Three years after the enforcement of the revised Criminal Law strengthening defamation penalties, a report from Japan's Ministry of Justice indicates it has had some effect on combating online slander, but calls for further legal adjustments persist.
Three years have passed since the revised Criminal Law in Japan came into effect, which strengthened the penalties for defamation crimes. In a recent evaluation report by the Ministry of Justice, it was concluded that there has been a 'certain effect' in addressing online slander, specifically after the tragic death of professional wrestler Hana Kimura, who suffered severe online harassment. Between July 2022 and June 2025, defamation laws have been applied against 104 individuals, with 82% receiving fines. However, the number of complaints about illegal and harmful information remains high, revealing ongoing concerns about the law's effectiveness.
Despite the reported effectiveness, victims and legal advocates are demanding even harsher penalties. The Ministry of Justice's report acknowledges that the most severe penalties, such as imprisonment, have rarely been imposed. This raises questions about whether the current legal framework is sufficient to deter online harassment effectively. There are also concerns regarding the potential suppression of legitimate speech, such as criticism of politicians, as lawmakers and local officials have faced legal action under the new defamation law.
In a poignant discussion on victim impact, Hana Kimura's mother, Kyoko, shared her thoughts during the evaluation meeting, expressing a desire to reduce both victimhood and perpetration of online abuse. This highlights the ongoing dialogue about finding a balance between protecting individuals from defamation while safeguarding the right to free expression. The report stresses the need for continuous evaluation of punitive measures to adapt to the evolving nature of online communication and prevent unjust restrictions on speech.
