Japan makes online insults punishable by a year in prison

JAPAN has made “insults” punishable by up to a year in prison under a new cyberbullying law.

An online post as mild as calling someone an idiot could fall under the draconian legislation.

The law to strengthen the existing penal code was passed by the Diet on Monday, with anyone convicted of using abusive language to insult a person in a public setting, including online, now facing an extended period behind bars or a fine of up to Y300,000 (£1,839).

Previously, a conviction for an online insult or accusation not based on fact could have led to a maximum prison term of 30 days or a fine of Y10,000 (£61).

There were calls to toughen the law following the suicide of a 22-year-old reality TV star two years ago.

Hana Kimura, a professional wrestler who appeared on the Netflix show Terrace House, attracted abusive online comments after clashing with another cast member. These included social media posts that said she should kill herself.

Kyoko Kimura, her mother, said: “The existing law has not served as a deterrent and is unreasonable. My overwhelming feeling now is ‘Finally!’”

She cautioned, however, that the new law was “not the end” of the problem, adding: “It is really just the beginning. How punishments are handed down will depend on the behaviour of each and every one of us.”

Japan has seen a sharp increase in incidents of online abuse and cyberbullying, with experts suggesting that people find it easier to criticise and insult behind the anonymity of social media posts. There are also concerns about growing intolerance of diversity, meaning that anyone who strays from conservative social norms can quickly become a target.

However, some opposition politicians and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations have said the changes could restrict freedom of expression.

Others say the rules are too vague, with one lawyer saying an off-hand online comment calling the prime minister “an idiot” may lead to prosecution.