Traditionally, Japanese debt collection has been a commercial sector dominated by organized crime. Many debt collection agencies were associated with, or run by, the Japanese mafia.
However, in 1998, Japan passed the Servicer Law, which provided much needed regulation and specifically articulates that servicer companies involved in debt collection cannot be associated with gangsters in order to be registered under this law.
Licensed attorneys have always been allowed to collect debts in Japan and the rigorous approval process to become an licensed attorney ensures that members of the Japanese mafia are not able to be licensed as lawyers.
If you have any questions about enforcing a debt in Japan, please contact our office to set up a legal consultation.