Aid for crime victims improved in latest Basic Plan

March 18 , 2026

On March 17, the Japanese cabinet endorsed the Fifth Basic Plan for Crime Victims featuring such measures as a victim’s handbook and one-stop care services that aim to help ease the trauma of being victimized by crimes. It also includes establishing a period during which victims can recover from or prevent physical injury and mental harm; a record of assistance provided in the past; and promotion of work leave systems to facilitate victim recovery and participation in criminal proceedings against the perpetrator. The Basic Plans have been improved over the past 20 years and were initiated at the behest of Komeito from 2025. Komeito also broke new ground in 1980 when it successfully lobbied to provide victims of crimes with financial support.