Legal

Navigating Japanese laws can be intimidating, even for the most proficient of Japanese speakers. Luckily, there are some resources to help you should you find yourself in need of legal counseling or assistance.

Japan Legal Support Center
Website: https://www.houterasu.or.jp/en/index.html
Telephone: 0570-078377 for English, 0570-078374 for Japanese
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am to 5:00pm

SPIRA
Website: https://www.spira.or.jp/en/work/consultation/
Address: 2-1-12 Shirayama, Saga City
Telephone: 0952-22-7830 (Consultation Hotline)
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am to 5:00pm

SPIRA offers some free consultations to foreigners living in Saga, and can also provide interpreters should a JET wish to speak to someone Japanese about legal matters.

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Sexual Harassment

If you feel as though you are being sexually harassed either in the workplace or in your personal life, or you have been assaulted, your options may be as follows.

1. Make sure you are safe. Ensure you are in a safe location. Seek medical attention if you require STI testing or emergency contraception. Check the Sexual Health section of the Health Resources page.

2. Assess your emotional health. Do you need to take time off work? Do you have people to rely on and trust? Do you need professional counseling? (see Mental Health Resources)

3. Decide how to address the situation. You are encouraged to write a record of the incident(s) and to keep messages or physical evidence should you decide to file an official complaint. You may consult with a PA, but note that they may be obligated to break confidentiality in some circumstances.

• If the situation involves people within the same Contracting Organization (i.e. two JETs or a JET and a BOE employee), you can check the CO’s procedures for dealing with sexual harassment and assault. All offices are legally required to have a system for handling such complaints. SPIRA may be able to provide an interpreter if necessary. It is possible this process will take several months, and consequences for/attitudes toward sexual harassment vary by workplace.
• If the situation involves JETs from two different COs, the International Affairs Division may be able to mediate. They may contact the CO of the JET who perpetrated the assault to report that a complaint has been filed. CLAIR and the Prefectural Government cannot guarantee any official action and cannot take any legal or professional action toward perpetrators of sexual harassment or assault.

If you wish to take legal action:

You are encouraged to make use of free legal counseling offered by Rainbow Plaza in Fukuoka and to consult your embassy or consulate for legal advice (see Legal Resources and Embassy and Consulate Contact Information).

SPIRA may be able to provide an interpreter if the JET wishes to file a report with the police or meet with a lawyer.

Note: A trial or police investigation will likely take a long time. If you feel as though your case is or has been inappropriately handled, you have the option of contacting the Japanese Labor Board or your embassy (see Embassy and Consulate Contact Information).

You can find additional information, advice, and resources on the AJET Peer Support Group page, the Hyogo AJET page, and the TELL page.