Prosecutors asked the Tokyo District Court on Friday to sentence former MoMuri president Shinji Tanimoto to two years in prison [1].
The case highlights the legal boundaries of the attorney-client relationship in Japan and the prohibition of paid referrals for legal services. By illegally brokering clients to lawyers for a fee, the prosecution argues the defendant undermined the professional integrity of the legal system.
Tanimoto was indicted for violating the Attorney Act after allegedly referring users to lawyers for the purpose of receiving introduction fees [1], [2]. During the closing arguments on June 5, 2026, prosecutors said that the defendant's actions harmed the social evaluation and trust of lawyers [1].
In addition to the prison term, prosecutors are seeking a fine of 2 million yen for Albatross Co. [1]. The court proceedings focused on the financial incentives driving the referral system and the resulting breach of legal ethics.
Tanimoto expressed remorse during the hearing. "I want to make amends for my crimes moving forward," Tanimoto said [1].
Defense counsel urged the court to consider the defendant's contrition and financial restitution. The defense said the defendant is reflecting on his actions and requested the court to make a judgment based on the fact that all profits have been returned [1].
The Tokyo District Court has scheduled the sentencing for Aug. 28, 2026 [1].
“"I want to make amends for my crimes moving forward,"”
This prosecution reinforces Japan's strict stance against 'shokai-ryo' or referral fees in the legal sector. By targeting a high-profile former executive, the judiciary is signaling that the commercialization of legal introductions—which can lead to conflicts of interest and inflated costs for consumers—will be treated as a criminal offense rather than a mere regulatory lapse.
