Overview
- The Foreign Ministry says the Sapporo mission advised immediate reporting on Dec. 3, yet the victim filed a formal complaint on Dec. 17 after initial questioning on Dec. 4.
- Officials report two consular meetings in December and say guidance was provided on legal counsel, interpretation options, medical procedures and documentation.
- The ministry says the consulate contacted Hokkaido Police and the Sapporo Central Police Station six times before the formal complaint as Japan conducts an official investigation.
- Authorities reject claims of refused interpretation and note the victim relied on a friend and later a local university professor for language support.
- The ministry cites legal limits under the Consular Assistance Act, which authorize guidance and information but not direct intervention, paid services or formal representation, and it says a safety advisory was routine and did not identify the victim.