JAPAN / Crime & Legal

Critics of Japan's sexual offense law believe Sweden may hold solution

Japan's revised Penal Code broadened the definition of rape to include male victims. However, it did not drop a requirement that the perpetrator must have used force or threatened the victim to establish an assault as rape, which some say does not go far enough to protect victims. | KYODO

By Toma Mochizuki
Kyodo

Mar 13, 2020

When Japan revised its criminal law in 2017 to impose stricter penalties on sex offenders, it was the first such amendment in 110 years.

Critics of the legislation see Sweden's consent-based sexual offense law as a guide for areas where Japan could go further.

The Scandinavian country's legislation, promulgated in 2018, states that sexual acts require voluntary participation. Under the slogan of "yes means yes," sex without explicit consent is deemed rape.

Critics of Japan's sexual offense law believe Sweden may hold solution

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