Being arrested in a foreign country is terrifying. Japan's criminal justice system is very different from Western systems — with a 99%+ conviction rate and up to 23 days detention before charges. If you find yourself in a police station, make sure to read how to call the police in Japan and understand your rights.
🚨 Japan's 23-Day Rule
Japanese police can hold a suspect for up to 48 hours, then seek a 10-day judicial extension, then another 10-day extension — totaling up to 23 days before formal charges. You can be held in near-complete isolation during this period. Having a lawyer is critical.
⚠️ What NOT to do
• Do not resist arrest physically. • Do not sign documents you don't understand. • Do not waive your right to silence. • Do not confess without legal advice. • Do not give up your phone PIN without a lawyer present.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Invoke your right to remain silent immediately
In Japanese: "Damatteiru kenri ga arimasu" (黙っている権利があります) — "I have the right to remain silent." You are not required to answer police questions. In Japan, police often conduct extended interrogations to obtain confessions. Do not confess to anything without a lawyer.
💡Say: "Bengoshi ga kuru made nani mo hanashimasen" — "I will not say anything until my lawyer arrives."
- 2
Request a lawyer immediately
In Japanese: "Bengoshi wo yonde kudasai" (弁護士を呼んでください) — "Please call a lawyer." You have the right to a court-appointed attorney (kokusen bengonin) free of charge. Private lawyers are faster. Japan Federation of Bar Associations emergency line: 0570-078374.
💡JFBA 24-hour duty lawyer line: 0570-078374. Say "foreigner in custody" for urgent response.
- 3
Request consular notification
Under the Vienna Convention, you have the right to have your embassy notified. Say: "Taishikan ni renraku shite kudasai" (大使館に連絡してください) — "Please contact my embassy." Police must notify your consulate if you request it.
- 4
Request an interpreter
If you do not speak Japanese, police must provide a qualified interpreter before questioning. Say "Tsūyaku wo yonde kudasai" (通訳を呼んでください). Do not answer substantive questions before an interpreter is present.
- 5
Do NOT sign anything you don't understand
Police will present documents in Japanese for your signature, including interrogation records (chosha). Do not sign without reading and understanding — with your lawyer's help if necessary. Signing a false or misunderstood record can be used as evidence.
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if arrested in Japan as a foreigner?
You have the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer, the right to an interpreter, and the right to consular notification. Police cannot compel you to confess.
How long can police hold a foreigner in Japan without charges?
Up to 23 days without formal charges. The sequence is: 48-hour initial detention, then two 10-day judicial extensions if approved by a judge.
Will my employer find out if I'm arrested in Japan?
Arrests are not automatically reported to employers. However, your visa status may be affected, and some arrests (especially for drug offenses or violent crimes) can lead to deportation proceedings that affect employment.
Can I be deported after arrest in Japan?
Yes. Many criminal convictions can lead to deportation and re-entry bans. Drug offenses, visa violations, and convictions for crimes of moral turpitude are common grounds for deportation.
How do I get a lawyer in Japan if I'm arrested?
Request a court-appointed attorney (kokusen bengonin) — they are free and available 24/7. Call the Japan Federation of Bar Associations duty lawyer line: 0570-078374. Your embassy can also provide a list of English-speaking lawyers.
Gaijin Support Editorial Team
Japan Life Support Specialists
Written by a team of foreign residents in Japan with combined 50+ years of experience navigating Japanese legal, medical, and administrative systems.
Reviewed by Kenji Tanaka, Esq., Licensed Japanese Attorney (bengoshi) · Last updated June 2026