Sex trafficking in Japan is human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and slavery that occurs in the country. Japan is a country of origin, destination, and transit for sexually trafficked persons.
Japanese citizens, primarily women and girls, have been sex trafficked within Japan and to a lesser degree abroad. Foreign victims are sex trafficked into the country.[1][2] Minors[3] and persons from families in poverty[4] are particularly vulnerable to sex trafficking. Sex trafficked victims are deceived,[1][2][5][6] threatened,[2][5][6] and forced into prostitution. Their passports and bank documents are often confiscated.[2] Debt bondage is often employed.[2][5] They suffer from physical and psychological trauma.[6][3] A number contract sexually transmitted diseases from rape and live in generally poor conditions. Some rescued victims face ostracization, depression,[3] and or commit suicide.[dubious – discuss][6] Online sextortion and the creation of coerced rape pornography are issues.[6]
Male and female traffickers in Japan come from a wide range of backgrounds and every social class. Traffickers are often members of or facilitated by crime syndicates,[2] including the yakuza or bōryokudan. Sex trafficking is linked to Japan's entertainment and tourism industries, and women and girls are also trafficked to businesses catering to military servicemen and contractors in United States Forces Japan. Traffickers have used internet websites, email, and apps to lure victims.[6] Japanese nationals have engaged in cybersex trafficking.[7][8]
The scale of sex trafficking in Japan is difficult to know because of the underground nature of sex trafficking crimes, the fact that only a small minority of cases are reported to the authorities, and other factors. The Japanese government has been criticized for its lack of anti-sex trafficking efforts and laws.[3][5][6] Some Japanese officials have been accused of being apathetic about the issue.[5] [9] [10] In 2014, the US Department of State reported that "Japan is the international hub for the production and trafficking of child pornography".[11]