Question from a reader:
I have a question about PTSD. After seeing reports on Masahiro Nakai’s apartment troubles, I’m curious about how emotional distress is legally handled. If someone is diagnosed with PTSD by a doctor due to psychological intimidation or a shocking event, even without physical violence, does this fall under the category of injury crimes? I also want to
know about the statute of limitations for injury crimes. I’ve heard that under criminal law, injury crimes can result in up to 15 years of imprisonment or fines of up to 500,000 yen, and that the statute of limitations is 10 years. If the incident occurred in June 2023, I believe the statute of limitations has not yet expired, so is it possible to report it to the police? I think it often takes time for victims of emotional harm to speak out. Considering this, I feel that the intention of the law is to allow the plaintiffs to make judgments within the applicable statute of limitations. With a celebrity like Nakai involved, it should not be the case that victims suffer in silence. I would like to hear the opinions of legal and medical experts on the conditions under which PTSD and emotional distress can constitute injury crimes and about the statute of limitations. Thank you.
Thoughts on PTSD and the Law
Recently, I was deeply thought-provoking after seeing reports on Masahiro Nakai’s troubles at his apartment regarding how PTSD and emotional distress are treated legally. Particularly, it’s interesting that one can be diagnosed with PTSD due to psychological intimidation or shock, even in the absence of physical violence. Whether this qualifies as an injury crime is a complex issue. When we typically think of “injury crimes,” there’s a strong association with physical violence, but emotional distress can also be recognized under the law. Legally, “injury” can encompass not just direct attacks on the body but also emotional suffering. Thus, with a doctor’s diagnosis, there is a possibility that such cases could be treated as injury crimes, depending on the circumstances.
Questions About the Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for injury crimes is also a concern. Within criminal law, the statute of limitations for injury crimes is set at 10 years, but in cases of PTSD or emotional distress, the onset often takes time, making the handling of the statute of limitations feel stringent. In a case from 2023, the statute of limitations has not yet expired, so I believe it is possible to report it to the police. However, whether the police will actually take action is another matter. Unless victims speak out, it’s difficult for cases to be prosecuted. Especially when celebrities are involved, victims may find it even harder to come forward. I sometimes reflect on this with events in my surroundings, questioning why some people feel unable to raise their voices. This sentiment resonates with many, I believe.
The Intent of the Law and Societal Voices
I completely understand the desire to hear from legal and medical experts. Particularly, with a celebrity like Nakai involved, it is unacceptable for ordinary victims to suffer in silence. With people around us who may be unable to voice their experiences, I feel a strong urge to deepen my understanding of how the law is applied. What do you all think about these legal and social issues? If you have any personal experiences or opinions, please feel free to share in the comments. I hope we can engage in discussion and deepen our understanding together.
