As on Thursday, those found guilty of cyberbullying in Japan could spend up to a year in jail.
These new laws were reinforced following the suicide of a reality TV star who had been harassed online.
The 2020 passing of pink-haired professional wrestler Hana Kimura triggered demands for more stringent oversight of online bullying.
On the Netflix smash “Terrace House,” in which six young people live together while looking for love, the 22-year-old was a fan favorite.
However, she was subjected to a barrage of harassment online, with remarks like “everyone would be pleased if you’re gone,” especially following an incident in which she lost her cool after a housemate inadvertently destroyed her pricey wrestling costume.
Kimura’s mother led a passionate campaign to change the law, which now carries fines of up to 300,000 yen (£1,839) or a year in jail instead of the previous punishment of up to 10,000 yen in fines or 30 days in jail.
Legislation on defamation defines the crime as “a demonstration of disdain against someone without demonstrating facts in a recognized manner,” and it outlines the consequences in that context.
Yoshihisa Furukawa, the minister of justice, stated that the increased penalties are meant to make it crystal clear that cyberbullying is a crime.
At a press conference this week, he said, “It’s crucial that we try to prevent nasty words that might occasionally drive people to their deaths.”
When another guy was penalized 9,000 yen (£59) in March 2021 for online insults directed at Kimura without having the case go to trial, there was outrage.
He had written the wrestler an online message saying, “You have such a terrible mentality.
Is it worthwhile to live?
“Hey, hey.” When will you pass away?
Before she took her own life, Kimura published a number of disturbing postings on social media, one of which was a photo of her and her cat with the caption “goodbye.”
Despite the fact that cyberbullying had been discussed in Japan before to Kimura’s suicide, the wrestler’s passing sparked national and global attention and put pressure on politicians to act.
Kyoko Kimura, Kimura’s mother, expressed her appreciation for the new regulations after they were approved by parliament last month, saying, “I have a strong sensation of “finally.”
However, a few advocates for free speech and legal professionals are against the change and have urged the government to make sure the stricter law is not applied to target political criticism.
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations has issued a warning because there is no explicit clause in the law protecting political speech.
The group stated in a statement earlier this year that “the prison sentence is inappropriate as it will stifle legitimate argument and threaten freedom of expression.”
Kyoko Kimura has acknowledged the worries about free speech violations.
She declared last month, “I’m also strongly against misuse of the strengthened punishment in this sense.”
One man was ordered to pay $1.29 million yen (£7,941 at today’s rates) in May 2021 in a civil lawsuit over a message sent to Kimura’s account after her passing. Another man was fined for sending hateful messages to Kimura.
Although “Terrace House” was cancelled after Kimura passed away, her mother has stated that she plans to take legal action against those responsible because they “bear the heaviest responsibility.”
At the time of Kimura’s passing, reports alleged that the show’s creators had incited rivalry among participants in order to cast the wrestler in a negative light.
The reports were backed up by Kimura’s mother, who asserted that the show’s staff had encouraged her daughter to amp up the drama.
Following a request from Kyoko’s attorneys, the Tokyo District Court reportedly ordered Fuji TV and the production business to deliver screenplays, pre-edited footage, and other materials last year.
However, they declined, claiming “professional secrecy,” according to the Asahi Shimbun daily.
At the tender age of 19, the sad star made her wrestling debut against Reika Saiki.
That same year, she captured the JWP Junior Championship, her maiden victory.
In 2019, Kimura joined the women’s professional wrestling organization Stardom.
She twice took home the Artist of Stardom championship award there.
She also triumphed in the Goddess of Stardom competition.