Articles
120 easy-to-understand legal articles based on statutes and case law.
Divorce
11 articlesChild Support in Japan: Calculation Guide and Court Tables
Guide to child support calculation in Japan using the 2019 Revised Court Calculation Table.
2026-03-13Japan Divorce Asset Division: 50/50 Rule, Civil Code 768, Insurance & Retirement
Short answer: Japan splits marital assets 50/50 under Civil Code Art. 768 — including real estate, pension, and retirement pay. Foreign spouses face special rules (Act on General Rules Art. 27). Claim deadline: 2 years post-divorce. Full 2026 guide with formulas, case studies & FAQ.
2026-03-13Consensual Divorce in Japan: Complete Procedure Guide
Complete guide to consensual divorce procedure in Japan, including divorce notification and agreement drafting.
2026-03-13Enforcing Child Support Payments in Japan
How to enforce unpaid child support in Japan through wage garnishment and the 2020 reformed asset disclosure system.
2026-03-13DV Protection Orders in Japan: Legal Remedies for Domestic Violence Victims
Guide to protection orders for domestic violence victims in Japan under the Act on Prevention of Spousal Violence.
2026-03-13Divorcing a Morally Harassing Spouse in Japan: Evidence and Procedure
Guide to divorcing a morally harassing spouse in Japan, including evidence collection and court procedures.
2026-03-13Child Visitation Rights in Japan: Arrangements and Enforcement
Guide to child visitation rights after divorce in Japan, including mediation and enforcement measures.
2026-03-13International Divorce in Japan: Applicable Law and Jurisdiction
Guide to international divorce proceedings in Japan, including applicable law, jurisdiction, and Hague Convention procedures.
2026-03-13Pension Splitting in Japan Divorce: 2-Year Deadline & 50% Rule
Short answer: Pension splitting must be filed within 2 YEARS of divorce, courts default to 50% (Employee Pension Act Art. 78-2/78-14). Foreign spouses qualify. 2026 lawyer guide with FAQ, case studies, and step-by-step checklist.
2026-03-13Housing Loans in Divorce in Japan: Options for Properties with Outstanding Mortgages
Options for handling outstanding mortgages during divorce in Japan: sale, name transfer, and pair loans.
2026-03-13Denied Visitation Rights in Japan: Legal Remedies When Parental Contact Is Blocked
Legal remedies when visitation rights are denied after divorce in Japan.
2026-03-13Inheritance
10 articlesInheritance Renunciation in Japan: Complete Guide
Complete guide to inheritance renunciation in Japan, including the 3-month deadline and court procedures.
2026-03-13Types of Wills in Japan: Handwritten vs. Notarized Wills
Guide to the three types of wills in Japan, including the 2019 reform relaxing handwritten will requirements.
2026-03-13Inheritance Renunciation Procedures and Deadlines in Japan
Detailed guide to inheritance renunciation in Japan, including what to do if the 3-month deadline has passed.
2026-03-13Estate Division Mediation in Japan: Process and Procedures
Guide to estate division mediation in Japan's family courts, from filing to resolution.
2026-03-13Lifetime Gifts and Special Benefits in Japanese Inheritance Law
How lifetime gifts affect inheritance shares in Japan, including the special benefit clawback calculation.
2026-03-13Mandatory Inheritance Registration in Japan from April 2024
Overview of Japan's mandatory inheritance registration system effective April 2024, including deadlines and penalties.
2026-03-13Adult Guardianship System in Japan: Types and Procedures
Overview of Japan's adult guardianship system including the three types and application procedures.
2026-03-13Inheritance Tax Basic Deduction and Calculation in Japan
How inheritance tax is calculated in Japan: basic deduction, tax rates, spousal deduction, and filing requirements.
2026-03-13Disinheritance and Legally Reserved Share in Japan
Legal methods to disinherit heirs in Japan: exclusion, will-based allocation, and reserved share limitations.
2026-03-13Digital Asset Inheritance in Japan: Cryptocurrency, Social Media, and Subscriptions
How digital assets are inherited in Japan: cryptocurrency, online accounts, and subscriptions.
2026-03-13Traffic Accidents
9 articlesTraffic Accident Compensation Standards in Japan
Three compensation standards for traffic accidents in Japan and why attorney involvement increases settlements.
2026-03-13Disability Grade Certification for Traffic Accidents in Japan
Guide to disability grade certification after traffic accidents in Japan, covering the application process and appeal procedures.
2026-03-13Property Damage in Traffic Accidents: Repair Costs and Diminished Value Claims
Guide to property damage claims in Japanese traffic accidents, including repair costs, rental car fees, and diminished value.
2026-03-13Whiplash Injury Compensation in Japan: Standards and Disability Grades
Guide to whiplash injury compensation standards in Japan, including disability grade certification for grades 14 and 12.
2026-03-13Bicycle Accident Liability in Japan: Damages and Insurance Requirements
Legal liability for bicycle accidents in Japan, including high-value precedents and mandatory insurance ordinances.
2026-03-13Fault Ratios in Japanese Traffic Accidents: Standard Ratios and Modifiers
How fault ratios are determined in Japanese traffic accidents with standard ratios and modification factors.
2026-03-13Insurance Claims for Traffic Accidents in Japan: Compulsory vs. Voluntary
How to file insurance claims for traffic accidents in Japan: compulsory CALI vs. voluntary insurance.
2026-03-13Hit-and-Run Victim Guide in Japan: Steps and Compensation
What to do if you are a hit-and-run victim in Japan: immediate steps, investigation, and government compensation.
2026-03-13Rear-End Collision Compensation in Japan: What Victims Should Know
Compensation for rear-end collision victims in Japan: three calculation standards and how to maximize your claim.
2026-03-13Labor Issues
14 articlesHow to Claim Unpaid Overtime Pay in Japan: Complete Guide
Complete guide to claiming unpaid overtime pay in Japan based on Labor Standards Act Art. 37.
2026-03-13Wrongful Termination in Japan: Your Rights and Options
Guide to wrongful termination rights in Japan under the Abuse of Dismissal Rights doctrine.
2026-03-13Power Harassment in Japan: Definition, Types, and Legal Remedies
Guide to power harassment law in Japan: 6 types, evidence collection, and legal remedies.
2026-03-13Resignation Agency Services in Japan: Legal Framework and Risks
Legal analysis of resignation agency services in Japan, covering the boundary with unauthorized practice of law.
2026-03-13Collecting Evidence of Workplace Harassment in Japan
Practical guide to collecting evidence of power harassment and sexual harassment in the Japanese workplace.
2026-03-13Childcare Leave in Japan: Eligibility, Duration, and Benefits
Guide to childcare leave in Japan including the 2022 reform introducing postnatal paternity leave.
2026-03-13Paid Annual Leave in Japan: Entitlements and Employer Obligations
Guide to paid annual leave in Japan including the mandatory 5-day usage requirement introduced in 2019.
2026-03-13Workers' Compensation in Japan: Criteria and Application Process
Guide to workers' compensation criteria in Japan, including overwork death standards and mental health claims.
2026-03-13Telework Labor Management in Japan: Working Hours and Safety Obligations
Legal framework for telework labor management in Japan, including working hours tracking and employer safety obligations.
2026-03-13Fixed Overtime Pay in Japan: Validity Requirements and Underpaid Overtime Claims
When fixed overtime pay is legal in Japan and how to claim underpaid overtime.
2026-03-13Japan Power Harassment Prevention Law 2020: Employer Duties & Victim Remedies
Short answer: Japanese employers MUST prevent power, sexual, and maternity harassment (PowaHara Act 2020/2022). Victims can pursue civil damages (Arts. 709/715), criminal charges, workers' comp, and labor tribunals. Foreign workers protected equally. 2026 guide
2026-03-13Unfair Dismissal in Japan: Abuse of Right to Dismiss Doctrine
Japan's strict unfair dismissal rules: abuse of dismissal doctrine and employee remedies.
2026-03-13Japan's Freelance Protection Act 2024: Key Regulations and Practical Compliance
A guide to Japan's Freelance Protection Act (effective November 2024): written contract requirements, payment deadlines, prohibited conduct, and employer compliance obligations.
2026-03-30Side Jobs and Employment Law in Japan: Work Rules, Social Insurance, and Non-Compete Obligations
Legal issues for employees and employers regarding side jobs in Japan: enforceability of work rule prohibitions, the 2020 government guidelines, dual social insurance enrollment, and non-compete obligations.
2026-03-30Debt Relief
9 articlesComplete Guide to Personal Bankruptcy in Japan: Procedures, Costs, and Consequences
A comprehensive guide to personal bankruptcy in Japan: eligibility requirements, the difference between summary and full proceedings, costs, occupational restrictions, non-dischargeable debts, and comparison with debt consolidation alternatives.
2026-03-13Debt Restructuring in Japan: Voluntary vs. Court-Supervised Rehabilitation
Comparison of voluntary debt restructuring and individual rehabilitation in Japan, including mortgage protection provisions.
2026-03-13Individual Rehabilitation in Japan: Keeping Your Home While Reducing Debt
Guide to individual rehabilitation (kojin saisei) in Japan, allowing debt reduction while keeping your home.
2026-03-13Overpayment Claims in Japan: Who Qualifies and How to Recover
Guide to overpayment (kabarai-kin) claims in Japan for borrowers who paid excess interest under grey-zone rates.
2026-03-13Combating Illegal Money Lenders (Yamikin) in Japan: Rights and Remedies
Legal remedies against illegal money lenders (yamikin) in Japan, including the principle of no repayment obligation.
2026-03-13Credit Card Debt Solutions in Japan: 4 Legal Options
Legal solutions for credit card debt in Japan: voluntary arrangement, individual rehabilitation, bankruptcy, and specified mediation.
2026-03-13Guarantor Liability in Japan: 2020 Civil Code Reform Guide
Understanding guarantor vs. joint guarantor liability in Japan and the 2020 Civil Code reform protecting guarantors.
2026-03-13Statute of Limitations for Debt in Japan: How to Invoke Prescription
How to invoke prescription for time-barred debts in Japan under the 2020 reformed Civil Code.
2026-03-13Are You Liable for Your Spouse's Debt in Japan?
When spouses are legally liable for each other's debts in Japan under the daily household affairs provision.
2026-03-13Criminal Defense
9 articlesArrested in Japan? Know Your Rights
Your rights when arrested in Japan: attorney access, right to silence, and the duty lawyer system.
2026-03-13Dealing with False Groping Accusations in Japan
Guide to handling false groping accusations in Japan, including rights upon arrest and defense strategies.
2026-03-13Settlement Negotiations in Japanese Criminal Cases: Process and Amounts
Guide to settlement (jidan) negotiations in Japanese criminal cases, including effects on prosecution and sentencing.
2026-03-13Juvenile Criminal Proceedings in Japan: Family Court and Dispositions
Overview of juvenile criminal proceedings in Japan, including the 2022 reform introducing "specified juveniles" aged 18-19.
2026-03-13Traffic Crimes in Japan: Dangerous Driving, Hit-and-Run, and License Penalties
Overview of traffic crime penalties in Japan including dangerous driving, hit-and-run, and license point system.
2026-03-13Drunk Driving Penalties in Japan: Criminal and Administrative Consequences
Criminal penalties and administrative sanctions for drunk driving in Japan, including arrest procedures.
2026-03-13Caught Shoplifting in Japan?
Short answer: Up to 10 yrs prison (Penal Code Art. 235). Police can hold you 23 days pre-charge. Tourists face deportation, residents risk visa loss. Settlement (jidan) is the key to avoiding prosecution. Step-by-step guide.
2026-03-13Domestic Violence Criminal Procedures in Japan
Legal remedies for domestic violence victims in Japan: criminal complaints, protection orders, and shelter services.
2026-03-13Japan Stimulants Act & Cannabis Penalties 2026 (kakuseizai): Up to 10 Years
Short answer: Stimulants Control Act (kakuseizai) possession = up to 10 years. Cannabis Control Act possession = up to 5 years (use criminalized Dec 2024). Foreign nationals face deportation + 5-year re-entry ban. 23-day detention rules and first-offense suspended sentence odds explained.
2026-03-13Corporate Law
19 articlesStarting a Business in Japan: KK vs LLC Comparison
Comparing stock corporations (KK) and limited liability companies (GK/LLC) for business formation in Japan.
2026-03-13Director Liability in Japan: Duties, Obligations, and Risks
Guide to director duties and liability in Japanese corporate law, including fiduciary duties and shareholder derivative suits.
2026-03-13Labor Compliance for Japanese Companies: Key Regulations and Penalties
Comprehensive guide to labor compliance for Japanese companies, covering key regulations and penalties.
2026-03-13Intellectual Property Basics in Japan: Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
Overview of intellectual property rights in Japan: patents, trademarks, designs, and copyrights.
2026-03-13Shareholders' Meeting Procedures in Japan: From Notice to Resolution
Guide to shareholders' meeting procedures in Japan, including notice requirements and resolution types.
2026-03-13Business Succession in Japan: Family, M&A, and MBO Options
Guide to business succession options for Japanese SMEs, including tax benefits and the Business Succession Facilitation Act.
2026-03-13Non-Compete Agreements in Japan: Validity and Enforceability After Resignation
Enforceability of non-compete clauses after resignation in Japan based on court precedents.
2026-03-13Whistleblower Protection Act in Japan: Employee Rights and Corporate Obligations
Japan's Whistleblower Protection Act (2022 reform): employee protections and corporate compliance obligations.
2026-03-13Corporate Liability for Data Breaches in Japan: Response Obligations and Damages
Corporate legal obligations when personal data breaches occur in Japan under the APPI.
2026-03-13Antitrust and Cartel Regulation in Japan: Violations and Penalties
Japan's Antimonopoly Act: prohibited conduct, surcharges, and criminal penalties for cartels.
2026-03-13Complete Guide to Trademark Registration in Japan: Process, Costs & Handling Rejections
A comprehensive guide to trademark registration in Japan, including the application process, costs, examination timeline, and how to handle rejections.
2026-03-24Trade Secret Protection Under Japan's Unfair Competition Prevention Act
How to protect trade secrets under Japan's Unfair Competition Prevention Act, including the three requirements, remedies for misappropriation, and best practices for management.
2026-03-24Entertainment Contract Basics in Japan: Talent, Appearance & Licensing Agreements
An overview of key contract types in Japan's entertainment industry, including talent agreements, appearance contracts, and music/video licensing deals.
2026-03-24International Business Contracts in Japan: Governing Law, Dispute Resolution & English Contract Basics
Essential knowledge for international business contracts involving Japanese parties, including governing law selection, dispute resolution clauses, and understanding English contract conventions.
2026-03-24Patent Application Basics in Japan: Process, Costs, and Examination
A practical guide to filing patent applications in Japan, covering procedures, costs, and examination tips under the Patent Act.
2026-03-30Design Right Protection in Japan: Registration, Scope, and Enforcement
A practical guide to registering and enforcing design rights in Japan under the Design Act, including the 2020 expansion to interiors and buildings.
2026-03-30Personal Data Breach Notification in Japan: APPI Obligations and Response Procedures
Japan's mandatory breach notification obligations under the amended APPI: which incidents trigger reporting, timelines, content requirements, and best practices.
2026-03-30International Commercial Arbitration Basics: Procedure, Major Institutions, and Japanese Law
A practical introduction to international commercial arbitration: advantages over litigation, choosing an institution (ICC, JCAA, SIAC, etc.), drafting arbitration clauses, and Japan's Arbitration Act.
2026-03-30Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Japan: Civil Procedure Act Article 118
How to enforce a foreign court judgment in Japan: the four requirements of Civil Procedure Act Article 118, the enforcement judgment procedure, and common obstacles.
2026-03-30Real Estate
10 articlesSecurity Deposit Returns in Japan: What Landlords Can Deduct
Guide to security deposit returns in Japan based on MLIT restoration guidelines.
2026-03-13Legal Remedies for Defective Housing in Japan
Legal remedies for defective housing in Japan, covering non-conformity liability and the 10-year structural warranty.
2026-03-13Condominium Management Associations in Japan: Legal Issues and Governance
Legal guide to condominium management associations in Japan under the Sectional Ownership Act.
2026-03-13Construction Dispute Resolution in Japan: Defects, Delays, and Cost Overruns
Guide to resolving construction disputes in Japan, including defect liability and ADR through dispute review boards.
2026-03-13Neighbor Land Disputes in Japan: Boundaries, Encroachment, and Noise
Legal solutions for neighbor disputes in Japan including boundary determination, encroachment, and noise complaints.
2026-03-13Eviction Negotiations in Japan: Just Cause, Compensation, and Tenant Rights
Guide to eviction negotiations in Japan, including just cause requirements and compensation standards under the Land and Building Lease Act.
2026-03-13Can Tenants Refuse Rent Increases in Japan? Tenant Rights Explained
Tenant rights when facing rent increases in Japan: legal grounds, negotiation, and dispute resolution.
2026-03-13Legal Risks of Vacant Houses in Japan: Special Measures Act and Mandatory Registration
Legal risks of leaving houses vacant in Japan: Special Measures Act, tax penalties, and mandatory inheritance registration.
2026-03-13Condo Repair Reserve Fund Disputes in Japan: Increases and Shortfalls
Condo repair reserve fund disputes in Japan: owner rights, increase procedures, and resolution.
2026-03-13Property Boundary Disputes in Japan: Determination and Litigation
How to resolve property boundary disputes in Japan using the cadastral boundary determination system or litigation.
2026-03-13Consumer Issues
12 articlesCooling-off Period in Japan: How to Cancel Contracts
Guide to the cooling-off period in Japan: eligible transactions, deadlines, and how to write a cancellation notice.
2026-03-13Protecting Yourself from Fraud in Japan: Legal Remedies
Legal remedies for fraud victims in Japan, including the Bank Transfer Fraud Relief Act and Consumer Contract Act rescission.
2026-03-13Key Points of Japan's Specified Commercial Transactions Act
Overview of Japan's Specified Commercial Transactions Act covering 7 transaction types and consumer protection rules.
2026-03-13Protecting Against Renovation Fraud in Japan: Cancellation and Legal Remedies
Legal remedies against fraudulent renovation contractors in Japan, including cooling-off and contract cancellation rights.
2026-03-13Online Shopping Disputes in Japan: Legal Remedies for Non-Delivery and Fraud
Legal remedies for online shopping problems in Japan including non-delivery, counterfeit goods, and billing disputes.
2026-03-13Investment Fraud Recovery in Japan: Refund Claims and Criminal Prosecution
Guide to recovering losses from investment fraud in Japan, including civil claims and criminal prosecution.
2026-03-13Romance Scam in Japan? How to Recover Money in 24 Hours
Short answer: If you transferred via Japanese bank within 24 hours, recovery odds are highest via the Anti-Fraud Act (振り込め詐欺救済法). International wire / crypto / cash: very difficult. 2026 step-by-step guide for romance, investment, and date-sale scams. Penal Code Art. 246 + recovery roadmap.
2026-03-13Subscription Trap Solutions in Japan: Legal Rights for Cancellation
Legal remedies for subscription services that are difficult to cancel in Japan.
2026-03-13Product Liability in Japan: Claiming Damages for Defective Products
Product liability claims in Japan under the PL Act: proving defects, filing claims, and time limits.
2026-03-13MLM and Pyramid Schemes in Japan: Legality and Consumer Protection
Legal distinction between MLM and pyramid schemes in Japan, and consumer remedies.
2026-03-13Talent Agency Contract Disputes in Japan: Exclusive Clauses, Penalties, and Exit Rights
Legal issues in talent agency contracts: unfair exclusive clauses, excessive penalty clauses, and remedies for artists seeking to exit their agency under Japanese law.
2026-03-30Legal Regulation of Game Gacha in Japan: Prohibited Mechanics, Prize Display Act, and Payment Services Act
Japan's legal framework for game gacha mechanics: the ban on complete gacha (Prize Display Act), probability disclosure requirements, in-game currency regulation, and minor protection rules.
2026-03-30Internet Issues
17 articlesOnline Defamation: How to File a Sender Disclosure Request in Japan
How to identify anonymous online defamers through sender disclosure requests in Japan, including the 2022 legal reform.
2026-03-13Legal Remedies for Revenge Porn in Japan
Legal remedies for non-consensual intimate images in Japan, including removal requests and criminal complaints.
2026-03-13How to Request Removal of Defamatory Reviews in Japan
Guide to requesting removal of defamatory online reviews in Japan, including Google Maps and restaurant review sites.
2026-03-13Social Media Crisis Management: Legal Responses in Japan
Legal strategies for managing social media crises in Japan, including defamation claims and sender disclosure requests.
2026-03-13Cyberstalking Laws in Japan: Legal Definitions and Remedies
Overview of cyberstalking regulations under Japan's Anti-Stalking Act, including the 2021 amendments covering GPS and social media.
2026-03-13Phishing Fraud in Japan: Legal Remedies and Recovery
Legal remedies for phishing fraud victims in Japan, including the Unauthorized Access Act and fund recovery procedures.
2026-03-13Digital Estate Inheritance in Japan: Social Media and Crypto Assets
Legal issues surrounding digital estate inheritance in Japan, including social media accounts and cryptocurrency.
2026-03-13Japan AI Image Copyright 2026: Midjourney, ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion
Short answer: AI output (Midjourney/ChatGPT/Stable Diffusion images, text) is NOT copyrightable in Japan unless human creative direction is substantial. Art. 30-4 permits training but similar outputs infringe Arts. 21-28.
2026-03-13Cyberbullying & School Liability in Japan: Parent's Legal Guide
Short answer: Schools owe duty of care under Bullying Prevention Act 2013. Parents can pursue civil damages + criminal charges (defamation Art. 230, insult Art. 231). Anonymous bullies unmasked via 2022 Provider Liability Act one-step disclosure.
2026-03-13Online Privacy Invasion in Japan: Legal Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure
Legal remedies for online privacy violations in Japan: right to privacy, deletion, and damages.
2026-03-13Japan's Personal Data Protection Law: Rules for Businesses and Penalties for Violations
An overview of Japan's Act on Protection of Personal Information (APPI), covering key obligations for businesses, the 2022 amendments, and penalties for non-compliance.
2026-03-24GDPR & Japan APPI 2026: Compliance Guide for EU Companies
Short answer: Japan and EU mutually grant adequacy (2019) — no SCC required for EU→Japan transfers, but supplementary rules apply. 2022 APPI amendment adds destination-country disclosure obligation for Japan→foreign transfers. 2026 lawyer guide
2026-03-30System Development Contract Disputes in Japan: Defects and Breach of Contract
Legal guide to system development contract disputes in Japan, covering defect liability, breach of contract, and project management obligations.
2026-03-30Legal Issues in SaaS Terms of Service: Validity, Amendments, and Disclaimers
Legal guide to SaaS terms of service in Japan, covering enforceability, standard contract rules, change procedures, and consumer protection limits.
2026-03-30Copyright Infringement Remedies in Japan: Takedown, Damages, and Criminal Complaint
Three remedies for copyright infringement in Japan — content removal, civil damages, and criminal complaint — with the legal requirements for each.
2026-03-30Cookie Regulation in Japan: Legal Requirements and Consent Implementation
Japan's legal framework for cookies under the APPI and Telecommunications Business Act, including the 2023 external transmission rules and consent best practices.
2026-03-30Music Copyright and Licensing in Japan: How JASRAC and Neighboring Rights Work
How music copyright and neighboring rights work in Japan, including JASRAC licensing, streaming/live performance rules, and practical guidance for using music commercially.
2026-03-30Consult a Legal Professional
Find a lawyer through your local bar association
JFBA Legal Consultation Guide