Japan's Ministry of Justice is considering a significant overhaul of the country's prostitution laws that would, for the first time, criminalize buyers who solicit sex workers. According to NHK, an expert panel convened by the Ministry of Justice presented a draft report on August 24, 2026, proposing changes to address what they describe as fundamental inequalities in the current legal framework. Under Japan's existing Prostitution Prevention Act, enacted in 1956, only those who sell sexual services face criminal penalties for solicitation and related activities. Buyers, meanwhile, face no legal consequences for seeking or purchasing sexual services. The expert panel's draft report argues this creates an unjust imbalance in how the law treats the two parties involved in the same transaction. The proposed reforms would introduce criminal penalties for individuals who solicit or purchase sexual services, bringing Japan more in line with legal frameworks adopted in several European countries. This approach, sometimes called the "Nordic model" after its implementation in Sweden and Norway, aims to reduce demand for prostitution by targeting buyers rather than focusing enforcement solely on sex workers. For foreign residents in Japan, this proposed change represents a potentially significant shift in the legal landscape. While prostitution itself has long existed in a legal gray area in Japan—with various forms of sex work operating openly despite the 1956 law—the current system means buyers face no criminal risk. If the reforms are implemented, foreign residents who solicit or purchase sexual services could face criminal prosecution, which would have serious implications for visa status and employment. A criminal conviction in Japan can result in deportation for foreign nationals and would almost certainly affect visa renewal applications. Even minor criminal offenses can complicate immigration status, and a prostitution-related conviction could bar re-entry to Japan or affect future visa applications. For professionals working in Japan, such a conviction could also impact employment, particularly in industries with strict compliance requirements. The expert panel's report comes amid broader discussions in Japan about gender equality and the exploitation inherent in the sex industry. Advocates for reform argue that the current law unfairly criminalizes vulnerable individuals, often women facing economic hardship, while allowing buyers to operate without legal consequences. The proposed changes would shift the legal burden toward those creating demand for prostitution. However, the draft report represents only the beginning of what could be a lengthy legislative process. The Ministry of Justice will need to review the panel's recommendations, draft specific legislation, and navigate the proposal through Japan's parliamentary system. This process could take months or even years, and the final legislation—if passed—may differ significantly from the current proposal. It's important to note that Japan's sex industry is complex, with various establishments operating under different legal interpretations. Some forms of sex work occupy legal gray areas, while others are explicitly prohibited. The proposed reforms would likely require clarification of these distinctions and could prompt broader discussions about regulating the industry. For now, foreign residents should be aware that discussions about prostitution law reform are underway and that the legal environment may change. While the current law does not penalize buyers, this could change if the expert panel's recommendations are adopted. As with any legal matter in Japan, foreign residents should stay informed about developments and understand that engaging in activities that may become criminalized carries inherent risks. The Ministry of Justice has not announced a timeline for when the expert panel will finalize its report or when any proposed legislation might be introduced to parliament. Foreign residents concerned about how these potential changes might affect them should monitor official announcements and consider consulting with legal professionals familiar with Japanese immigration and criminal law.