Japan's government is looking to introduce legislation that would penalize solicitation for prostitution, encompassing those who purchase sexual services. While current law focuses on punishing the sale of such services, this new proposal shifts the legal focus onto those seeking to buy. The timeframe for enactment and specific penalties under law are not clearly defined yet. The move underscores Japan's increased commitment to combating human trafficking and exploitation.

Japan's prostitution laws have historically focused on sellers rather than buyers. However, societal attitudes are changing, with increasing public sentiment to clamp down on demand in order to reduce exploitation. Public discussion and political activism around the topic have created a climate for potential law reform.

In the US and EU, both the buying and selling of sexual services are frequently criminalized. In Sweden and Norway, for instance, the law targets buyers specifically, as part of a strategy to reduce demand. Japan's proposed laws seem to be moving towards this model, focusing on thosе who create demand for prostitution.