Question from a reader:
If I send a threatening message to family or friends via LINE, saying something like “Get ready! I’ll do it in the one minute before the police arrive!”, is there a possibility that it could lead to police involvement? Additionally, what kind of charges could I face in that case?

The Legal Implications of Threatening Messages on
LINE

Recently, messages sent through LINE and social media can sometimes lead to unexpected troubles. In particular, threatening content like “Get ready! I’ll do it in the one minute before the police arrive!” can instill strong fear in the recipient. In this article, we will explore the potential legal risks associated with sending such messages.

Legal Perspective on Threatening Messages

First, let’s examine the legal implications of sending a threatening message. Japanese law has clear provisions regarding threatening behavior. This is outlined in Article 222 of the Penal Code, which defines “threatening behavior” as “acts that inform others of committing a crime and instill fear.” For example, a message stating “I’ll do it in the one minute before the police arrive!” clearly conveys an intention to “do something” to the recipient. If this instills fear in the recipient, there is a high possibility that the charge of threatening behavior could apply.

Possibility of Police Involvement

Now, what about the possibility of police involvement? In fact, LINE messages are recorded, so it is quite conceivable that the recipient could report it to the police. Especially if the recipient feels anxiety or fear, they often consult the police. I personally experienced a situation during my university days where a light-hearted joke with a friend led to a call from the police. A message I intended as a joke was taken seriously by the recipient. Ultimately, the misunderstanding was cleared up, but what should have been a fun exchange turned into a moment of tension. As this illustrates, a message sent lightly can lead to unexpected consequences, so caution is necessary.

Specific Penalties for Threatening Behavior

So, what penalties could be imposed if the charge of threatening behavior is applied? The penalty for threatening behavior can include imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 300,000 yen. However, the severity of the punishment can vary depending on the circumstances, so it cannot be generalized. For instance, if the recipient is a minor or placed in a particularly dangerous situation, the subsequent punishment could be more severe. Conversely, if the sender apologizes and the victim repairs their relationship afterward, the police may not handle the case too harshly.

Actual Case Study

Let’s consider a more specific case. Suppose Person A sends a message to their friend Person B saying, “Get ready! I’ll do it in the one minute before the police arrive!” Upon seeing this, Person B becomes very anxious and immediately reports it to the police. The police then visit Person A to conduct an inquiry. In this case, what happens to Person A? The police will first confirm the situation and determine whether Person A truly intended to threaten. If it is recognized as a joke, it may end with a warning. However, if Person B felt significant fear from the content, the risk of being treated as a threatening behavior case cannot be denied.

Balancing Mental Care and the Law

What is important here is to pay attention not only to the law but also to the psychological aspect. Acts of threatening or intimidation can have serious psychological effects on the recipient. Especially for those with past traumas or sensitive individuals, the stress caused by such threatening messages can be immeasurable. While the law serves as a means to regulate such behavior, it is difficult to account for the impact on people’s hearts. Therefore, it is essential to act in accordance with the law while also being considerate of the feelings of others.

In Conclusion

Messages on LINE and similar platforms can be sent lightly, but they can have unexpected effects on the recipient. Especially threatening content can lead to charges of threatening behavior, so caution is necessary. It is important to think carefully about how your words resonate with others. I personally wish to re-evaluate the weight of my words in future communications. Considering the legal risks while not forgetting mental care is likely the key to building better human relationships.