Japan's Ministry of Justice is reviewing the Anti-Prostitution Law to consider adding criminal penalties for individuals who purchase sexual services [2].
This shift represents a fundamental change in how the Japanese government addresses the sex trade. By targeting the "buyer" side of the transaction, policymakers aim to curb demand and provide better protections for women involved in prostitution [3, 4].
Justice Minister Hiraguchi said the plan during a press conference on March 10, 2024 [1, 2]. Following that announcement, the Ministry convened an expert review committee on March 25, 2024 [1], consisting of legal experts and scholars to evaluate the feasibility of the amendment [1, 2].
Japanese officials are using the French legal model as a reference point. France has previously implemented a system that decriminalizes the sale of sex while penalizing the purchase, though Japanese policymakers are studying the challenges encountered by the French system before applying similar measures [3, 4].
Existing enforcement gaps have highlighted the need for reform. In one cited case from Osaka and Kobe, three women were arrested [5]. The case involved allegations that 600,000 yen was spent on a host [5]. Under current laws, the focus of criminal liability often remains on the provider rather than the client.
The timeline for the legislative change remains uncertain. Some reports suggest the amendment could be enacted during the autumn special session of the Diet [2], while others indicate it may be considered during the regular session of the following year [2].
“Japan is considering adding criminal penalties for people who purchase sexual services.”
The proposed amendment signals a transition toward the 'Nordic Model,' which views the purchase of sex as a form of violence or exploitation rather than a mutual transaction. By shifting the criminal burden from the seller to the buyer, Japan seeks to reduce the economic incentive for prostitution. However, the reliance on the French experience suggests the government is wary of potential unintended consequences, such as driving the industry further underground or increasing the vulnerability of sex workers who may avoid legal protections to evade detection.
