I know Japan has notoriously strict libel laws where even if everything you’ve written is true, you can still get into trouble.
I’m curious if anyone knows off the top of their head if this applies to private written conversations as well. For example, if I confide in a friend about personal issues regarding my marriage and my husband finds out, would that be grounds to sue for libel (in the event I leave and he decides to retaliate somehow)?
3 comments
No it would not. One of the requirements is it has to be to an “indefinite large number” of people. (不特定多数)
So a private conversation between two people is safe, at least from libel/defamation.
Privacy laws in Japan have become more strict in recent years, so you have to be careful what you disclose to your friends.
We won’t tell your hubby what you will say here.
😌
Otherwise , public defamation is more for what is said on social media.
In private oral conversations, there is no « proof »