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Internet IssuesPublished: 2026-03-13/Updated: 2026-09-221 min readLawyer-Reviewed

Cyberstalking Laws in Japan: Legal Definitions and Remedies

Key Takeaways

  • ✓The 2021 reform added GPS tracking and SNS harassment to regulated conduct
  • ✓Police can issue warnings and prohibition orders against stalkers
  • ✓Violating a prohibition order carries up to 2 years imprisonment
  • ✓Save screenshots and messages as evidence of stalking behavior

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Japan's Anti-Stalking Act was amended in 2021 to cover GPS tracking and persistent SNS messaging. Stalking behaviors fall into 8 categories. Police can issue warnings (Art. 4) and prohibition orders (Art. 5). Violation of prohibition orders carries up to 2 years imprisonment or ¥2M fine (Art. 19). Stalking itself carries up to 1 year imprisonment or ¥1M fine (Art. 18).

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This article provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal issues, please consult with a qualified attorney.

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