Ⅲ. LAW ENFORCEMENT AT THE BORDER AGAINST ILLICIT DRUGS AND
OTHER ILLEGAL ITEMS
1. Government Initiatives( 1 ) Meeting for the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug Abuse
In January 1997, the Headquarters for the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug Abuse wasestablished within the Cabinet to address the serious drug situation at that time. Through its annual
meetings, the Headquarters was expected to ensure close cooperation among relevant administrative
agencies in measures against drug abuse as well as to promote strict drug control, public awareness ofdrug abuse, and other comprehensive and active measures. In December 2008, however, theHeadquarters was abolished with the aim of reorganizing overlapping meetings in which the Prime
Minister and the Chief Cabinet Secretary were required to participate. Instead, the Meeting for the
Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug Abuse, presided over by the Minister of State for Measuresagainst Drug Abuse, was determined to be held as necessary under the Ministerial Meeting Concerning
Measures against Crime. All matters decided before its abolition by the Headquarters were transferred to
the Meeting for the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug Abuse.
Recognizing the need for medium and long-term strategies for fighting drug abuse, theHeadquarters decided on the Five-year Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy in May 1998, the New
Five-year Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy in July 2003, the Third Five-year Drug Abuse
Prevention Strategy in August 2008 and Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy Acceleration Plan;thus promoting comprehensive and aggressive measures. While the implementation of thesestrategies and measures is delivering some level of results, examination of the drug situation asa whole shows that arrests for stimulant-related crimes are rising, and reoffending rates reached
a new record level for the first time in 15 years. Thus, the situation remains harsh, prompting
the decision in August 2013 to adopt the “Fourth Five-year Strategy for Drug Abuse
Prevention”.
In addition, in July 2014, there was no end to crimes and serious traffic accidents resulting indeath caused by abusers of designer drugs and, as this became a grave social problem, based on
the instructions of the Prime Minister,Emergency Measures in order to eradicate the abuse ofdesigner drugs was compiled at the meeting.

(Note 1) Members of the Meeting for the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug Abuse
Chief:

Minister of State for Measures against Drug Abuse,

Deputy Chiefs: Chair of the National Public Safety Commission, Minister of Justice,
Minister of Finance, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, Minister of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport

Members:

Minister of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts andTelecommunications, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of
Economy, Trade and Industry(Note 2) Meetings (including the meetings of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Measures toPrevent Drug Abuse)
September 19, 2014 

the 11th “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Follow-up of emergency measures in order to eradicate the abuse of
New Psychoactive Substances

August 7, 2014



the 10th “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Emergency measures in order to eradicate that abuse of New
Psychoactive Substances

July 18, 2014

the 9th “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Emergency measures in order to eradicate the abuse of so-called
legal drugs

July 8, 2014

the 8th “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Appropriate response to new drugs such as those sold as legal herbs,
etc.

June 19, 2014

the 7th “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Follow-up of the Four Five-year Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy

August 7, 2013

the 6th “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Follow-up of the Third Five-year Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy• Abuse Prevention Strategy for Drugs Sold while Labeled as Legal
Herbs

August 30, 2012

the 5th “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Follow-up of the Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy Acceleration
Plan• Abuse Prevention Strategy for Drugs Sold while Labeled as Legal
Herbs

August 29, 2011

the 4th “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Follow-up of the Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy Acceleration
Plan

July 23, 2010

the 3rd “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”

• Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy Acceleration Plan
• Follow-up of the Third Five-year Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy
March 24, 2010

the 2nd “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Establishment of the Working Team on the Drug Abuse Prevention
Strategy Acceleration Plan

August 20, 2009



the 1st “Drug Abuse Prevention Meeting”• Follow-up of the Third Five-year Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy

August 22, 2008



the 15th meeting of headquarters members• Follow-up of the New Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug Abuse• Follow-up of the Urgent Border Control Measures for Interdictionof Illicit Drug Smuggling• Third Five-year Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy

August 3, 2007



the 14th meeting of headquarters members• Follow-up of the New Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug Abuse• Follow-up of the Urgent Border Control Measures for Interdictionof Illicit Drug Smuggling

January 4, 2007



the 13th meeting of headquarters members• Partial revision of the New Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug Abuse

July 18, 2006



the 12th meeting of headquarters members• Follow-up of the New Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug Abuse• Follow-up of the Urgent Border Control Measures for Interdictionof Illicit Drug Smuggling

June 10, 2005



the 11th meeting of headquarters members• Follow-up of the New Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug Abuse• Follow-up of the Urgent Border Control Measures for Interdictionof Illicit Drug Smuggling

June 14, 2004



the 10th meeting of headquarters members

• Follow-up of the New Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug Abuse• Follow-up of the Urgent Border Control Measures for Interdictionof Illicit Drug Smuggling
July 29, 2003

the 9th meeting of headquarters members• Follow-up of the Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention of Drug
Abuse
• Adoption of the New Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention of Drug
Abuse
• Adoption of Urgent Border Control Measures for Interdiction of
Illicit Drug Smuggling

May 31, 2002

the 8th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug
Abuse in Fiscal 2001
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures to Prevent
Drug Abuse in Fiscal 2002
• Progress Report on the Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug Abuse

June 1, 2001



the 7th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug
Abuse in Fiscal 2000
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures to Prevent
Drug Abuse in Fiscal 2001
• Progress Report on the Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug AbuseMay 23, 2000

the 6th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug
Abuse in Fiscal 1999
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures to Prevent
Drug Abuse in Fiscal 2000
• Progress Report on the Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug Abuse

May 18, 1999



the 5th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug
Abuse in Fiscal 1998

• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures to Prevent
Drug Abuse in Fiscal 1999
• Progress Report on the Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug AbuseMay 26, 1998



the 4th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Progress of the Urgent Countermeasures against Juvenile
Drug Abuse problems• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug
Abuse in Fiscal 1997
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures to Prevent
Drug Abuse in Fiscal 1998
• Progress Report on the Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention ofDrug AbuseMay 27, 1997

the 3rd meeting of headquarters members• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug
Abuse in Fiscal 1996
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures to Prevent
Drug Abuse in Fiscal 1997

April 18, 1997

the 2nd meeting of headquarters members• Outline on Promoting Measures against Illicit Drugs• The Urgent Countermeasures against Juvenile Drug Abuse
problems

January 21, 1997



the 1st meeting of headquarters members

January 17, 1997

Cabinet decision for establishment of the Headquarters for the
Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug Abuse

( 2 ) Meeting for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
In September, 1995, in view of the serious firearms situation at the time, the Headquarters for the
Promotion of Measures against Firearms was established in the Cabinet and in 2008, this headquarters
was re-formed as the Meeting for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms under the Ministerial
Meeting Concerning Measures against Crime. In December, 2012, the jurisdiction of it was transferredfrom the Cabinet Secretariat to the National Police Agency.
At the Meeting for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms in December, 1995, the Outline on
Promoting Measures against Firearms was determined. It is aiming at clarifying the basic policy formeasures against firearms in the government and promoting it effectively and strongly. Furthermore, thePlan for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms and the Status of Promotion of Measures against
Firearms has been formulated every year since 1997.
Recent 3-year Plans for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms are composed of the following 6
major categories: 1. Seizure of firearms concealed within Japan, 2. Strengthening of firearms seizuressystems and closer partnerships with supervising organizations, 3. Thorough investigation / research andstrict processing of crime involving firearms, 4. Appropriate promotion of border measures, 5.
Promotion of international cooperation and 6. Acqirement of understanding and cooperation of Japanesenational.
At the Meeting for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms, the promotion plan has beenformulated and determined for each financial year following Guidelines for the Promotion of Measuresagainst Firearms formulated in December, 1995. In addition, at the Meeting for the Promotion of
Measures against Firearms in May, 2014 (6th ), the 2014 Plan for the Promotion of Measures against
Firearms was formulated as the plan following the Guidelines.
(Note 1) Members of the Meeting for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
Chief:

Chair of the National Public Safety Commission

Members:

Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary
Cabinet Public Relations Secretary
Director-General of Community Safety Bureau of National Police Agency
Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Bureau of National Police
AgencyChief of Organized Crime Department of the Criminal Investigation
Bureau of National Police Agency
Director-General of Minister’s Secretariat of Ministry of Public
Management Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
Director-General of the Criminal Affairs Bureau of Ministry of JusticeDirector-General of Immigration Bureau of Ministry of JusticeDirector-General of Consular Affairs Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Director-General of Foreign Policy Bureau of Ministry of Foreign AffairsDirector-General of the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Ministry of Finance
Deputy Director-General of Fisheries Agency
Director-General of Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau of Ministryof Economy, Trade and Industry
Director-General of Policy Bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure andTransport
Vice Commandant of Japan Coast Guard
Director-General of Nature Conservation Bureau of Ministry of theEnvironment(Note 2) Meetings (including the meetings of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Measures against
Firearms)

May 21, 2014

the 6th “Meeting against Firearms”• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2013
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2014

May 21, 2013

the 5th “Meeting against Firearms”• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2012
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2013

May 28, 2012



the 4th “Meeting against Firearms”• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2011
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2012

May 26, 2011

the 3rd “Meeting against Firearms”• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2010
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2011

June 23, 2010

the 2nd “Meeting against Firearms”• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2009

• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2010
April 22, 2009



the 1st “Meeting against Firearms”• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2008
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2009
• Report on Progress of Efforts by Ministries and Agencies

May 1, 2008



the 14th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2007
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2008
• Report on Progress of Efforts by Ministries and Agencies

June 25, 2007

the 2nd meeting of the project team to study further measures against
firearms• Regarding further measure plans to prevent firearms crimes

May 18, 2007



the 1st meeting of the project team to study further measures against
firearms• Regarding the study for the one-step-forward measures

April 25, 2007



the 13th meeting of headquarters members• Regarding the shooting of the mayor of Nagasaki and shootings inTokyo and Kanagawa• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2006
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2007
• Report on Progress of Efforts by Ministries and Agencies

May 25, 2006



the 12th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2005

• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2006
• Report on Progress of Efforts by Ministries and Agencies
April 26, 2005



the 11th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2004
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2005

April 27, 2004



the 10th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2003
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2004

April 25, 2003

the 9th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2002
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2003

April 26, 2002

the 8th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2001
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2002

April 20, 2001



the 7th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 2000

• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2001
April 28, 2000

the 6th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 1999
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 2000

April 27, 1999



the 5th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 1998
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 1999

April 30, 1998



the 4th meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 1997
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 1998

May 7, 1997

the 3rd meeting of headquarters members• Report on Recent Firearms Situation• Report on Progress of the Promotion of Measures against Firearms
in Fiscal 1996
• Report on Adoption of Plans for Promotion of Measures against
Firearms in Fiscal 1997

December 19, 1995

 the 2nd meeting of headquarters members• Adoption of the Outline on Promoting Measures against Firearms• Adoption of Action Plan for Prevention of Promotion of Publicity
Activities

September 28, 1995  the 1st meeting of headquarters members
September 19, 1995 Cabinet decision for establishment of the Firearms Control
Headquarters( 3 ) Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures against Crime
Considering the current situation where juvenile and heinous crimes occur frequently among
the people's daily lives, the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures against Crime was held.
The first meeting of the Ministerial Meeting was held in September 2003. The Prime Ministerpresided over this Meeting, composed of all the Cabinet ministers. The Meeting has the mission
to take effective, comprehensive and active measures in close cooperation among the ministries
and other governmental agencies concerned with activities against smuggling, in order to restore
Japan as "the safest country in the world."
After that, the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures against Crime met often to devise various
measures adapted to address the crime situation. These were: “Support for action by the public to secure
their own safety”, “The development of a social environment where crime is less likely”, and “Various
anti-crime measures beginning at the waterfront”. These measures were advanced as comprehensive
anti-crime action to make society as a whole stronger against crime. As a result, some improvement wasseen in public order in Japan, as numbers of reported crimes have fallen to less than half the level
reached in the worst post-war period.
On the other hand, as new threats, namely cyber-crime, cyber-attacks, international terrorism, andorganized crime, were emerging and social structures were changing, it was necessary to formulate acomprehensive new strategy to advance anti-crime measures in future. Therefore, the Ministerial
Meeting Concerning Measures against Crime, looking to the next seven years before the 2020 Olympics
and Paralympics in Tokyo, formulated the “Strategy to Create ‘Japan - the safest country in the world’”in December 2013. This strategy aimed to make Japan the safest country in the world by further
reducing crime, and fostering a public sense of confidence in public order. The cabinet resolved to adopt
the strategy on the same day, and is working steadily to realize its goals.
In addition, at the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures against Crime, the 2014 Action Plan tocombat Human Trafficking were determined, that included of a declaration of the prevention of
repeating crime (ex. cooperation for employment for those released from prison) and legal protection forforeign workers, etc..

(Note 1) Members of Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measures against Crime
Chief:
Prime Minister
Members:

All the Cabinet Ministers(Note 2) Meetings
December 16, 2014

the 22nd meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Declaration: No Return to Crime, No Facilitating a Return to Crime(Draft)• Adoption of 2014 Action Plan to combat Trafficking in Persons(Draft)• The current status of international terrorism and countermeasures
December 10, 2013

the 21st meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• “The Strategy to Create ‘Japan - the safest country in the world’”

May 28, 2013

the 20th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• “The Basic Policy on Formulating a New Action Plan to Realize a
Strongly Crime-resistant Society” (Draft)• “The Second Comprehensive Countermeasures for the Eliminationof Child Pornography” (Draft)

July 20, 2012



the 19th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime•“General Measures to Prevent Relapse” (proposed)• Progress Report regarding Various Crime Counter-Measures
July 26, 2011



the 18th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Establishment of a “Working Team for a Cause of Death
Investigatory System”• Progress Reports, etc. regarding Various Crime Counter-Measures

May 13, 2011



the 17th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Ensuring Security and Safety of the damaged areas

December 14, 2010

the 16th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Measures to Prevent Relapse• Partial Amendment (Draft) to the Outline for Awards Concerning
Safe and Secure Town Planning• Progress Report of the Promotion of Measures against Crime

July 27, 2010

the 15th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Adoption of Comprehensive Measures to Eliminate Child
Pornography (Draft)• Progress Report of the Promotion of Measures against Crime
December 22, 2009



the 14th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Adoption of 2009 Action Plan to combat Trafficking in Persons(Draft) and Progress of Measures against Crime• Promotion of Measures for Elimination of Child Pornography

June 26, 2009



the 13th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Progress of Measures against Crime and Progress of Discussions byRelevant Headquarters

December 22, 2008



the 12th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Action Plan 2008 for the Realization of a Society Resistant to
Crime

June 16, 2008



the 11th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Progress of Measures against Crimes taken so far and futurechallenges• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Follow-up of the Nationwide Campaign for the Safe and Secure
Town Planning

December 21, 2007



the 10th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Progress of Discussions Concerning Measures against Crime andWorking Team• Measures against Firearms and Organized Crime Groups• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Follow-up of the Nationwide Campaign for the Safe and Secure
Town Planning

July 3, 2007

the 9th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• General items concerning Fostering Juveniles and Measures against
Crime• Measures against Organized Crime Groups• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Follow-up of the Nationwide Campaign for the Safe and Secure
Town Planning
December 19, 2006

the 8th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Efforts on Protection of Children from Crimes and Saving ofChildren from Delinquency• Progress of Discussions by the Working Team (Progress of
Measures against Crimes)• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Follow-up of the Action Plan for Prevention of Terrorism

June 20, 2006

the 7th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime(3rd joint meeting with the Headquarters of Promoting
Juvenile
Fostering)• Juvenile Issues• Measures against Organized Crime Groups• Issues on Prevention of Recommitment of Crime• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Follow-up of the Action Plan for Prevention of Terrorism

December 20, 2005

the 6th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Follow-up of the Nationwide Campaign for the Safe and Secure
Town Planning• Efforts on Protection of Children from Crimes• Follow-up of the Action Plan for Prevention of Terrorism

June 28, 2005

the 5th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime (14th joint meeting with the Headquarters of Urban
Renewal Project)• Safe and Secure Town Planning• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Establishment of the Immigration Control Systems Based on
Biometrics• Follow-up of the Action Plan for Prevention of Terrorism

December 14, 2004

the 4th meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Adoption of Action Plan for Prevention of Terrorism• Adoption of Action Plan for Measures against Trafficking of
Human Beings

June 22, 2004

the 3rd meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Follow-up of the Action Plan for the Realization of a Society
Resistant to Crime• Adoption of Action Plan for the Measures to Be Taken at Ministries
and Agencies

December 18, 2003

the 2nd meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime• Adoption of Action Plan for the Realization of a Society Resistant
to Crime

September 5, 2003

September 2, 2003

 Oral consent of the Cabinet on the establishment of the “Ministerial
Meeting Concerning Measures against Crime"

the 1st meeting of the Ministerial Meeting Concerning Measuresagainst Crime2. Law Enforcement by Japan Customs
The volume of objectives for Customs control, such as passengers entering Japan and import cargo, is
growing steadily. At the same time, modus operandi used by smugglers is getting increasingly devious
and crafty. Japan Customs, with its limited resources, is taking various measures in order to meet thesechallenges and to conduct effective and efficient law enforcement at the border in recent years.
Object of Control

2004(Indicator)(10years ago)

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Passengers

10000

2,370

2,620

2,420

2,772

2,881

3,121

(Arriving passengers)

people(100.0)(110.5)(102.1)(117.0)(121.6)(131.7)

Commercial cargoes

10000

1,599

1,969

2,092

2,302

2,319

2,352

(Import permits/approvals)

people(100.0)(123.1)(130.8)(144.0)(145.0)(147.1)

International mail10000

11,402

9,210

9,266

10,158

11,956

11,164(Pieces of mail presented for import inspection)

pieces(100.0)(80.8)(81.3)(89.1)(104.9)(97.9)

Ships

10000

13.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.5

11.3

(Entering ships)

ships(100.0)(85.3)(85.3)(85.3)(84.6)(83.1)

Aircraft

10000

15.0

17.4

19.0

19.0

19.5

21.1

(Entering aircraft)aircrafts(100.0)(116.0)(126.7)(126.7)(130.0)(140.7)(Note) 1.The number of arriving passengers derive from Annual Report on Statistic on Legal Migrants published by the Ministry of Justice.
（Data of 2014 are preliminary.）
2.Number of import permits/approvals and pieces of mail presented for import inspection are checked by the Customs Clearance
Division of the Japan Customs.(Data of 2014 are preliminary)
3.Number of entering ships and aircraft are checked by the Enforcement Division of the Japan Customs.
4.The figures in parentheses on the bottom are indexes with 2004 given as 100.(This applies hereafter.)（INDEX）
200
Arriving passengers
Import permits/approvals
Pieces of mailpresented for import insection
Entering ships
Entering aircraft

150

100

50
16年
2004

22年
2010

23年
2011

24年
2012

25年
2013

26年
2014

( 1 ) Consolidation of Organization for Enforcementa. Consolidation of an organization for consistent enforcement in distribution
For improving the effectiveness and efficiency of consistent cargo control in physicaldistribution related to import and export clearance, the organization for enforcement andinspection at the Enforcement Division of each Customs were centralized and risk
management is conducted by using prior information. In this way, Customs is better able tohandle goods harmful to society and terrorism-related materials.
b. Consolidation of an organization for wide-area enforcement
The Customs Surveillance and Control Center was established at Yokohama Customs to copewith organized and large-scale smuggling cases. Providing support and coordination to eachcustoms office, the Office conducts intensive wide-area enforcement activities against ships
and crew members involving two or more jurisdictions.

( 2 ) Reinforcement of the Collection and Analysis of Information on Smugglinga. Introduction of intelligence-related posts
The post of Customs Manager Intelligence (to handle smuggling intelligence) wasestablished in each Customs, while the post of Chief Executive Customs Manager
Intelligence was established in Tokyo Customs. At the center of the organization, theseofficers comprehensively manage and analyze smuggling-related information received fromdomestic law enforcement authorities (such as the Police and Coast Guard), foreign customs
and other sources, making every effort to conduct effective intelligence analysis.
b. Strengthened cooperation with trade circles for better information collection
Customs has concluded Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), aimed, inter alia, atensuring greater cooperation in the prevention of smuggling, with organizations related tovessels, aircraft, commercial cargo and others; this is done to ensure effective enforcement
against smuggling:( a ) Customs and Tariff Bureau of the Ministry of Finance:
The Japanese Shipowners’ Association,
The Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan,
Japan Aircargo Forwarders Association,
Japan Customs Brokers Association,
Japan Foreign Steamship Association andJapan Fisheries Association(6 organizations in total)( b ) Each regional Customs: Associations of transportation services and travel agencies under
the jurisdiction of each regional customs, fishery cooperatives, etc.
(28 organizations in total)

c. Reporting means available from the public
Ongoing efforts to gather information from public throughout the nation include the openingof a single toll-free telephone number accessible 24 hours a day, from everywhere across thenation, the distribution of leaflets, and public relations activities such as law enforcement
countermeasures at the border by Customs through Customs websites, Customs public
relation videos, etc. Starting from May 2007, the information can be sent via the Internet.
Leaflet (for general people)

CUSTOMS WEBSITE*In addition, leaflet for general people, for organizations related port andfishery cooperatives, for logistics companies and warehouse companies
have been made and distributed.

SMUGGLING - HOTLINE: (24 hours a day: toll-free)

0120-461-961

CUSTOMS WEBSITE
http: //www.customs.go.jp/english/index.htm(Call Customs, Ministry of Finance for information on smuggling.)

d. Utilization of the Information System
The Customs Intelligence Database System (CIS) – a computerized system capable ofsorting out and managing various information such as Customs clearance for exports andimports as well as ship entries and departures – has been introduced at Customs offices
throughout the nation. Through the improvement and reinforcement of the system forintelligence analysis, processing and management, intensive and efficient control ofsmuggling is being carried out at the border.

( 3 ) Effective Use of Enforcement Equipmenta . Utilization of X-ray inspection equipment
X-ray equipment both mobile and fixed have been installed at major regional Customs
offices and have demonstrated great performance in detecting goods harmful to society suchas illicit drugs concealed skillfully in cargo and other goods.
In addition to ordinary X-ray equipment for cargoes, large-scale X-ray equipment forcontainerized cargoes capable of inspecting containers without their being unloaded fromtheir trailers and mobile backscatter X-ray equipment for inspecting heavy items and lengthy
cargoes have been installed in principal ports across the country since February 2001 and,
respectively.

b. Utilization of Customs' patrol boat
Large-size patrol boats and wide-area patrol boats,stationed at major customs offices, have been
engaged in monitoring across a wide range ofwaters to prevent activities such as on-the-sea
trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms, andsmuggling at local ports or closed ports.

c. Utilization of Drug Detector Dogs
Drug Detector Dogs were introduced in 1979 tocope with increasing numbers of drug smuggling
cases. After that, Japan customs has made use of
the dogs to inspect belongings carried by arriving
passengers as well as international mail.

d. Introduction of Port Monitoring Camera Systems
Since March 1996, highly sensitive monitoring cameras with night vision have been
installed at major sea ports to tighten controls over vessels, movement of goods and persons
at the port areas.

( 4 ) Closer Cooperation with Relevant Agencies
a. Enforcement through cooperation with relevant agencies
With the aim of imposing effective controls at the border, Customs, the Police, the Coast
Guard and other organizations are working in close cooperation, each making full use of its
own information, organizational resources, jurisdiction and experience.
In more specific terms, Customs is conducting joint training and joint operations together
with the Police and the Coast Guard across the country.

b. Holding of Law Enforcement Meeting on Measures against Smuggling
The Customs and Tariff Bureau of the Ministry of Finance organizes Law Enforcement Meetings
on Measures against Smuggling to strengthen the cooperation with the ministries and agencies
concerned and promote the exchange of information needed to interdict smuggling cases. Thus,
information exchange is promoted at the national level. Regional Customs offices also organize
regional law enforcement meetings on smuggling with the law enforcement authorities concerned topromote information exchange at the regional level.

( 5 ) Promotion of International Information Exchange
a. Promotion of information exchange with foreign Customs administrations
As the single national contact point of Japan Customs for information exchange withforeign customs administrations, the International Intelligence Office has been established inTokyo Customs. In order to facilitate information exchange, Japan Customs concluded withvarious foreign countries the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement that includes
provisions for information exchange concerning the smuggling of illicit drugs and so on.
(See "Present Condition of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement.")

Using international networks for information exchange, such as the ones managed by theWorld Customs Organization (WCO) and the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO)
for Asia and the Pacific, Japan Customs exchanges smuggling-related information andintelligence with foreign customs administrations and other law enforcement authorities.
Note: The RILO (Regional Intelligence Liaison Office) is the base for the WCO's
regional projects, which has been established for the purpose of promoting
exchange of information on illicit drugs, etc. among Customs administrations in theregion and improving the intelligence analysis on the trends of smuggling in theregion.
The RILO for Asia and the Pacific, in which Japan Customs administration has a membership,
was established in Hong Kong as the first RILO of the world in December 1987. Japan Customs
hosted the RILO for Asia and the Pacific (located in Tokyo Customs) for the five years fromJanuary 1999 and has actively participated in the RILO project with many contributions. The
RILO for Asia and the Pacific, whose office was relocated to Korea in January 2012, analyzes
trends in smuggling within the region based on reports from participant countries and regions on
interdicted cases of smuggling of illicit drugs and related objects, distributes the results toparticipating countries and other organizations, and facilitate exchange of information between
customs administrations in these countries.
b. Information exchange under Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements
Customs is actively working to conclude Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements that require
increased information exchange with the source and transit countries of illicit drugs and firearms.
Customs is also committed to increasing information exchange through Customs Mutual
Assistance Agreements already concluded.
Note: Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements provide the customs authorities of Japanand foreign countries a legal framework for mutual assistance including informationexchange. This framework helps both customs authorities properly execute theirrespective laws and regulations, realize prompt customs clearance, and effectively police
their borders for illicit drugs, firearms, and other socially harmful goods, as well as goods
infringing intellectual property rights.

<Present Condition of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement>
 EPAs (Note 1)
Singapore (November 2002), Malaysia (July 2006), Thailand (November 2007),
Indonesia (July 2008), Brunei (July 2008), Philippines (December 2008),
Switzerland (September 2009), Vietnam (October 2009), India (August 2011),
Peru (March 2012), Australia (January 2015), Mongolia (February 2015, enacted)
 Intergovernmental Agreements
United States (June 1997), South Korea (December 2004), China (April 2006),
EU (February 2008), Russia (May 2009), Netherlands (March 2010), Italy (April 2012),
South Africa (July 2012), Germany (December 2014), Spain (May 2015)
 Cooperative Arrangements between Customs Administrations
Australia (June 2003), NZ (April 2004, June 2014, revised), Canada (June 2005),
Hong Kong (January 2008), Macao (September 2008), France (June 2012),
U.K. (June 2013)(Note 1) Contains provisions on customs mutual assistance.
(Note 2) The dates within parenthesis indicate the month and year of enactment(as of 31 May 2015)c. Collecting smuggling-related information through the dispatch of officers
Customs officers are sent to the countries and regions that are likely to be sources forillicit drugs, etc. smuggled into Japan to collect information on smuggling and establish
mutual cooperative relations with the foreign Customs administrations. In addition, Japan
Customs dispatches officers specialized in intelligence analysis to the countries andregions which are tackling offenses related to illicit drug smuggling to exchange views on
the analysis of intelligence on source countries of smuggling, etc.
d. Participation in international conferences
Japan Customs is actively taking part in international conferences, such as theEnforcement Committee of the WCO and WCO/RILO for Asia and the Pacific Contact
Points Meetings, to exchange opinions and information on control of illicit drugs withvarious countries.

( 6 ) Technical Cooperation in the Field of Customs Enforcement
Japan Customs has been providing developing countries with technical cooperation,
including training for their customs officers in order to improve the capacity of theircustoms authorities to control smuggling at the border, such as the capability to collectand analyze information on illicit drug smuggling and so on.