What triggered the Momuri CEO arrest?

Police suspect violations of the Japan Attorney Act related to paid referrals to lawyers. Reports indicate some users were introduced to attorneys after limited service. Authorities are now reviewing referral mechanics, scripts, and fee flows to see if non-lawyers performed legal tasks or took referral payments tied to introductions.

Are resignation agency services illegal in Japan?

No. Administrative support, scheduling, and message relays are generally allowed. The problem arises if non-lawyers give legal advice, negotiate legal claims, or take paid referral fees. Clearly defining scope, logging user consent, and using neutral lawyer directories or bar referral services can keep operations within the Japan Attorney Act.

How will compliance change after this case?

We expect stricter scripts, written boundaries, and detailed audit logs. Firms will likely remove any legal opinions, avoid kickbacks, and document handoffs to law firms. Training, independent reviews, and quarterly reporting should become standard. These steps can raise costs but improve trust and reduce enforcement risk.

What should investors monitor in 2026?

Track complaint rates, refund ratios, completion times, and the share of cases escalated to lawyers without paid referrals. Look for providers that publish compliance metrics, certify workflows, and use transparent, no-kickback handoffs. These indicators can separate sustainable operators from those taking regulatory and reputational risk.

Law and Government

Japan Resignation Agency Crackdown: Momuri Arrest Fallout — February 05

ByDanny Kontos February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

The Momuri CEO arrest on suspected Attorney Act violations puts Japan’s resignation agency services under a sharp spotlight. Police say paid referrals to lawyers occurred, raising questions about legal lines and consumer protection. We see rising compliance costs, stricter oversight, and a shift in partnerships toward law firms. For investors, this event pressures near-term growth but could reward operators that build strong Japan Attorney Act controls, clear disclosures, and verifiable service outcomes.