"Japan Makes 'Online Insults' Punishable by 1 Year In Jail In Wake of Reality TV Star's Death"


By Jessie Yeung, Emiko Jozuka and Kathleen Benoza, CNN
June 14, 2022

The bill was passed by the Upper House of Japan's parliament in Tokyo.

Tokyo (CNN) Japan's parliament on Monday passed legislation making "online insults" punishable by imprisonment amid rising public concern over cyberbullying sparked by the suicide of a reality television star who had faced social media abuse.

Under the amendment to the country's penal code -- set to take effect later this summer -- offenders convicted of online insults can be jailed for up to one year, or fined 300,000 yen (about $2,200).

It's a significant increase from the existing punishments of detention for fewer than 30 days and a fine of up to 10,000 yen ($75).

The bill proved controversial in the country, with opponents arguing it could impede free speech and criticism of those in power. However, supporters said the tougher legislation was needed to crack down on cyberbullying and online harassment.

It was only passed after a provision was added, ordering the law be re-examined three years after it goes into effect to gauge its impact on freedom of expression.

Under Japan's penal code, insults are defined as publicly demeaning someone's social standing without referring to specific facts about them or a specific action, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice. The crime is different to defamation, defined as publicly demeaning someone while pointing to specific facts.

Both are punishable under the law.
Seiho Cho, a Japan-based criminal lawyer, warned that the revised law gave no classification of what constitutes an insult.
"There needs to be a guideline that makes a distinction on what qualifies as an insult," Cho said. "For example, at the moment, even if someone calls the leader of Japan an idiot, then maybe under the revised law that could be classed as an insult."





Hana Kimura's death
The issue of online harassment has gained prominence in the past few years, with growing calls for anti-cyberbullying laws after the death of professional wrestler and reality television star Hana Kimura.

Kimura, 22, who was known for her role in the Netflix show "Terrace House," died by suicide in 2020. The news triggered grief and shock nationwide, with many pointing to online abuse she had received from social media users in the months leading up to her death.
Other cast members came forward to share their own experiences of online abuse.


Soon after her death, top Japanese officials addressed the danger of cyberbullying and pledged to speed up government discussions on relevant legislation.

Kimura's mother, former professional wrestler Kyoko Kimura, campaigned for stronger anti-cyberbullying laws after her daughter's death, and set up a non-profit organization called "Remember Hana" to raise awareness about cyberbullying.

Kyoko held a news conference after the parliament announced its decision on Monday, praising the new law.

"I want people to know that cyberbullying is a crime," she said, adding she hoped the amendment would lead to more detailed legislation.



How to get help: In the US, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide also provide contact information for crisis centers around the world



Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/14/asia/japan-cyberbullying-law-intl-hnk-scli/index.html



Mynd44, Lalasticlala, nlfpmod

We need such laws in Nigeria nairaland bully go hear am

Needed on nairaland oo

Way to go!

Let me see the hypocrites that support this but fought the Nigerian government trying to regulate hate speech.

Helpfromabove1:
We need such laws in Nigeria nairaland bully go hear am

Absolutely! A lot of harassment, defamation of character, and fake news goes on recklessly within the Nigerian cyberspace... Twitter, FB, NL, etc.

I heard that something drastic is being done underground to make the owners of these online platforms in Nigeria more accountable for the actions of the users of those online platforms.


Stay tuned!

Seun, Mynd44

We need am for Nigeria abeg

AlphaTaikun:

Yeah! Politics, Relationship and
Culture topics are usually the most toxics online where ethnic bigotry, stalking and harassments take place.

In Nigeria, I want to see a minimum fine of $2000 get paid (and a higher amount $5000 or more get paid) by the irresponsible repeat offenders who blatantly lie against others, even here on NL. Conversely, they should go to jail for 2 years with hard labor if they can't pay the fines.

As an NL veteran since 2005 (with an older monicker), when a lot of
Diasporans frequented NL, I can confirm that things have degenerated here from the early 2010s, and the Japanese enacted cyberbullying law of 2022 gives much hope that we can fully take back the NL discussion forum and other online platforms from the narcisistic enemies and ethnic bigots and secessionists who were paid, sent here and online to spread hate and distort history.


Cheers.

Nah on Nairaland you go talk your humble opinion, person go curse you and your family for airing your opinion. Then you will start wandering how your comment affected the person life.

You don tey for Nairaland o

I've been reading comments on Nairaland since 2011. I only check the FrontPage most of the time though.

I discovered Nairaland though Google search.

Golan007:
Let me see the hypocrites that support this but fought the Nigerian government trying to regulate hate speech.

Here's another Web link on the story of the death of Hana Kimura.
=> https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/26/asia/hana-kimura-death-terrace-house-intl-hnk-scli/index.html


Japan to discuss cyberbullying laws after death of wrestler and 'Terrace House' star
By Jessie Yeung and Yoko Wakatsuki, CNN
May 26, 2020

(CNN)Japanese government officials are calling for action against cyberbullying, amid a national outpouring of grief after the death of professional wrestler and reality television star Hana Kimura.

Kimura, a cast member on the latest season of the Netflix show "Terrace House," died on Saturday at the age of 22, confirmed World Wonder Ring Stardom, the professional wrestling organization that represented Kimura.

"We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away," Stardom said in a statement. "Hana marched to the beat of her own drum. She was funny, charismatic and a truly kind person."

The organization didn't provide further information on her death, adding in a separate statement that "we are yet to grasp the details and continue to cooperate the investigation into the matter."

It also said it would "work on the emotional well-being of our players."

Shortly before her death was reported, Kimura posted a photo of herself with her cat on Instagram, with the caption, "I love you. Live a happy, long life. I'm sorry."



Fellow female wrestlers around the world took to social media after her death to pay tribute, express their condolences, and speak out against cyberbullying.

"There are no words that could possibly heal this wound," said UFC Hall of Famer and former WWE women's champion Ronda Rousey. "Cyberbullying is a very real and growing threat to us all as a society ... Even a straw's weight can be the one to break a camel's back."

"I didn't personally know Hana Kimura, but it's still very painful to learn about what happened," said the WWE's four-time women's world champion Bayley. "When it comes to cyberbullying - don't do it, don't partake in it, and do not respond to it...Stand for something better."

Other famous wrestlers who spoke out after Kimura's death include Mick Foley, Nia Jax, and Kelly Klein.

What of a case where the person gets arrested only to keep trolling behind bars? Prison is an unregulated society. The known effective solutions to digital idiocy are reporting, blocking and ignoring.