Who is Atsuko Muraki and why does she matter now?

Atsuko Muraki is a former senior bureaucrat and prominent voice on justice reform in Japan. She is urging full interrogation recording and stronger defense access during the current review. Her position signals broad civil society support for transparency, which can influence policy choices that affect corporate investigations and legal risk.

What is changing in Japan criminal procedure?

A Justice Ministry study group is debating wider audiovisual recording of interrogations and adjustments to plea bargaining rules. The focus is on coverage, exceptions, data access, and safeguards against coerced statements. Any change could affect how evidence is collected, shared, and challenged in white-collar cases involving companies and executives.

How would expanded interrogation recording affect companies?

More recording can mean clearer evidence, fewer disputes over voluntariness, and more predictable disclosure. It may also raise compliance costs due to data review, storage, and legal coordination. Firms should prepare updated protocols for interviews, evidence handling, and counsel engagement to reduce delays and control litigation exposure.

What does plea bargaining reform mean for investors?

Reform could refine when and how cooperation deals are used in corporate cases. Stronger documentation and oversight may reduce coercion concerns while improving case clarity. For investors, that means earlier internal reviews, potential negotiated outcomes, and better visibility into enforcement risks that can affect valuation and reputation.

Law and Government

December 27: Japan Eyes Wider Interrogation Recording as Muraki Presses

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

Atsuko Muraki is pressing Japan’s Justice Ministry to expand interrogation recording and strengthen defense access as a study group reviews Japan criminal procedure. The agenda also includes plea bargaining reform that could affect corporate probes. Any shift may raise compliance costs, change investigation tactics, and alter white-collar risk for Japan-listed firms. We outline what is on the table, why it matters for investors, and how to prepare for possible changes in 2026 and beyond.