Sexual violence is any sexual act or behaviour that takes place without freely given consent. There are many forms of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and digital abuse. People of any age or gender can be affected by sexual violence, and it is never the fault of the person who was raped, assaulted or abused, no matter the circumstances.
Whether you have been affected by sexual violence yourself, or are supporting someone who has, you don’t need to carry the weight alone. Please reach out to the Lifeline on phone or chat if you would like to talk to someone.
MYTH | FACT |
| Rapists are usually strangers. | Most survivors know their attacker. |
| If the victim-survivor didn’t fight back or scream, it wasn’t rape. | “Freeze,” not being able to respond, is a common survival response. |
| Rape always involves physical force. | Rape sometimes involves force but often takes place through coercion, threats or incapacitation without use of physical force. |
| People frequently make up false rape accusations for attention or revenge. | False reports are extremely rare. Most rapes go unreported, in part because of myths and stereotypes like these. |
| A person cannot be raped by their spouse or partner. | Consent must be given every time. Marital rape is a crime, and being married or in a relationship does not mean entitlement to sex. |
| Sexual assault is motivated by uncontrollable sexual desire, or by the survivor’s behavior or dress. | Sexual assault is an act of power, control and violence. The attacker bears sole responsibility for their actions. |
| If the victim-survivor didn’t say no, it wasn’t rape | Not saying ‘no’ does not automatically mean that someone gave or was able to give consent. |
You can read more about trauma responses here.
If you are in immediate danger, contact the police at 110.
If you need immediate medical attention call 119 for an ambulance.
If you do not speak Japanese you can ask for an interpreter (tsuyaku).
Stay on the line until emergency services arrive.
Following a rape, sexual assault or other form of sexual violence you may be feeling angry, scared, numb, sad, confused, or any number of other emotions – there is no wrong or right way to feel. What happened was not your fault, and nothing you did or did not do makes you responsible.
It can be overwhelming to think about what to do or how to find resources for medical, legal or emotional support. We’re going to share some information about steps and support that you may want to think about.
One-stop support centres for victims of sexual crimes and sexual violence are located in all prefectures in Japan. You can seek support from these centres regardless of whether you choose to report the rape or sexual assault to the police. The exact services vary between centres, but some of the things they may be able to help you with are listed below.
The contact information for One Stop Centres/SARC is listed in the resources section at the end of this page.
It is important to know that it is both your right and your choice whether or not you report a rape or sexual assault to the police. Nobody else should try to make that choice for you. If reporting is something you want to do, you can either go directly to a police station, or contact a One Stop Center/SARC for support in making a report.
An external examination to check for injuries will be carried out either at the police station or at a hospital, followed by DNA collection using a rape kit, at a hospital. There is usually a cost for the rape kit, which varies between hospitals. In many cases, this cost may be reimbursed by the police. One stop centres / SARC may also be able to provide or connect you to financial assistance. You will also be interviewed by the police. If you do not speak Japanese, you can request an interpreter, and you also have the right to request that a female police officer be present.
If you choose to report, as far as possible try to save anything that might contain DNA from the perpetrator. To do this, try not to:
If you report a crime, you have rights regarding your privacy and how you are treated. You can request that your name be kept private in court documents so the public does not know who you are.
You do not have to report the crime immediately, though it is often easier for the police to find evidence if you do. You have a legal right to report sexual assault many years later. For nonconsensual sexual intercourse, you generally have 15 years to report. If the assault happened when you were a child, the 15-year “clock” doesn’t start until you turn 18.
Reporting can be an emotionally difficult process, and you may want to ask a trusted friend or family member to accompany you for support. Your embassy or consulate may also be able to offer some support.
You may be concerned about the risk of pregnancy. Emergency contraception (the morning after pill) is widely available in Japan, both over the counter at many pharmacies, or at most clinics and hospitals. The resources section at the bottom of this page includes more information about this. It is commonly referred to as ‘after pill’ ’アフターピル’ in Japanese.
Most emergency contraception available in Japan, including the brand available over the counter, needs to be taken within 72 hours after the assault. Certain brands, available at some clinics, can be effective up to 120 hours following the rape or sexual assault. Taking emergency contraception as soon as you can will increase the chances of preventing pregnancy.
In Japan, over the counter emergency contraception pills need to be taken at the pharmacy, in the presence of a pharmacist, and can only be purchased by the person taking the medication. There is no minimum age restriction, and the suggested price is ￥7,480.
You can read more about the changes to emergency contraception availability here.
Another thing you may be worried about is the risk of STIs, including HIV. If you are seeking support from SARC, they should be able to help you find a clinic. You can also find information about clinics by contacting a medical information service such as AMDA or NABII (contact information is listed, in the resources section on this page), via the STIs resource page on our website, or by calling the Lifeline
In the case of HIV, there is also a medication called Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) which can reduce the risk of contracting HIV after being exposed to the virus. PEP is not routinely prescribed to survivors of rape or sexual violence in Japan, and you may need to ask for it. The first dose of PEP needs to be taken within 72 hours of exposure, and then daily for 28 days. It is not covered by national health insurance, and can be expensive, although some clinics carry a generic, lower cost version.
Thinking about all of these steps can be overwhelming. Please try to remember that what happened wasn’t your fault, and that you can reach out to the Lifeline for emotional and practical support at any stage.
While Japan has a safe reputation, government data shows that sexual violence occurs:
In 2023, Japan updated its sexual violence laws, but they still differ from the international standard. Since 2017, the law recognizes that people of all genders can be a survivor of violence. Here is information on a few sex crimes in Japan:
不同意性交等罪（刑法第177条）
→ 相手が同意しない意思を形成し、表明し、
The International Rule: “Yes Means Yes”
The Japan Rule: “No Means No”
不同意わいせつ罪（刑法第176条）
→ 相手がわいせつな行為について同意していない状況、
Indecent Assault is a nonconsensual sexual act that does not involve penetration. This includes groping (“chikan”), which, depending on the severity of the offence, is punishable under either the national law or local ordinances.
セクシュアルハラスメント
→ 性的な言葉や行為、または性的な意図を持つ言動によって、
Sexual harassment is sexual behavior that leads to disadvantages in working conditions, or an uncomfortable work environment. Under Employment Equal Opportunity Act Article 11, companies must establish policies against sexual harassment, create internal reporting channels, and provide training to prevent sexual harassment.
デジタル性犯罪
→スマートフォン、カメラ、インターネット、
Nonconsensually filming a sexual act or a person’s sexual anatomy (so-called “upskirting”) is a crime.
The law provides extra protection for young people. In 2023, the age for sexual consent was raised from 13 to 16. Sexual acts with those aged 13 to 15 are punishable only if the accused are at least five years older than the minor.
Beyond the person going to jail, you have the right to seek “damages” (money) for the physical and emotional harm caused. This is usually done through a separate “civil” lawsuit or a special “restitution” process during the criminal trial.
If you are a friend, family member or partner, you may be struggling with your own feelings about what has happened or worried about saying the wrong thing. Below are a few tips to help you support your friend or loved one.
When a survivor is impacted by sexual violence, it can affect the people around them too. Survivors may experience a wide range of reactions, and those close to the survivor may need support.
DO | DON’T |
Listen sensitively, patiently, without interruptions or questions. | Blame or judge them for their actions before, during or after the assault. Ask questions that imply blame. (e.g. What were you wearing? Did you try to say no?) |
Believe the survivor. People rarely lie about sexual violence. | Ask “why” questions (e.g. Why didn’t you leave? Why were you there?) |
Respect the survivor’s decisions and boundaries. Let them know you are here for them whatever they decide to do. | Make assumptions about what is best for the survivor. |
Let the survivor control what details to share, when to talk, and what happens next. | Ask them for details. |
Recognise how hard it might have been for the survivor to tell you about the violence. Thank them for sharing this with you. | Disclose the assault to others without permission. |
Realize you may have a strong response to their experience. Seek your own support if needed. | Expect the survivor to support you. |
Inform the survivor about One Stop Support Center / SARC. | Tell the survivor what to do. |
If the survivor is blaming themselves, let them know it was not their fault.
– Human Rights Now, “HRN Submits Report on Women’s Rights Issues in Japan,” September 16, 2024, https://hrn.or.jp/eng/news/2024/09/16/cedaw-japan-review-report/.
– “What you need to know about the revision to Japan’s sex crime law,” The Japan Times, June 19, 2023, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/19/national/crime-legal/sex-crime-law-revision-explainer/.
– “Our Mission,” Spring (Survivors PRoject for Individual Right and Gaining), accessed April 6, 2026, http://spring-voice.org/english/.
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government. “Kiso Chishiki” [Basic Knowledge]. Chikan Bokumetsu Project. Accessed April 10, 2026. https://www.chikanbokumetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/knowledge/index.html.
– “Summary of the Act for Partial Amendment of the Penal Code and the Act on Punishment of Activities Related to the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Other Acts,” Ministry of Justice (Japan), June 2023, https://www.moj.go.jp/content/001405919.pdf.
– Japan enacts revisions to better tackle sex crimes,” The Mainichi, June 16, 2023, https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230616/p2a/00m/0na/035000c.
The information on this page is current as of April 2026 and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
Name & Contact | Location | Services | Language |
Emergency Services | |||
Police 110 | Japan-wide | If assailant poses an immediate risk (perpetrator is still there or may return). | If translation is needed, ask for tsuyaku and stay on the line. |
Police consultation line for victims of sexual crimes #8103 (24hr hotline) | Japan-wide | Anonymous, confidential | Japanese only |
Ambulance 119 | Japan-wide | If urgent medical assistance is needed. | If unable to give address in Japanese, stay on the line to allow the call to be traced. |
Tokyo Multilingual Police General Advisory Centre 03-3501-0110 #9110 (from Tokyo only) M-Fr 8:30-17:15 | Tokyo | Expert counselling about | Japanese, English, |
Sexual Assault Relief Centres | |||
SARC (Sexual Assault Relief Centre) #8891 (connects to the nearest centre) OR 0120-8891-77 | Japan-wide | Services vary by prefecture, but generally support with reporting, going to the hospital, referrals to services. | Japanese, may be able to arrange translators but that is not guaranteed and varies by prefecture |
#8891 (when calling from Tokyo) OR 03-5577-3899 | Tokyo | Available 24 hrs, 365 days a year (English speaking cannot be guaranteed). Hotline counsellors will direct the user to hospitals/clinics. Can help the user report the crime to the police. Can arrange for the police to meet the survivor at the hospital and the police will bring the rape kit. Can connect the survivor with clinics and hospitals to receive emergency contraception. Can offer counselling. | Time permitting, SARC Tokyo will attempt to find a translator. If that is not possible, voice translation technology may be used instead. Being accompanied by a bilingual friend is advised. |
SACHICO (Sexual Assault Crisis Healing Intervention Center Osaka) 072-330-0799 (24hr hotline) | Osaka | Clinic open 24 hours. Located inside Hannan Chuo Hospital. Offers | Japanese only- |
Hotlines | |||
17:00-21:00 every day | Japan-wide | Consultation service addressing sexual violence. Support for male survivors available. | Chat support in: English, Tagalog, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesian, Nepali |
0120-279-338 (toll-free) 24h in Japanese, varies by language | Japan-wide | Domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault, trafficking. Yorisoi will provide counselling, information and resources. | Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepali, Bahasa Indonesia Days and times vary by language – schedule available on the website |
090-9622-4848 | Kobe | Counselling/ support | Counselling can |
Medical | |||
0120-339-266 (toll-free) | Japan-wide | Multilingual info on medical institutions with foreign languages; information on Japan’s medical welfare system. Telephone interpretation services. | Chinese, English, Korean, Portuguese, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese |
Map showing pharmacies where the morning after pill is available OTC: | Japan-wide | Suggested price 7,480. No parental consent or age requirement. Can only be purchased by the person taking the pill, and must be taken on the spot. | Website in Japanese only, support in languages other than Japanese needs to be confirmed directly with each pharmacy |
List of pharmacies with the morning after pill available OTC | Japan-wide | As above | As above |
(03-6268-0079) Daily 9:00 – 21:00 | Tokyo (Tokyo | Morning after pill: | Japanese, English, |
(03-3630-0303) Monday – Saturday (9:00 – 11:30; 13:30 – 17:00) | Tokyo (Kiba | Morning after pill, Yuzpe | Japanese Only |
Tokyo Medical & Surgical Clinic (03-3436-3028) Monday – Friday (8:30 – 17:30) | Tokyo (Kamiyacho | Morning after pill | Japanese, English |
(03-6441-0969) Monday – Friday (9:00 – 12:00; 15:00 – 18:00) | Tokyo (Akasaka | Morning after pill | Japanese, English |
(045-231-1770) M-W, F (9:00 – 13:00; 15:00 –18:00) Sat (9:00 – 15:00) | Yokohama | Morning after pill Female patients | English speaking |
https://www.oakclinic-group.com/en/fujinka/hinin_pill02/ (06-6348-1511) T-Sa 9:00 – 17:00 (070-1820-0909) | Osaka (Umeda station) | Morning after pill: | Japanese, |
https://www.seikoclinic.jp/after_pill/ (06-6484-0001) M, W, Th, Sa, Su (10:30 – 12:00; 15:00 – 19:00) | Osaka (Namba Station) | Morning after pill from ¥3300. | English speaking |
(052-950-7777) M, Tu, F (12:00 – 15:00; 17:00 –20:00), Sa (12:00 – 15:00; 17:00 Su (11:00 – 15:00) | Nagoya (Sakae Station) | Morning after pill | Japanese only |
Japan-wide | Information on clinics | Website in | |
Direct English Line: 03-5550 -7166 | Tokyo (Shintomicho | Open 24 hours. | Japanese, |
03-5919-3127 Wed-Fri 13:00-21:00; Sat & Sun 10:00-16:30; Mon & Tue closed | Tokyo (Akebonobashi | Medical services for | English |
Legal | |||
Nationwide | A list of lawyers who can provide consultations and handle rape and sexual assault cases. | Japanese, English | |
Nationwide | A list of lawyers who handle a variety of matters including Family Law and Criminal Law. | English | |
The information on this page is current as of April 2026 and does not constitute medical or legal advice.