a procedure which allows victims or their bereaved family members
to express their feelings and opinions in court.
Request Notification
Notification of the date.
Victims,
their bereaved
families, etc.
Public
prosecutor
Court
5. Victim Support during Trials 32 Q1AHow can victims inspect and photocopy trial
case records?
If victims or their bereaved family members make a request, they are, as a
general rule, allowed to inspect and photocopy the trial case records that
are kept in court during the criminal case, unless such request is deemed
to be made on unreasonable grounds or is acknowledged as inappropriate.
Should you require such access to trial case records, please ask the court.
Victims and their bereaved families are also allowed to inspect and
photocopy the trial case records of other criminal cases committed by the
defendant similar to the case they suffered, if it is acknowledged as
necessary to make a claim for damages, and appropriate. Should you
require such access to trial case records, please ask the public prosecutor
or public prosecutor's assistant officer in charge or Victim Support Officers.Q2A
Does the system allow for inspection and
photocopying of all trial case records?
Inspection and photocopying of trial case records may be restricted
if the Court finds that there is an obstacle in the course of the trial
or a threat of invading the privacy of the relevant parties.
5 Delivery of opening statement documents
Victims and their bereaved families naturally have a strong interest in the facts
the public prosecutor intends to prove in court.
Accordingly, if the victim or their bereaved family so desires, a written opening
statement (revealing the facts the public prosecutor intends to prove at the
beginning of the trial) will be delivered, as a general rule, once the opening
statement is completed. Should you desire such documents, please ask the
public prosecutor in charge of the case or a Victim Support Officer.
6 Inspection and photocopying of trial case records
Victims and their bereaved families can inspect and photocopy records made
during the trial.
Victim
Support
During
Trials533 QA
What is a settlement in a criminal proceeding?
Upon request, where an out-of-court settlement has been reached
between the defendant and the victim, his or her bereaved family
members and/or other parties concerning a civil claim for loss or
damages relating to the offense, the criminal court handling the
criminal offense can enter details of such agreement into trial
records.
This entry into the trial records has the same effect as agreement
reached during civil proceedings.
Should the defendant fail to keep the terms of the settlement and fail
to pay the compensation, the victim, his or her bereaved family
member or other parties can, without starting a civil action, use the
entry in the trial records and initiate compulsory execution of the
settlement.
For certain serious offenses, a claim for damages against the
defendant can be filed with a criminal court. (For details, please
refer to"Restitution order"on page 35.)
* Please refer to page 57 for information about ordinary civil actions.
7 Settlement in criminal proceedings
In criminal procedure, there is also a settlement procedure with the same
effects as in civil proceedings.+Reaching settlement
Entry into trial records
Non‐payment by defendant
Trial records
Compulsory execution
Non‐payment by defendant
Civil action
Judgment in favor of plaintiffs
(victim/victim s family)
Procedure not using this system
Procedure using this system
Reaching settlement
5. Victim Support during Trials 34 Q1AHow dose the restitution order system work?
The restitution order system is used to claim compensation of
damages caused by the offense mentioned in the indictment. After a
criminal case results in conviction, the criminal court, having received
such request, will reexamine the record of the criminal case as
evidence, conclude the hearing within four hearing dates, and will
rule on the merits. If an objection is filed against the court's ruling by
either party to the case, ordinary civil procedure will commence (even
in such cases, the necessary record of the criminal case will be sent
to the civil court).
The restitution order system is designed to ease the burden of
victims or their family members seeking restitution as follows:
(1) By utilizing the outcome of the criminal trial, victims or their
bereaved family members will be able to prove the fact of their
damages more easily. Furthermore, the basic focus will be placed
on the amount of damages, which will simplify and facilitate the
process.
(2) This system is easily available with only a fee of 2,000 yen.
(3) Even if the case is sent to civil court, the process of submitting
photocopies of case records can be omitted.Q2A
Who can use the restitution order system?
Victims or their heirs in cases of an intentional criminal act such as
murder or injury can use the system.
8 Restitution Order
Disputes can be settled simply and promptly by using the outcomes of
criminal procedures. This is an exceptional civil procedure for victims or
their bereaved family members to claim restitution and is an accompaniment
to criminal procedure. (Please refer to page 57 for ordinary civil procedures.)
Victim
Support
During
Trials535 Q4A
When is the deadline for the request?
The request must be made during the period between indictment in
the target criminal case and the completion of proceedings
(excluding pronouncement of the court decision).Q3A
How do you make a request for a restitution
order?
It is necessary to file a request for a restitution order to the court in
charge of the criminal case.
It is possible to delegate an attorney to perform the procedures for the
restitution order system. In certain cases, those who face financial
difficulties in covering attorneys’fees can use the system of the Civil Legal
Aid, through which the Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu) lends
money to them to pay the fees. Please contact Houterasu for details about
the Civil Legal Aid (Please refer to page 60 for contact information,etc.).
Outline of the restitution order system
Request for restitution order
Oral argument or interrogation
Arrangement of the arguments. Examination of criminal court records, etc.
Oral argument or interrogation
Arrangement of the arguments. Making schedules of proceedings, etc.
Oral argument or interrogation
Examination of evidence, etc.
Oral argument or interrogation
Examination of evidence, etc. Completion of proceedings
Record of the criminal case
Record of the criminal case
Restitution order
Indictment
Completion
of arguments
Conviction
Court of
second instance
Court of
final appeal
Criminal trial
Objection
No objection
Court of first instance
Court of
second instance
Court of
final appeal
Civil trial
Exceptional
trial procedures
for restitution
Constructive
institution of action
Same effect
as final judgment
Proceedings on
restitution order
5. Victim Support during Trials 36 Indictment
Referral
Referral
The Juvenile Case Process
Public prosecutor
District Court
( )
to be tried in the same
way as an adult s case
Family Court
Decision to hold a hearing
Hearing
●くろまるProbation
●くろまるJuvenile training school
Protective measures
Suspension of
a disposal Cases where criminal prosecution
is deemed appropriate
Referral to
the public prosecutor
As a result of the public prosecutor completing the investigation regarding a juvenile
offense, when the charge is well-grounded or the charge is not found but is deemed to
be judged at the Family Court, the case is referred to the Family Court. However, as a
result of the investigation, the case may be dropped on the grounds that the charge is
not found or evidence of the charge is insufficient.
The Family Court examines the records of the offense committed by the juvenile
referred by the public prosecutor and the findings of the Family Court Probation
Officer, and decides whether or not to hold a hearing. When a hearing is held, it is done
in private. The public prosecutor does not usually attend the juvenile hearing, but
occasionally he/she participates if it is deemed necessary for fact finding purposes.
If the Court finds the facts of delinquency and deems that a protective measure is
appropriate, then the juvenile is placed under a protective measure such as
commitment to a juvenile training school, a support facility for development of
self-sustaining or a children's home, or being put on probation. However, if the nature
or circumstances of the crime is such that criminal punishment is deemed to be more
appropriate than protective measures, the Court will refer the case back to the public
prosecutor (reverse referral).
If the public prosecutor who receives such a juvenile case deems that the charge is
well-grounded, then the prosecutor indicts the case to the criminal court.
6. Victim Support Related to Juvenile Hearings
Victim
Support
RelatedtoJuvenile
Hearings637 QA
What sorts of measures have been introduced
into the juvenile trial process to support the
crime victim?
The following measures have been introduced for the victim of
juvenile crime and the families:a. Inspection and photocopying of juvenile offense case records (page 38)
b. Hearing of victim's opinion (page 39)
c. Victim's attendance at the juvenile hearing (page 39)
d. Explanation of the hearing progress to the victim (page 39)
e. Hearing Results Notification Scheme (page 40)
f . Victim Notification Scheme (after the juvenile hearing) (page 40)
1 Inspection and photocopying of juvenile offense
case records
If the victim or the bereaved family members makes a request, they are, as a
general rule, allowed to inspect and photocopy the records of the juvenile
hearing (excluding so-called social records which reports surveys concerning
the necessity of protection of the juvenile), except for the case where such
request is made without reasonable grounds or is not deemed appropriate.
Inspection and photocopying of juvenile offense case records
6. Victim Support Related to Juvenile Hearings 38 2 Hearing of victim's opinion
Upon request, the victim or the bereaved
family members can state their feelings
and opinions:
a. to the judge(s) in the Court
b. to the judge(s) out of courtc. to the investigator of Family
Court out of court
3 Victim's attendance at the juvenile hearing
With regard to cases where the perpetrator has killed or injured a victim in
an intentional criminal act such as murder or bodily injury, or a traffic case
inflicting bodily injury or death (*1 and *2), the victim or the bereaved family
members are allowed to attend the juvenile hearing upon request, when it is
deemed appropriate and unlikely to impede the healthy development of the
juvenile.
*1 With regard to the injury case, the victim is allowed to attend the hearing only when the
victim's life was seriously endangered due to the offense.
*2 Excludes case of the juvenile who violated criminal laws at an age younger than 12.
4 Explanation of the circumstance of the hearing to
the victim
The victim or the bereaved family members can, at their request, receive
explanation about the circumstance of the hearing from the Family Court,
when it is deemed appropriate and unlikely to impede the healthy
development of the juvenile.
Hearing of victim's opinion
Victim
Support
RelatedtoJuvenile
Hearings639
6 Victim Notification System (after the juvenile hearing)
The victim or the bereaved family members can, at their request, receive
notifications regarding the juvenile's treatment, for example, how the
perpetrator (juvenile), who was placed under protective measures at the
juvenile hearing, is being treated at the juvenile training school or under
probationary supervision.
The following information can be included in the notification:・The date of entry and name and location of the juvenile
training school where the perpetrator is attending・Educational treatment at the juvenile training school
(approximately once every six months)
・The date of perpetrator's discharge
・The commencement date of proceedings for parole, etc.
・The date of the decision granting parole, etc.・The date of commencement of probation and the scheduled end date
・The state of treatment during the probation (approximately once every six months)
・The date when the probation ended
If you would like to request things mentioned in (1) to (5), please refer to the Family Court.
If you would like to request notification mentioned in 6:
Please ask the nearby juvenile classification home concerning an offender committed
to the juvenile training school; or
Please ask the probation office located in your local area concerning an offender
placed under probation.
If you have any questions about these systems, please ask the public prosecutor in
charge or the assistant officer, or Victim Support Officers.
* For the outline of the victim notification system, please refer to page 15.
5 Hearing Results Notification Scheme
The victim or the bereaved family members can, at their request, receive
information pertaining to the case, such as juvenile's name and the result of
the hearing from the Family Court, when it is deemed appropriate and
unlikely to impede the healthy development of the juvenile.
Victim Notification System
6. Victim Support Related to Juvenile Hearings 40 Where a person has committed serious harm to others, including homicide,
arson and robbery due to insanity or diminished capacity (condition of not
being able to distinguish between right and wrong due to mental disorder),
and the public prosecutor does not prosecute the perpetrator on the
grounds of mental incompetence, or the person is acquitted or not given an
actual prison sentence, the public prosecutor will file a hearing request to
the District Court to decide the appropriate treatment, so that such person
can recover from the mental condition and return to society more smoothly.
At the District Court that receives the request, the judge and the mental
health care judge (psychiatrist) will conduct a hearing as a collegial body
and, where necessary, hospitalize the individual and conduct a detail
psychological evaluation. Based on the hearing, the Court will decide on in-
patient treatment at the medical institution (national hospital, etc.)
designated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, out-patient
treatment decision or a decision of non-treatment.
Course of hearing held under the Act on Medical Care and Treatment
for Persons Who Have Caused Serious Cases Under the Condition of Insanity
Decision not to prosecute,
judgment of acquittal, etc.
Hearing request
Hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation
Hearing
In‐patient
treatment decision
Out‐patient
treatment decision
Decision of
non treatment7.Victim Support in Relation to Hearings under the Act
on Medical Care and Treatment for Persons Who Have
Caused Serious Cases Under the Condition of Insanity
Victim
SupportinRelationtoHearings
undertheActonMedicalCareand
TreatmentforPersonsWhoHave
Caused
Serious
Cases
UndertheConditionofInsanity741 QA
What kinds of support are available for crime
victims at the hearing held under the Act on
Medical Care and Treatment for Persons Who
Have Caused Serious Cases Under the
Condition of Insanity?
Under the Act on Medical Care and Treatment for Persons Who Have
Caused Serious Cases Under the Condition of Insanity, the following
procedures have been put in place concerning the hearing :a. Attendance of the victim or bereaved family members at the
hearing; and
b.Notification of the result of the hearing to the victim or bereaved
family members.
A public prosecutor can also provide information regarding the filing
of a hearing request to the victim or bereaved family members.
Please ask the Court if you would like to attend the hearing or be
notified of the hearing result.
Additionally, if you would like to receive information regarding the
filing of a hearing request, please ask the public prosecutor or the
assistant officer in charge or Victim Support Officers.
Provision of information regarding treatment for the person
to whom the Act applies
Victims or their bereaved families can, at their request, receive information
regarding treatment for the person who was placed under inpatient or
outpatient treatment at the hearing under the Act on Medical Care and
Treatment for Persons Who Have Caused Serious Cases Under the Condition
of Insanity.
The following information can be received:
・The name of the person
・
The stage of the person’
s treatment (inpatient treatment, treatment in the
community, or end of treatment), the start or end date, and the reason for
concluding the treatment
・
The name, location, and contact information of the probation office is (was)
in charge of the case
・
Contact with the person by the probation office during treatment in the
community (the number of interviews during the last six months)
Please ask the head of the rehabilitation coordinator division at your nearest
probation office if you wish to receive such information.7.Victim Support in Relation to Hearings under the Act
on Medical Care and Treatment for Persons Who Have
Caused Serious Cases Under the Condition of Insanity 42 Q1AHow dose the system for receiving information
about a offender's treatment during their
sentence and their release work?
There are two different systems.
Form No. 1 was created based on the Victim Notification System (refer to page
15), and any victim is able to receive notification without any specific reasons.
However the information is limited to such matters as the potential date the
perpetrator's prison term is scheduled to end and the treatment he/she receives
and, once the perpetrator is actually released, the date of the release.
Under the second system, notifications are for those victims who are in need to
prevent further harm by the perpetrator. Using this form, you may receive information
about when the offender will be released immediately before his release date.
* For notification after the juvenile hearing, please refer to page 40.Q2A
What kinds of information are notified under
the first system?
In the first system, notifications will include the following information:
a. 
Name and location of the prison in which the offender is imprisoned
b. 
The scheduled release from prison (the release upon completion of
the sentence) if the execution of the sentence has not been
suspended and the sentence became final
c. 
Treatment of the offender in prison (about once every six months)
d. 
The date the offender was released (release upon completion of
the sentence or by receiving parole)
e. 
The date of revocation of suspension of the execution of sentence
f . 
The date of commencement of examination proceedings for parole
g. 
The date when parole was granted
h. 
The date of commencement of probationary supervision and the
scheduled end thereof
i . 
Treatment during probationary supervision (about once every six
months)
j . 
The end date of probation
1 Information to be notified regarding the offender’streatment in prison and when he will be released
from prison
We understand that if the offender got into prison, some of you wish to know
how he is treated in prison and when he will be or was released from prison.
So, the system was established in order to notify you about how the offender
is treated while serving his sentence and when they will be or was released
from prison.
8. Procedures After Trial
Procedures
After
Trial843 Q4A
Under the first system, will I definitely receive
information about the release if I request it?
Depending on the nature of the offense, if the public prosecutor
deemed it inappropriate to notify for the reason that it may hamper
offender’
s rehabilitation, he may decide not to notify even if he was
requested.Q5A
What do I need to do to receive information
under the first system?
Persons who wish to receive information need to fill out a request
form that clarifies their addresses and the method by which they
prefer to be notified. You may file a request any time once the
judgment on the case has become final and binding. The form should
be submitted to the Public Prosecutors Office that handled the case.
Those who had requested information about the final judgment will
receive the form with the notification of the final judgment. For
details, please ask Victim Support Officers or staffs of the Public
Prosecutors Offices.Q3A
Who can receive notifications about a
perpetrator's release?
In the first system, the following persons can receive notifications
about a offender's release:
a. 
Victims, their families, and co-habitees and others in a quasi-
family relationship
b. 
Witnesses and other participants in the trial (only for notifications
of information listed in items b and d of Q2 above)
The offenderwho
served his sentence
was released from
prison on XX/XX/
XXXX.
RequestFormNotification
8. Procedures After Trial 44 Q6AUnder what circumstances could victims
receive the information under the notification
system for the prevention of re-victimization?
The reason that the victim is eligible to receive notification is that it
is necessary to take measures to avoid contact with the offender
such as moving so that he won’
t become a victim again, especially if
he so wishes. His request will be accepted if the public prosecutor
deemed it appropriate to give such notification in light of the motive
of the crime and organizational background; the relationship
between the victim and the victim or/and their family members; and
the offender’
s behavior.
Preventing
recurrence of
harm by the offender
Offender’saddress
Planned releaseNotificationProcedures
After
Trial845 Q8A
What do I need to do to receive notifications?
Please contact the public prosecutor or public offender's assistant
officer in charge or Victim Support Officers if you want to receive
such notifications.Q7A
What kinds of information will be notified?
The planned schedule of the release of the prisoner (including
release on parole) will be provided to the inquiring victim
immediately before the actual release (Information is usually given at
"the beginning,"
"the middle,"or"the end"of the particular month).
Additionally, if especially necessary, the offender's address after
release may be notified as well.
8. Procedures After Trial 46 2 Returning evidence
The Public Prosecutors Office will promptly return evidence collected from
victims once the investigations and trials are completed.
Stolen items seized from offenders, in cases such as theft or robbery, will
also be returned to the victim immediately when they are no longer needed
for investigations and trials.
Please contact Victim Support Officer, the public prosecutor or public
prosecutor's assistant officer in charge if you wish to have your possessions
that have been used as evidence returned.
We will return them
promptly
Evidence
Procedures
After
Trial847
3 Attending the site of destruction of evidence
If the victim wishes to be present when
evidence, such as photographs, that may
violate the privacy of the victim are destroyed,
please contact Victim Support Officer, the
public prosecutor or public prosecutor's
assistant officer in charge. You will be informed
of the date, time, and place where the
destruction of the evidence will take place so
you can observe.
4 Inspection of records of finalized case
Case records and written decisions of the court
are kept at the Public Prosecutors Offices once
they are finalized. They can be inspected under
the Finalized Criminal Suit Document Law.
However, for documents other than the written
decision, inspection is generally limited to three
years after the final decision is made.
Please contact the Victim Support Officer or
the staff in the record section of the Public
Prosecutors Office for more details on the
inspection procedure.
5 The System for victims’
sentiments hearing and
communicating in correctional institutions
This system is designed to hear and convey the sentiments of victims and
their bereaved families regarding the case, as well as their opinions on the
current situation and the behavior of the inmates in Penal Institutions or
Juvenile Training Schools to the inmates.
Finalized case
records
Inspection
Shredder
Photos
Attendance
8. Procedures After Trial 48 Q1AWho can use this system?
This system is accessible to (i) individuals who have suffered damage
due to the crimes leading to the punishment or protective measures
imposed on the inmates; (ii) statutory agents of the victims; and (iii)
the victims’spouses, direct families, or siblings in cases where the
victims are deceased or are suffering serious mental or physical
disability (such as illness or injury).Q2A
Can I use this system even if I do not know
in which institution the inmate is incarcerated?
You can use this system even if you do not know the institution where
the inmate is. Please inquire at your nearest Regional Correction
Headquarters or Correctional Institutions. In addition, you can utilize
the Victim Notification System to receive information such as the
institution which the inmate is incarcerated in and the treatment of
the inmate.Q3A
At the time of the hearing, do I need to visit
the Correctional Institution?
Under certain circumstances, you can submit a document stating your
feelings and opinions. However, to understand your feelings more
accurately, we recommend visiting the Correctional Institution and
personally talking to the officer in charge. If you visit the Correctional
Institution, we will cover predetermined travel expenses.
Penal Institutions or Juvenile Training Schools have designated personnel
responsible for this operation. These institutions consider received opinions
and aim to guide and supervise the inmates to confront the situation of the
victim and foster a deeper sense of regret or remorse.
If you wish to request such communication, please contact your nearest Regional
Correction Headquarters or Correctional Institution (Penal Institution, Juvenile
Training School, or Juvenile Classification Home) (Reference: https://www.moj.
go.jp/KYOUSEI/SHINJO/).
Procedures
After
Trial849 Q1A
Who can use the system?
The system is accessible to (i) victims; (ii) statutory agents of the
victims; and (iii) in cases where the victim is deceased or is suffering
serious mental or physical disability (such as illness or injury), the
victim’
s spouse, direct families, or siblings.Q2A
How do you make use of the opinions and other
statements that I conveyed to the Regional Parole Boards?
Your opinions and statements will be considered when deciding whether
or not to grant parole and coordinating of the social circumstances.
Additionally, they will be considered when formulating guidance related to
probation if parole is granted, and the offender is placed under probation.Q3A
When can I use the system?
This system is available only during the period when parole
examination are underway. Victims and their bereaved families will be
notified when the parole examination has commenced by applying to
the aforementioned Victim Notification System.
6 Opinion hearing system in parole examination
This system allows victims or bereaved families to express their opinions on
parole, coordination of the social circumstances (*), or probation and the
sentiment of the case to the Regional Parole Boards. These boards conduct
proceedings to determine whether to grant parole to the offender.
If you wish to use the system, please contact the Regional Parole Boards
(Reference: https://www.moj.go.jp/hogo1/soumu/hogo_victim03.html).*...
Coordination of the social circumstances involve investigating and adapting
the environment to which the offender returns after release from correctional
facilities. This is done to facilitate the social reintegration of the formerly
incarcerated offender.
8. Procedures After Trial 50 Q1AWho can use the system?
The system is accessible to (i) victims; (ii) statutory agents of the
victims; and (iii) in cases where the victim is deceased or is suffering
serious mental or physical disability (such as illness or injury), the
victim’
s spouse, direct family, or siblings.Q3A
When can I use the system?
This system is available only during the period when the offender is
placed under probation. Victims and their bereaved families will be
notified when the probation has commenced by applying to the
aforementioned Victim Notification System.Q2A
How do you make use of the sentiments that I conveyed
to the probation office in the supervision of the offender?
If you request sentiments to be conveyed to the offender, the probation
office provides thorough instructions and supervision to the offender to
face the situation of the victim and deepen their sentiments of remorse
and repentance.
If you do not request such communication, sentiments received will be
considered when formulating guidance related to the offender’
s probation.
7 Victims' sentiments hearing system and Communication
system of victims’
sentiments to probationers
This system involves probation offices listening to the sentiments of victims
and their bereaved families regarding the case, as well as their opinions on the
current situation and the behavior of the offender under probation. Upon
request from victims or their bereaved families, the probation officer conveys
this information to the offender.
If you wish to use the system, please contact the probation office supervising
the offender’
s probation or the probation office in your local area (Reference:
https://www.moj.go.jp/hogo1/soumu/hogo_victim03.html).
Procedures
After
Trial851 Q1A
Who can receive compensation benefits?
Besides those recognized in a criminal court as victims of asset-related
criminal activity, victims of a series of asset-related crimes can also claim
compensation(*).
The heirs of such victims are eligible to receive such compensation.
However, a person who acquired unlawful economic benefits from the
offender or their partner in crime is not eligible.
* Such crimes will not be acknowledged in court. Public prosecutors will
determine which case will fall within the scope for"series of asset-related
crime"on a case-by-case basis.
1 Procedure for payment based on the recovery of the
victim's property
Property (misappropriated property) obtained by the offender who committed
a property crime, such as fraud or receiving of high interest rates (violation
of the Investment Act)—if such crime was committed by an organization or it
involves money laundering, such as misappropriated property put in false
saving accounts, such property can be taken away from the offender
(confiscation or collection of equivalent value) by filing a criminal case
against him.
Misappropriated property (*) taken away from the offender is converted to
cash and kept as remission funds, which will be paid to the victims of the
relevant crime. This system is called"Damage Compensation System."
* The victim's properties which are confiscated by the foreign court and are transferred to
Japan are treated in the same way as mentioned above.
Persons who can claim compensation
Victims of asset‐related
criminal activity acknowledged
in a criminal court
Victims of a series of
asset‐related criminal activity
The public prosecutor will determine the scope on a case‐by‐case basis.
9. Other Forms of Victim Support 52 Q2AHow much compensation can I receive?
The maximum amount of compensation depends on the actual loss
suffered by each individual victim. If the recovered amount is less than the
total loss amount, the compensation benefit fund will be divided among
the victims on a pro-rata basis (i.e. in proportion to each victim's loss.).
Moreover, expenses for publishing the initiation of the procedures in the
Official Gazette or notification to victims will be paid out of the fund before
it is divided to victims.Q3A
How do I receive these benefits?
As soon as misappropriated property was taken away from the offender based
on the judgment made by a criminal court, the public prosecutor will determine
the criminal acts eligible for compensation and the deadline to file a claim, and
the procedure for making payments begins. The initiation of the procedures will
be made public in the Official Gazette(*). In such case where the prosecutor is
aware of individual beneficiaries, the prosecutor will contact them individually.
If the compensation procedure has already been initiated, please fill in a claim
form with the required information. The form will be available at your Local
Public Prosecutors Office, or you can also download the form from the Ministry
of Justice's website (https://www.moj.go.jp/) or the Public Prosecutors Office's
website (https://www.kensatsu.go.jp/). Please submit your form before the
deadline, together with the necessary documents, to the public prosecutor in
charge of the procedure (alternatively, you can also send the form via post).
* This information will be also posted on the Public Prosecutors Office website.
Victims loss (20 million yen) Compensation benefit (10 million yen)
Victims D
5 million yen
Victims D
10 million yen
Victims A
2 million yen
Victims B
3 million yen
Victims C
5 million yen
Victims A
1 million yen
Victims B
1.5 million yen
Victims C
2.5 million yen
Example of benefits (note: payments of expenses is omitted in this chart.)
Other
FormsofVictim
Support953
9. Other Forms of Victim Support
Outline of the basic compensation benefit procedure
Taking away (confiscation or collection of equivalent value)
property (misappropriated property) obtained by the offender
through the property crime by the criminal court.
(Criminal proceeds confiscated in foreign courts are transferred to Japan.)
The public prosecutor initiates compensation procedures.
The public prosecutor sends to claimants
a certified copy of his/her decision (called Saitei‐sho ).
All of the decisions and expenses are determined.
Compensation benefits are paid to the victims.
The public prosecutor examines the contents of each claim and makes a decision.
* The public prosecutors in charge may delegate part of the procedures to
Victim Compensation Administrator, who would be a qualified lawyer.
●くろまる Determines the crimes which will be subject for compensation and the deadline for
submitting claims, and makes them public in an official gazette.
●くろまる Beneficiaries of whom the prosecutor is aware are notified.
Victims submit the claim forms to the public prosecutor within the claim period
●くろまる The form should be submitted with the necessary documents, such as those
demonstrating the loss and its amount, and copies of proof of identify documents
(e.g., driver s license) 54 There are cases where false documents titled
"announcement of initiation of the payment procedure
of criminal proceeds"or"claim form for payment of
compensation benefits"posing as payment of criminal
proceeds are sent to victims.
Organizations other than the Public Prosecutors
Office are never designated as contact points of
public notices nor charges commissions or other fees
to claimants or victims who wish to claim.
The information of the payment procedure of criminal
proceeds that the Public Prosecutors Office actually
conducts is available at the"Procedure for payment
based on the recovery of the property of crime
victims"on the Public Prosecutors Office's website. If
you receive a suspicious mail or call, please confirm
the information on the website described above or
call each Public Prosecutors Office that is considered
as a publisher of the notice.
Attention!
There are false public notices assuming
the names of public prosecutors
or the Public Prosecutors Office.
Other
FormsofVictim
Support955
2 Benefit system for crime victims
The national government offers benefits to the bereaved family members of deceased victims,
victims suffering from a serious injury or illness, or victims who became disabled as a result
of intentional criminal acts including random murder.
Types of benefit
Each type of benefit is a lump-sum payment.
Survivor benefitPaid to bereaved families (the first person in the order of (1) spouse; (2) children, (3)
parents, (4) grandchildren, (5) grandparents, (6) siblings (who have a financial support
relationship); (7) children, (8) parents, (9) grandchildren, (10) grandparents, and (11)
siblings (who have no financial support relationship))
Serious injury or sickness benefit
Payment will be made to victims who suffer a serious injury or illness (injury or illness
requiring medical treatment for over one month and hospitalization for over three days
(for mental disorders, such as PTSD, illness requiring medical treatment for over one
month and suspension of work for over three days) for a prescribed period: the amount
will be calculated based on the payment made by the insured victim to the hospital and
compensation for leaving his job (maximum of 1.2 million yen)
Disability benefit
Paid to victims left disabled (grade of disability: level 1 to level 14)
Provided that those who do not possess Japanese citizenship and an address in Japan at the
time of the occurrence of criminal acts are not eligible to receive payments.
Reduction or adjustment of benefits
In cases where the victim was at partial fault for his/her injury or illness, part or all of the
benefit may not be paid.
Moreover, in cases where Workers Compensation or other public compensation or damage
awards have been paid, that amount and the total benefit amount will be adjusted.
Application for benefit
An application should be filed with the Prefectural Public Safety Commission with jurisdiction
over the address of the applicant. Specifically, the applicant should submit an application
form and the necessary documents to a police office or prefectural police headquarters with
jurisdiction over the address of the applicant.
An application should be filed within two years after the applicant became aware of a death,
serious injury or illness, or disability due to a criminal act within seven years after such
damage actually occurred. However, if an application was not filed within the period due to
inevitable reasons such as physical restraint by a perpetrator, the application can be
accepted within six months after the reasons ceased.
For details, please contact the nearest police office or prefectural police headquarters.
9. Other Forms of Victim Support 56 3 Civil actions
Victims, bereaved families, and others who did not reach an agreement with the
offender about the compensation must bring civil action to pursue their civil claim.
In the civil action, you must clarify the kind of judgments you are pursuing when suing
the offender and assert what kind of criminal activity the offender was responsible for
and what kind of loss was suffered due to the criminal activity. Furthermore, if the
offender objects to the claim, you must submit evidence to prove your claim.
If victims, their bereaved families, or other parties who have brought civil action or
their statutory agents may encounter substantial challenges in their social lives due
to the offender learning their names and addresses, the court may determine that it is
unnecessary to include their names and addresses in a complaint or other
documents. The court may further decide to restrict access for anyone other than the
victims and statutory agents. For instance, this may include prohibiting the inspection
of the portion of case records that shows their names, addresses, or any information
that could indirectly reveal such details.
For professional legal advice about the procedure, Houterasu, bar associations and
other organizations can offer legal counseling. Should you have questions, please
contact the Victim Support Officer at the Public Prosecutors Office.
In a civil action, as in criminal trials, accompanying persons, witness screens, and
testimony by video link are available (refer to page 25 and 26).
* For the system to use the outcomes of criminal procedures regarding compensation of
damages, please refer to page 35.
Civil Claim
Out‐of‐court settlement
Civil
trial
Claim for loss compensation
If payment is not made Non‐payment, Non‐settlement
Civil action
brought to
District Court
or Summary
Court
Court
proceeding
Compulsory
execution
Judgment
Pay X yen
Other
FormsofVictim
Support957
4 Priority of moving into public housing
Some local public entities provide priority public accommodation (i.e.,
prefectural housing and municipal housing) for those who can no longer live
in their previous houses due to criminal activity.
Please contact your prefectural or municipal public housing administrative
office for more details.
9. Other Forms of Victim Support 58 5 Protection of trafficking victims
Trafficking in Persons is a serious crime that violates the human rights of the
victims. In Japan, all of the relevant organizations are working on the
prevention and eradication of trafficking in persons and the identification and
protection of victims based on the action plan to combat trafficking in
persons, etc. The Public Prosecutors Office deals with such crimes
aggressively. Please see the following diagram to find out about the
identification and protection of trafficking victims.
Process of Protection of Trafficking victims
Victims
Identification of victims
by counseling services or
regulatory crackdowns
Victim's request for protection
(e.g. seeking shelter at police stations, etc.)
Co‐operation with International Organization for
Migration (IOM) and other related agencies
Counseling
Referral
Investigations
Testimony by video link
*The name will be changed to
Women's Counseling and Support Centers
on April 1, 2024.
Public Prosecutors
Office
Prosecution
Trial
Protection
NGOs/Foreign
Mission in Japan*Temporary protection
at Women Consultative Centers
1 Police: 110
2 Regional Immigration Bureau
Immigration Information Center (Response to inquiries
regarding procedures for immigration and residence,
etc.) 0570‐013904
(IP phone. International call: 03‐5796‐7112)
Trafficking in persons countermeasure secretariats
Sapporo 0570‐003259 Sendai 022‐256‐6076
Tokyo 0570‐034259 Yokohama 0570‐045259
Nagoya 0570‐052259 Osaka 0570‐064259
Kobe 078‐391‐6377 Hiroshima 082‐221‐4411
Takamatsu 087‐822‐5852 Fukuoka 092‐717‐5420
Naha 098‐832‐4185
3 NGO Women s Advice Center for Human Trafficking Victims
(Monday to Friday 10 a.m. ‒ 5 p.m.)
03−3368−8855
4 Women s Consultative Centers*
5 Embassies and Consulates*Women Consultative
Centers
Temporary protection
in private shelters
Regional Immigration
Bureau
Police
Repatriation support
Support victims returning to society through
provision of shelters, vocational training, etc.
by international organizations
Support victims returning
to society in their home countries
Contacts
●くろまるCounseling, advice, etc.
●くろまるStabilization of the legal status of
victims (foreigners) (change of the
status of the residence, special
permission to stay in Japan, etc.)
●くろまるSecuring victims safety Other
FormsofVictim
Support959
Services for protection and support of victims or their bereaved family
members are offered by various organizations and groups as well as the
Public Prosecutors Office. The Public Prosecutors Office conducts support
activities in cooperation with such relevant organizations and groups. For
detailed information about support services offered by each organization and
group, please contact them directly or see its website. In addition, if you
consult the Victim Support Officers or staff of the Public Prosecutors Office,
they will introduce relevant organizations and groups offering support in
accordance with the situation of the victim.
●くろまるSupport services offered by the Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu)
The Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu) provides support information on
consultation desks and legal systems in accordance with situations and needs
after victims suffer damages. In addition, Houterasu refers victims to attorneys
who are well-versed in assisting victims of crime and offers aid for legal fees,
etc. under certain conditions, including the victims’income and assets.
○しろまるCrime Victim Support Line : 0120−079714
●くろまるSupport services offered by the police
The police offer services for crime victims and a victim information system
that informs victims of the status of the investigation or their bereaved family
members in certain serious cases and accidents, as well as a benefit system
for crime victims (page 56). In addition, the police established the outline of
prevention of re-victimization to prevent victims from being harmed by the
same perpetrators, and take measures based on this.
[Contact]
Police office or prefectural police headquarters handling the crime in question
6 Victim support offered by relevant organizations and entities
9. Other Forms of Victim Support 60 Please visit the following websites to search for victim support services, consultation
desks, etc. according to the details of the damage, the reason for using the victim
support services, and the types of consulting services.➡Search by specific damage type, by legal procedures (criminal proceedings,
administrative court proceedings, etc.), by reason for using victim support
services, etc.
https://www.houterasu.or.jp/higaishashien/
(Houterasu website"Support for Victims of Crime")➡Search by specific damage type
https://www.npa.go.jp/hanzaihigai/search/index.html
(National Police Agency website"Support for Crime Victims")➡
Search by type of consulting service (issues of medical expenses,
physical and mental disorders, etc.)
https://www.npa.go.jp/hanzaihigai/soudan/index.html
(National Police Agency website"Consultation Desk")●くろまるSupport services offered by bar associations
There are attorneys who have received training and have experience related to
supporting victims of crime in local bar associations throughout Japan. In addition,
legal counseling services for victims of crime are offered at all of local bar associations.
●くろまるSupport services offered by private crime victim support organizations
Various private crime victim support organizations including early support
groups for crime victims designated by each Prefectural Public Safety
Commission conduct activities such as telephone counseling, accompanying
victims to the Public Prosecutors Office or the court, and support for self-
help groups of victims and their families.
●くろまるSupport services offered by local public entities
Some local public entities may offer counseling services or financial support
including various assistance for victims and their bereaved family members
in addition to granting them priority for public housing (page 58).
[Contact]
Prefectural or municipal office at your address
* Support services offered by local public entities differ by prefecture or municipality.
Other
FormsofVictim
Support961
List of offenses eligible for victim support services
Victim Participation System
●くろまるEligible crime names(1)Crimes causing death or injury to a person through an intentional
criminal act
Homicide, injury, robbery causing death or injury, dangerous driving
causing death or injury, and other crimes(2)Non‐consensual sexual intercourse, non‐consensual indecency, and
other sexual offenses(3)Crimes of unlawful capture and confinement(4)Crimes of kidnapping and human trafficking(5)Other crimes involving any of the criminal acts set forth in (2) to (4)(6)Crimes related to traffic accidents (negligent driving causing death or
injury)(7)Attempts to commit crimes set forth in (1) to (5)
The victims themselves; their statutory agents (such as parents of juveniles);
and in cases where the victim is deceased or is suffering serious mental or
physical disability, the victim s spouse, direct family, and siblings.
●くろまるEligible persons
Restitution order system
●くろまるEligible crime names(1)Crimes causing death or injury to a person through an intentional
criminal act
Homicide, injury, robbery causing death or injury, dangerous driving
causing death or injury, and other crimes(2)Non‐consensual sexual intercourse, non‐consensual indecency, and
other sexual offenses(3)Crimes of unlawful capture and confinement(4)Crimes of kidnapping and human trafficking(5)Other crimes involving any of the criminal acts set forth in (2) to (4)(6)Attempts to commit any of the crimes set forth in (1) to (5)
The victims themselves or their general successors (such as heirs)
●くろまるEligible persons 62 ●くろまるEligible crime names(1)Crimes committed by juveniles causing death or injury to a person
through an intentional criminal act
Homicide, injury, robbery causing death or injury, dangerous driving
causing death or injury, and other crimes(2)Crimes causing death or injury due to gross negligence in the pursuit of
social activities(3)Crimes related to traffic accidents (death or injury due to negligent driving)
* Limited to any act that caused serious danger to the victim s life in cases
where the victim was injured.
* If a juvenile is less than twelve years old, observation is not permitted by law.
Observation of juvenile hearing by victims and others
The victims themselves; their statutory agents (such as parents of juveniles);
and in cases where the victim is deceased or is suffering serious mental or
physical disability, the victim s spouse, direct family, and siblings.
●くろまるEligible persons63 Victim Support Hotline Telephone and Fax Numbers
Public Prosecutors Office Telephone and Fax Numbers
Sapporo District Public Prosecutors Office
Hakodate District Public Prosecutors Office
Asahikawa District Public Prosecutors Office
Kushiro District Public Prosecutors Office
Aomori District Public Prosecutors Office
Morioka District Public Prosecutors Office
Sendai District Public Prosecutors Office
Akita District Public Prosecutors Office
Yamagata District Public Prosecutors Office
Fukushima District Public Prosecutors Office
Mito District Public Prosecutors Office
Utsunomiya District Public Prosecutors Office
Maebashi District Public Prosecutors Office
Saitama District Public Prosecutors Office
Chiba District Public Prosecutors Office
Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office
Tachikawa Branch
Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office
Niigata District Public Prosecutors Office
Toyama District Public Prosecutors Office
Kanazawa District Public Prosecutors Office
Fukui District Public Prosecutors Office
Kofu District Public Prosecutors Office
Nagano District Public Prosecutors Office
Gifu District Public Prosecutors Office
Shizuoka District Public Prosecutors Office
Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office
Tsu District Public Prosecutors Office
011−261−9370(Tel・Fax)0138−41−1655(Tel・Fax)0166−51−6259(Tel・Fax)0154−41−6133(Tel・Fax)017−722−1234(Tel・Fax)019−622−6236(Tel・Fax)022−222−6159(Tel・Fax)018−862−5572(Tel・Fax)023−622−5122(Tel・Fax)024−534−5135(Tel・Fax)029−221−2199(Tel・Fax)028−623−6790(Tel・Fax)027−235−7828(Tel・Fax)048−863−2298(Tel・Fax)043−221−2065(Tel・Fax)03−3592−7611
(Tel)
03−3592−7614
(Fax)
042−548−5766
(Tel)
042−548−5767
(Fax)
045−211−7638(Tel・Fax)025−226−0922(Tel・Fax)076−421−4148(Tel・Fax)076−221−3573(Tel・Fax)0776−28−8744(Tel・Fax)055−228−9732(Tel・Fax)026−232−8180(Tel・Fax)058−262−5138(Tel・Fax)054−252−7204(Tel・Fax)052−951−4538(Tel・Fax)059−228−4166(Tel・Fax) 64
Public Prosecutors Office Telephone and Fax Numbers
Otsu District Public Prosecutors Office
Kyoto District Public Prosecutors Office
Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office
Kobe District Public Prosecutors Office
Nara District Public Prosecutors Office
Wakayama District Public Prosecutors Office
Tottori District Public Prosecutors Office
Matsue District Public Prosecutors Office
Okayama District Public Prosecutors Office
Hiroshima District Public Prosecutors Office
Yamaguchi District Public Prosecutors Office
Tokushima District Public Prosecutors Office
Takamatsu District Public Prosecutors Office
Matsuyama District Public Prosecutors Office
Kochi District Public Prosecutors Office
Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office
Kokura Branch
Saga District Public Prosecutors Office
Nagasaki District Public Prosecutors Office
Kumamoto District Public Prosecutors Office
Oita District Public Prosecutors Office
Miyazaki District Public Prosecutors Office
Kagoshima District Public Prosecutors Office
Naha District Public Prosecutors Office
Supreme Public Prosecutors Office
Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office
077−527−5149(Tel・Fax)075−441−9103(Tel・Fax)06−4796−2250
(Tel)
06−4796−2242
(Fax)
078−367−6135(Tel・Fax)0742−27−6861(Tel・Fax)073−422−4029(Tel・Fax)0857−22−4177(Tel・Fax)0852−32−6701(Tel・Fax)086−224−3322(Tel・Fax)082−221−2467(Tel・Fax)083−922−3153(Tel・Fax)088−652−5198(Tel・Fax)087−825−2045(Tel・Fax)089−935−6607(Tel・Fax)088−872−9190(Tel・Fax)092−734−9080(Tel・Fax)093−592−9441(Tel・Fax)0952−22−4259(Tel・Fax)095−822−4477(Tel・Fax)096−323−9068(Tel・Fax)097−534−9728(Tel・Fax)0985−29−2156(Tel・Fax)099−226−0691(Tel・Fax)098−835−9997(Tel・Fax)03−3592−7839(Tel・Fax)03−3592−7735(Tel・Fax)* Please contact the Public Prosecutors Office handling the crime in question, or the nearest Public Prosecutors Office to you.
* You can leave messages or send faxes to the Victim Support Hotline at night or on holidays.
* As the Victim Support Hotline may be expanded or moved, for the latest contact points, please see the Ministry of Justice s
Website (https://www.moj.go.jp/) or the Public Prosecutors Office s Website (https://www.kensatsu.go.jp/).
As of March 202465 Please refer to the For Victims of Crime
on the website of the Ministry of Justice.
https://www.moj.go.jp/EN/keiji1/keiji̲keiji11.html
Issued in March 2024
Offering explanations of the criminal
procedures and support systems for crime
victims in the "For Victims of Crime"
section of the Ministry of Justice Website.