Safety first — police and legal options
If you are in immediate danger, contact the police (110). Japan has anti-stalking laws (ストーカー規制法) that allow police to issue warnings and restraining orders. Your local city office or women's consultation center (女性相談センター) can also help, and some have English support.
Embassies and consular services can sometimes help foreign residents access emergency support or navigate the system.
What a PI can help with — after safety is secured
Once you are safe, a PI can help document incidents systematically — recording dates, locations, and nature of each event. This documentation can strengthen a police report or support a legal action such as a restraining order application.
- Systematic incident documentation
- Identifying patterns in the harasser's behavior
- Surveillance to verify ongoing behavior
- Written report for police or legal use
Recording incidents yourself
While waiting for professional help, keep a log: date, time, location, what happened, and any witnesses. Save any messages, voicemails, or photographs. Do not delete evidence.
Do not retaliate, confront, or respond in ways that could be used against you.
Considerations for foreign residents
Navigating Japanese police and legal systems in a foreign language is difficult. Consider reaching out to your embassy or a foreigner support hotline (外国人相談窓口) early — they can assist with translation and explain the process.
If a language barrier is a concern when working with a PI agency, let us know and we will try to match you with an agency that can accommodate.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I go to the police or a PI first?
Police first if you feel unsafe. A PI is useful for evidence gathering after safety is established — not as a substitute for law enforcement.
Can I get a restraining order in Japan as a foreigner?
Yes. Japan's anti-stalking protections apply equally to foreign residents. The process is in Japanese, so getting interpreter support from your embassy or a support center is advisable.
Can a PI identify who is harassing me anonymously?
In some cases, yes — investigators can conduct surveillance to document a person's identity and behavior. What they can do depends on the specific circumstances. Discuss the situation in a consultation.