News & Blog

February 24, 2016

What’s the punishment for public drunkenness?

Indecent exposure, assault, contempt, a violation of the Minor Offenses Act and public nuisance drunkenness result in a punishment of Misdemeanor Imprisonment without Work. This sentence carries a maximum punishment of imprisonment for less than 30 days but the minimum punishment for this sentence is just one day.
February 24, 2016

What happens if someone doesn’t pay the fine for a criminal offense?

Criminal fines in Japan come in two types: Fines and Petty Fines. A petty fine is between 1000 yen and 10,000 yen. Anything above 10,000 yen is a normal fine, although normal fines can be reduced to below 10,000 yen due to mitigating circumstances.
February 24, 2016

What is the punishment for possessing marijuana in Japan?

Drug related crimes are taken very seriously in Japan. The Cannabis Control Act criminalizes the import, export or growing of marijuana in Japan and orders heavy punishment for those that break the law. Growing, importing or exporting marijuana in Japan can be punished with up to 7 years in prison. However, engaging in any of those acts with the intent to profit carries a heavier punishment of imprisonment for up to 10 years. Similarly, simple possession of marijuana carries a sentence of up to 5 years of prison, while possession with the intent to profit is punishable by up to […]
February 24, 2016

Is gambling legal in Japan?

Gambling is prohibited under Japanese law and anyone caught gambling can be punished with a fine of up to 500,000 yen. Someone who organizes a gambling group or runs a place for gambling can be punished with up to 5 years of prison.