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July 24, 2026
 

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JUSTICE MINISTRY

Damage caused by the use of generative AI is becoming a serious concern, including from "AI covers," in which people have AI tools learn the voices of singers and voice actors, then sing songs using the professionals' voices.
51勛圖厙 / Politics
Jul 14, 2026
Japan aims to protect image and voice rights from generative AI use
Many things remain unclear regarding what constitutes the illegal use of voices, as no Japanese court ruling has been issued on related rights.
The Judicial Affairs Committee of the House of Councilors holds a hearing on a bill to revise the retrial system under the Code of Criminal Procedure, at the Diet building in Tokyo on Thursday.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
Jun 26, 2026
Expert witnesses demand amendment to retrial reform bill
The bill to revise the Code of Criminal Procedure limits the scope of evidence that courts may order public prosecutors to submit to that related to an appeal for retrials.
Masami Ishizaka of the Sendai Probation Office (right) listens to a volunteer probation officer from Sendai about her activities during a meeting at the office in March.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal / Regional Voices: Tohoku
Jun 22, 2026
Miyagi volunteer probation officers seek sustainable rehabilitation system
Japan is relying heavily on volunteer probation officers to support rehabilitation, but aging, shortages and safety fears are putting growing strain on the system.
Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi has asked an advisory panel to consider ways to expand the involvement of crime victims and bereaved families in pretrial proceedings.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
Jun 15, 2026
Panel to consider expanding victims＊ involvement in criminal proceedings
There is currently no legal provision allowing victims in Japan to participate in or observe pretrial procedures.
The Judicial Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives approves a bill to revise Japan's criminal retrial system on Friday.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
Jun 12, 2026
Lower House panel approves retrial system reform bill
The bill is expected to clear the Lower House on Tuesday and be enacted during the current Diet session ending in July.
A popular voice actor has sued TikTok＊s operator over videos allegedly using an AI-generated imitation of his voice without permission.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
May 26, 2026
Actor files lawsuit against TikTok operator over AI-generated voice use
The lawsuit, filed with the Tokyo District Court by Kenjiro Tsuda last November,?is believed to be the first of its kind in Japan.
The Immigration Services Agency plans to strengthen enforcement by enhancing joint and independent crackdowns, encouraging information reporting and expanding cyber patrols.
51勛圖厙
May 22, 2026
Japan says it will crack down harder on illegal overstaying
The stronger crackdown measures come as the number of foreign nationals staying illegally fell to 68,488 as of Jan. 1, down from about 74,863 a year earlier.
Polymarket, the global prediction market platform based in New York, sees Japan as a large untapped business opportunity.
BUSINESS / Companies
May 22, 2026
Polymarket is said to seek Japan market approval in global push
Polymarket enables users to bet on the outcomes of real-world events, such as elections, using cryptocurrencies.
Taro Tsurugashima presents a petition with 53,000 signatures calling for a revision to the stricter business manager visa eligibility requirements, on May 13 in Tokyo.
51勛圖厙 / Society
May 21, 2026
Foreign business owners face frantic scramble to leave Japan amid tighter visa rules
Stricter criteria for the business manager visa has left many owners, some of whom have been in Japan for decades, out in the cold.
Tokyo Detention House guidelines dictate that CCTV surveillance can be used when detainees are at risk of suicide or self-harm, or when there is concern they may try to escape.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal / FOCUS
May 20, 2026
Female death row inmate sues Japan government over 24/7 surveillance
A death-row inmate says she＊s been surveilled 24/7 for 24 years. Now, she＊s suing the Japanese government for a breach of human rights.
A Cabinet meeting on Friday that approved a revised bill on the retrial system
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
May 15, 2026
Cabinet approves revision of controversial retrial system
Critics of Japan＊s retrial system have said prosecutors＊ right to appeal is prolonging the court procedures needed for those seeking a retrial, with it sometimes taking decades.
Keisuke Suzuki, who heads a Liberal Democratic Party panel on the judicial system, speaks during a party meeting on retrial revisions on Wednesday at the party's headquarters in Tokyo.
51勛圖厙 / Politics
May 14, 2026
LDP approves government proposal to revise retrial system
The approval paves the way for the revision 〞 a top priority for the government 〞 to be submitted to the current parliamentary session.
Hideko Hakamata (right), the elder sister of Iwao Hakamata who was acquitted of a 1966 murder, attends a rally in Tokyo on April 18 to oppose the Justice Ministry's bill to revise the retrial system, which would continue to allow public prosecutors to appeal decisions to start a retrial.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
May 5, 2026
Growing number of critical views expressed online over proposed retrial reforms
Many social media users took interest in the topic after the draft bill to revise the code drew severe objections 〞 even angry outbursts 〞 from some lawmakers.
Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tomomi Inada (second from left) attends a party panel meeting on revising Japan's retrial system at the party's headquarters on April 15.
51勛圖厙 / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 22, 2026
LDP and Justice Ministry remain divided over how to revise retrial system
One key issue at the heart of the impasse in revising the retrial system has been whether to allow prosecutors to appeal a court decision to reopen a case.
Hideko Hakamata (front, second from left) and others participate in a protest against the proposed revision of Japan's retrial system, in Tokyo on Saturday.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
Apr 18, 2026
Former death row inmate＊s sister slams Japan＊s retrial review plan
Iwao Hakamata＊s elder sister called for public prosecutors to be barred from appealing court decisions granting retrials.
Ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have asked the Justice Ministry to amend a bill aimed at revising Japan＊s retrial system.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
Apr 16, 2026
LDP members demand rewrite of bill to revise retrial system
The bill proposes a one-year limit on court proceedings initiated by prosecutors＊ appeal against a retrial ruling, but party members want such appeals banned entirely.
Hiroyuki Kuzuno, professor at Aoyama Gakuin University (left), and other legal experts on retrials hold a news conference in Tokyo on Monday.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
Apr 7, 2026
142 retrial experts blast Japanese government panel proposal
The Legislative Council proposal, which would maintain the right of the prosecution to appeal retrial orders, is saddled with ※serious problems,§ the group said.
Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno (left) addresses a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party's project team as it discusses making damaging the national flag a crime, at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Tuesday.
51勛圖厙 / Crime & Legal
Apr 1, 2026
LDP divided over move to criminalize desecration of Japan＊s flag, sought by JIP
While some party members have called for a bill to be enacted during the current session of parliament, others express concern over freedom of expression.
Japan's rollout of a new joint custody system for divorcing couples has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some abuse survivors voicing concerns over continued contact with or interference from former partners while proponents welcomed the move because it puts the country more in line with international standards.
51勛圖厙 / Society
Mar 31, 2026
Japan rolls out new joint custody system
The change ends the country＊s long-standing sole custody framework, under which only one parent could retain parental rights following a divorce.
The government adopted legislation at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday to revise auto laws by setting numerical standards for speeding and alcohol levels to clarify the application of dangerous driving offenses, aiming for enactment during the ongoing parliamentary session.
51勛圖厙
Mar 31, 2026
Legislation adopted to set numerical thresholds for dangerous driving
Application requirements for the crime of dangerous driving are vague under current rules, and many cases have ended with convictions for negligent driving instead.
Japan scientists identify clusters of protein believed to trigger Alzheimer＊s disease
A team of researchers said they found a ※seed§ that accelerates the amyloid beta accumulation process in the brain, naming it ※Peak 1 amyloid beta,§ as seen in a mouse's brain.
Indian brothers make manga debut in Japan
Two Indian brothers made their manga debut in Japan with "Kung Fu Kung Fool" 〞 an action-comedy series that follows the adventures of a notorious thief and a young boy.
Japan weighs regulating Pokemon cards amid trading mania
A Pokemon event is held in Jakarta on July 11
Low-income families in Japan cut food and air conditioning during summer break
Yumiko Watanabe, the chairperson of nonprofit Kidsdoor, explains the results of a survey in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 1.
Iran strikes on CIA facilities prompt questions about possible Russian role
Iranian drones are displayed in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on Jan. 13, 2025.U.S. officials have acknowledged that Russia has ?provided targeting ?and other support for Iran in its drone strikes on U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf region.
The sci-fi sensibilities of electronic trio Black Boboi
Black Boboi was formed in 2018 when solo artists Julia Shortreed, Utena Kobayashi and Ermhoi came together under Kobayashi＊s newly founded label, Bindividual.
A perfect storm: Kaze Fujii fans flock to Fuji Rock
Okayama-born singer-songwriter Kaze Fujii has carved out a distinctive place in Japanese pop since his major-label debut in 2019.
Can Japanese comedy get laughs in English? Yoshimoto Kogyo lets the jokes rip
Wes-P has millions of followers and his viral clips made him recognizable out of Japan.
The 180-day locals: Life on Japan＊s digital nomad visa
Christopher Flinn works remotely from Tokyo earlier this month. Japan issued 646 digital nomad visas in 2025, but tourism officials are hoping to increase that figure in the coming years, with Japan's relatively cheap cost of living and the weak yen seen as potential draws for young professionals.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo＊s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo＊s ＆stadium of desire＊

Longform

For many people, utility poles and power lines have become such a familiar part of Japan＊s landscape that they often go unnoticed.
Why Japan＊s utility poles won＊t be disappearing anytime soon
By Alex K.T. Martin

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