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The Japan Times
Justice Ministry panel may call for regulating acts to solicit prostitutes
Members of a Justice Ministry expert panel in Japan have voiced strong support for regulating the solicitation of prostitutes. The current antiprostitution law does not penalize buyers, raising concerns about fairness and balance in the legal framework. The panel's draft report includes proposals for new regulations, stressing the need for appropriate support for sex workers while considering the potential negative consequences of criminalization. The discussion is ongoing as the Justice Ministry prepares legal steps following the panel's final recommendations.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 24 Aug 2026, 05:45 UTC2 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Justice Ministry panel discusses regulation of solicitation for prostitution.
- Current laws penalize selling sex but not soliciting it.
- Majority of panel members call for maintaining penalties for buyers.
- Concerns raised about the potential risks of penalizing sex buyers.
- Panel emphasizes the importance of supporting sex workers.
Interesting facts
- The panel was established in March and has met eight times since.
- Panel members are divided on the implications of expanding the definition of prostitution.
- The proposal includes raising the upper limit on fines for related offenses.