Detention houses are established in regional immigration services bureaus.

Immigration detention centers, etc. are facilities that detain the following persons and provide those persons with necessary treatment:

The treatment of detainees (meaning persons detained in an immigration detention center, etc.; the same applies hereinafter in this Chapter and in Article 71-6) must be carried out appropriately while respecting the human rights of detainees.

Detainees must be given as much freedom as possible to the extent that it does not interfere with the security of the immigration detention center, etc.

The director of the immigration detention center or the director of the regional immigration services bureau (hereinafter referred to as the "director of the immigration detention center, etc." in this Chapter and Chapter VIII) must endeavor to give detainees assistance with intellectual, educational and recreational activities and other activities, pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to keep books in the immigration detention center, etc. as a measure of assistance under the provisions of the preceding paragraph. In this case, the method of reading the books kept is to be determined by the director of the immigration detention center, etc.

Worship or other religious acts performed by a detainee alone must not be prohibited or restricted; provided, however, that this does not apply if there is a risk of hindrance to the maintenance of discipline and order in the immigration detention center, etc. or otherwise to its administration and operation.

A detainee's reading of books, etc. obtained at their own expense (meaning books, magazines, newspapers and other documents and drawings (excluding letters); the same applies hereinafter in this Chapter) must not be prohibited or restricted, except in the case prescribed in the following paragraph.

If a detainee's reading of books, etc. is likely to result in harm to the discipline and order of the immigration detention center, etc., the reading may be prohibited.

Male detainees and female detainees must be detained separately; provided, however, that this does not apply if the director of the immigration detention center, etc. finds it particularly necessary, such as in the case where a detainee needs to care for an infant who is a detainee.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. must endeavor to have female immigration control officers carry out the treatment of female detainees, even in cases other than the physical inspection set forth in Article 55-19, paragraph (2) and the inspection of the body or clothing set forth in Article 55-49, paragraph (2).

In order to ensure the proper enforcement of the provisions of this Chapter, the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency must, as provided for by the Minister of Justice, designate auditors from among the officials of the Agency and have them conduct an on-site audit of each immigration detention center, etc. at least once a year.

An Immigration Detention Facilities Visiting Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Committee" in this Section) is established in each immigration services office specified by Ministry of Justice Order.

In order to contribute to the proper operation of immigration detention centers, etc., the Committee is to visit the immigration detention centers, etc. located within its area of responsibility specified by Ministry of Justice Order and state its opinions concerning their operation to the director of the immigration detention center, etc.

The Committee is composed of not more than 10 members.

The members are appointed by the Minister of Justice from among persons of high character and insight who are enthusiastic about improving and enhancing the operation of immigration detention centers, etc.

The term of office of the members is 1 year; provided, however, that reappointment is not precluded.

The members serve on a part-time basis.

Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraphs, necessary matters concerning the organization and operation of the Committee are specified by Ministry of Justice Order.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to provide the Committee with information on the state of operation of the immigration detention center, etc., periodically or as necessary, pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order.

In order to ascertain the state of operation of immigration detention centers, etc., the Committee may have its members visit immigration detention centers, etc. In this case, the Committee may, if it finds it necessary, request the cooperation of the director of the immigration detention center, etc. in conducting interviews with detainees by its members.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. must provide necessary cooperation for the visits and interviews set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 55-60, paragraph (1), Article 55-61 and Article 55-62, documents that a detainee submits to the Committee must not be inspected, and their submission must not be stopped or restricted.

The Minister of Justice is to annually compile the opinions expressed by the Committee to the director of an immigration detention center, etc. and the content of measures taken by the director of an immigration detention center, etc. in response and is to publicize their outline.

In addition to carrying out the affairs prescribed in Article 55-10, paragraph (2), in order to contribute to the proper operation of departure waiting facilities (meaning the facilities specified by Ministry of Justice Order prescribed in Article 13-2, paragraph (1); the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph and in Article 59, paragraph (3)), the Committee is to visit the departure waiting facilities located within its area of responsibility specified by Ministry of Justice Order and state its opinions concerning their operation to the director of the regional immigration services bureau having jurisdiction over the location of the departure waiting facility.

The provisions of the preceding two Articles apply mutatis mutandis when carrying out the affairs prescribed in the preceding paragraph.

If a person requests a tour of the immigration detention center, etc., the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may permit it if the director finds it appropriate.

Immigration control officers working at immigration detention centers, etc. are to be given the education and training necessary to deepen their understanding of the human rights of detainees and to acquire and improve the knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out the treatment of detainees appropriately and effectively.

A physician or dentist on staff (meaning a physician or dentist who is an official of an immigration detention center or a regional immigration services bureau; the same applies hereinafter in this Chapter) to whom the Medical Service Salary Schedule (I) in Appended Table 8 (a) of the Act on Remuneration of Officials in the Regular Service (Act No. 95 of 1950) applies may, if intending to engage in outside medical practice (meaning the practice of medicine or dentistry at a hospital, clinic or any other facility specified by Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of Justice Order as being equivalent thereto (limited to a facility whose staff do not have the status of national public employees) (excluding practice that the physician or dentist on staff engages in while concurrently holding the position of officer, advisor or councilor of an organization and practice that the physician or dentist on staff engages in by personally operating a private enterprise for profit); the same applies hereinafter in this Article), obtain the approval of the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency pursuant to Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of Justice Order if engaging in the outside medical practice falls under either of the following items:

If a physician or dentist on staff who has obtained the approval set forth in the preceding paragraph does not work during their regular working hours in order to engage in the outside medical practice pertaining to that approval, the provisions of the first sentence of Article 101, paragraph (1) of the National Public Service Act (Act No. 120 of 1947) do not apply with respect to the hours not worked.

If a physician or dentist on staff who has obtained the approval set forth in paragraph (1) engages in the outside medical practice pertaining to that approval for remuneration, the permission set forth in Article 104 of the National Public Service Act is not required.

If a physician or dentist on staff who has obtained the approval set forth in paragraph (1) does not work during their regular working hours in order to engage in the outside medical practice pertaining to that approval, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 15 of the Act on Remuneration of Officials in the Regular Service, their remuneration is paid after deducting, for each hour not worked, the amount of remuneration per working hour prescribed in Article 19 of that Act.

Upon commencing the detention of a detainee in the immigration detention center, etc., the director of the immigration detention center, etc. must notify the detainee of the following matters:

The notification under the provisions of the preceding paragraph is to be given in writing, pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order.

Upon commencing the detention of a detainee in the immigration detention center, etc., an immigration control officer may inspect the detainee's body to the extent necessary for identifying the detainee. The same applies when the need subsequently arises.

If an inspection is conducted on a female detainee pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, a female immigration control officer must conduct it; provided, however, that if a female immigration control officer is unable to conduct the inspection, a male immigration control officer may conduct it by directing a female official designated by the director of the immigration detention center, etc.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to set the hours during which meals, sleep and other daily activities are to take place, and notify detainees thereof, pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order.

Detainees are to be lent or provided with the following goods (excluding books, etc.; the same applies hereinafter from this Article through Article 55-24 and in Article 55-68, paragraph (1), item (iii)) that are necessary for daily life in the immigration detention center, etc. (excluding the goods set forth in the items of Article 55-23, paragraph (1)):

In addition to what is provided for in the preceding paragraph, detainees may, as necessary, be lent goods used for daily life in the immigration detention center, etc. (excluding the goods set forth in the items of Article 55-23, paragraph (1)) or be provided with luxury items, pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order.

If a detainee requests to use or consume the following goods (excluding the goods set forth in the items of paragraph (1) of the following Article) obtained at their own expense, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to permit it pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order, except where there is a risk of hindrance to the maintenance of discipline and order in the immigration detention center, etc. or otherwise to its administration and operation:

Detainees are to be allowed to use the following goods obtained at their own expense, except where there is a risk of hindrance to the maintenance of discipline and order in the immigration detention center, etc. or otherwise to its administration and operation:

With regard to the goods set forth in the items of the preceding paragraph, if a detainee is unable to use such goods obtained at their own expense and it is found necessary, the goods are to be lent or provided to the detainee.

Goods lent or provided pursuant to the provisions of Article 55-21 or paragraph (2) of the preceding Article must be sufficient to maintain the health of detainees, and must be found appropriate in light of their status as detainees, taking into consideration the actual state of the lives of the people and other circumstances.

Officials of an immigration detention center, etc. may inspect the following money and goods:

If goods set forth in item (i) or (ii) of the preceding Article fall under any of the following items, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to request the detainee to deliver the goods to a relative (including a person who has not registered a marriage but is in a de facto marital relationship with the detainee; the same applies hereinafter in this Section) or any other person the director finds appropriate, or to otherwise dispose of the goods appropriately:

If a request for disposal of goods has been made pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph and the detainee does not dispose of the goods within a reasonable period, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to sell the goods and hand over the proceeds to the detainee; provided, however, that goods that cannot be sold may be discarded.

If cash or goods set forth in Article 55-25, item (iii) fall under any of the following items, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to request the person who brought or sent the cash or goods (hereinafter referred to as the "sender" in this Section) to collect them:

If, with regard to cash or goods set forth in Article 55-25, item (iii) that fall under item (i) or (ii) of the preceding paragraph, the collection under the provisions of that paragraph cannot be requested because the whereabouts of the sender are unknown, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. must give public notice to that effect by the method specified by Cabinet Order.

If the sender does not collect the cash or goods prescribed in the preceding paragraph by the day on which 6 months have elapsed, counting from the day on which the collection was requested under the provisions of paragraph (1) or the public notice was given pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the cash or goods belong to the National Treasury.

With regard to goods prescribed in paragraph (2) that fall under paragraph (1), item (iv), the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may sell them and keep the proceeds even within the period set forth in the preceding paragraph; provided, however, that goods that cannot be sold may be discarded.

If, with regard to cash or goods set forth in Article 55-25, item (iii) that fall under paragraph (1), item (iii) or (iv) (excluding those falling under item (i) or (ii) of that paragraph), the collection under the provisions of that paragraph cannot be requested because the whereabouts of the sender are unknown, or it is not appropriate to request the collection, or the sender has refused to collect them, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to request the detainee to deliver them to a relative or any other person the director finds appropriate, or to otherwise dispose of them appropriately.

The provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis if disposal has been requested pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

If a detainee has refused to receive cash or goods set forth in Article 55-25, item (iii) that do not fall under any of the items of paragraph (1), the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to request the sender to collect them. In this case, the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) apply mutatis mutandis.

Of the following money and goods, those that a detainee may use or consume pursuant to the provisions of this Section are to be handed over to the detainee:

Of the money and goods set forth in the items of the preceding paragraph, those other than the ones that a detainee may use or consume pursuant to the provisions of this Section are to be held in custody by the director of the immigration detention center, etc.

The director of an immigration detention center, etc. may, pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order, impose restrictions necessary for the administration and operation of the immigration detention center, etc. on the method of storing personal effects kept by the detainee (meaning goods that a detainee has received and keeps pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (including goods that the detainee has received and keeps pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (5)) and letters received by the detainee that the detainee keeps; the same applies hereinafter in this Section and in Article 55-68, paragraph (1), item (iv)).

If the total quantity of the personal effects kept by the detainee (excluding those specified by Ministry of Justice Order) (referred to as the "total quantity in possession" in paragraph (5) and the following Article) exceeds the possession limit (meaning the quantity of goods that may be kept per detainee, as determined by the director of an immigration detention center, etc.; the same applies in that paragraph and that Article), or if the total quantity of goods held in custody for a detainee (excluding those specified by Ministry of Justice Order) (referred to as the "total quantity in custody" in paragraph (4) and that Article) exceeds the custody limit (meaning the quantity of goods that may be held in custody per detainee, as determined by the director of an immigration detention center, etc.; the same applies in that paragraph and that Article), the director of an immigration detention center, etc. may request the detainee to deliver goods in a quantity equivalent to the excess to a relative or any other person the director finds appropriate, or to otherwise dispose of them appropriately. The same applies to goods that have become likely to decay or be lost.

The provisions of Article 55-26, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis if disposal has been requested pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

If a detainee has requested that personal effects kept by the detainee be held in custody, the director of an immigration detention center, etc. may hold them in custody if the director finds it appropriate; provided, however, that this does not apply if the total quantity in custody would exceed the custody limit.

If a detainee has requested the handover of goods held in custody pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to hand them over; provided, however, that this does not apply if the total quantity in possession would exceed the possession limit.

If a detainee applies to purchase self-provided goods, etc. using cash that the detainee keeps, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to permit it, except when the purchase would cause the total quantity in possession to exceed the possession limit or the total quantity in custody to exceed the custody limit.

If a detainee applies to deliver personal effects kept by the detainee, cash that the detainee keeps, or goods held in custody (excluding those that fall under the documents and drawings prescribed in Article 55-65) to another person (excluding delivery that constitutes the sending of letters), the director of an immigration detention center, etc. is to permit it, except where the delivery (excluding delivery to a relative) is likely to harm the discipline and order of the immigration detention center, etc.

In addition to what is provided for in this Section, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may, pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order, impose restrictions necessary for the administration and operation of the immigration detention center, etc. on the delivery of money and goods to detainees by senders and the purchase of self-provided goods, etc. by detainees.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to hand over the goods held in custody to a detainee when the detainee leaves the facility.

Articles left behind by a detainee who has left the facility (meaning money and goods left behind in the immigration detention center, etc.; the same applies hereinafter in this Section and in Article 55-82) belong to the National Treasury if, by the day on which six months have elapsed, counting from the day of leaving the facility, the person has not requested their handover or has not tendered the costs required for the handover.

Even within the period set forth in the preceding paragraph, the director of an immigration detention center, etc. may discard articles left behind that have become likely to decay or be lost.

If a detainee falls under any of the following items and, by the day on which six months have elapsed, counting from the day specified in the respective item, the person has not requested their handover or has not tendered the costs required for the handover, the articles left behind by the detainee belong to the National Treasury:

The provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the articles left behind set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Articles left behind by a deceased detainee are to be handed over to the bereaved family, etc. (meaning the bereaved family and other persons specified by Ministry of Justice Order; the same applies hereinafter in this Chapter) upon their application, pursuant to Ministry of Justice Order.

If there are articles left behind by a deceased detainee and the notice under the provisions of Article 55-82 cannot be given because the whereabouts of the bereaved family, etc. are unknown, the director of an immigration detention center, etc. must give public notice to that effect by the method specified by Cabinet Order.

The articles left behind set forth in paragraph (1) belong to the National Treasury if the application set forth in paragraph (1) is not made by the day on which six months have elapsed, counting from the day on which the notice under the provisions of Article 55-82 was given or the public notice under the provisions of the preceding paragraph was given.

The provisions of Article 55-34, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the articles left behind set forth in paragraph (1).

At an immigration detention center, etc., efforts are to be made to ascertain the physical and mental condition of detainees, and appropriate health, sanitation and medical measures in light of the standards of health, sanitation and medical care in society in general are to be taken in order to maintain the health of detainees and sanitation within the immigration detention center, etc.

Except on Sundays and other days specified by Ministry of Justice Order, detainees must be given the opportunity to exercise, outdoors to the extent possible, in a place suitable for maintaining their health.

Detainees must keep their bodies, clothing and personal belongings, and their rooms and other places they use daily, clean.

Detainees are to be allowed to bathe as appropriate for health and sanitation at the immigration detention center, etc., pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. must have an immigration control officer interview a detainee, upon the commencement of the detainee's detention at the immigration detention center, etc., regarding the presence or absence of illness, injury or the like and other aspects of the detainee's state of health.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. must have detainees undergo a medical examination by a physician periodically, at least once every three months, pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order. The same applies when it is necessary for health and sanitation at the immigration detention center, etc.

Detainees must undergo the medical examination pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph. In this case, they may not refuse blood sampling, X-ray imaging or other medical procedures to the extent necessary for conducting the medical examination.

If a detainee falls under any of the following items, the director of an immigration detention center, etc. is to promptly provide medical treatment (including nutritional support measures; the same applies hereinafter in this Section and in Article 55-68, paragraph (1), item (v)) by a physician or dentist on staff or by a physician, etc. (meaning a physician or dentist; the same applies in the following Article and in Article 55-53, paragraph (5)) commissioned by the director of an immigration detention center, etc., and take other necessary medical measures; provided, however, that in the case where the detainee falls under item (i), if there is no risk of serious harm to the detainee's mind or body or of the detainee infecting others with the disease, this applies only if it is not against the detainee's will:

In the case where the director of the immigration detention center, etc. provides medical treatment pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the director may, as necessary, have the detainee visit a hospital or clinic outside the immigration detention center, etc. as an outpatient, and, if unavoidable, have the detainee admitted to a hospital or clinic outside the immigration detention center, etc.

If a detainee who is injured or ill applies to receive medical treatment from a physician, etc. (excluding a physician or dentist on staff and a physician, etc. commissioned by the director of an immigration detention center, etc.) whom the detainee designates, and the director of an immigration detention center, etc. finds it medically appropriate for the detainee in light of the type and degree of the injury or illness, the fact that the detainee had been receiving medical treatment from that physician, etc. before being detained in the immigration detention center, etc., and other circumstances, the director may permit the detainee to receive that medical treatment at the detainee's own expense within the immigration detention center, etc. or at a hospital or clinic that the director of an immigration detention center, etc. finds appropriate.

In the case where the director of the immigration detention center, etc. permits a detainee to receive medical treatment pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if it is necessary in order to confirm the treatment methods of the physician, etc. providing the treatment set forth in that paragraph (hereinafter referred to as the "designated physician" in this Article), or in order to subsequently provide medical treatment to the detainee at the immigration detention center, etc., the director may have an official of the immigration detention center, etc. be present at the treatment or question the designated physician about the treatment, or may request the submission of a copy of the medical records and other materials concerning the treatment.

In providing medical treatment, the designated physician must comply with the matters that the director of the immigration detention center, etc. instructs pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order.

In the case where the director of the immigration detention center, etc. has permitted a detainee to receive medical treatment pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), if the designated physician does not follow the measures taken by the director of the immigration detention center, etc. pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2), does not comply with the matters instructed by the director of the immigration detention center, etc. pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, or it is otherwise inappropriate to continue the treatment, the director may discontinue the treatment and not permit the detainee to receive treatment from that designated physician thereafter.

If a detainee requests to have a haircut or to shave, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to permit it pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order.

If it is necessary in order to prevent the occurrence of an infectious disease within the immigration detention center, etc. or to prevent its spread, the director of the immigration detention center, etc., in addition to conducting medical examinations for detainees pursuant to the provisions of Article 55-41, paragraphs (2) and (3), or providing medical treatment pursuant to the provisions of Article 55-42 and taking other necessary medical measures, is to take vaccination, isolation until there is no longer a risk of infecting others with that disease, and other measures specified by Ministry of Justice Order.

For elderly persons, expectant and nursing mothers, physically frail persons and other detainees who require care, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to take measures equivalent to the medical measures pursuant to the provisions of Article 55-42, according to the circumstances requiring such care.

When a detainee is to give birth, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to have the detainee admitted to a hospital, clinic or midwifery home outside the immigration detention center, etc., except when unavoidable.

Discipline and order at immigration detention centers, etc. must be properly maintained.

Measures taken to achieve the purpose set forth in the preceding paragraph must not exceed the limit necessary to ensure the detention of detainees and to maintain an appropriate environment for their treatment and their safe and peaceful communal life.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to establish the rules that detainees must observe (referred to as the "rules to be observed" in the following paragraph).

The rules to be observed are to specifically set out the following matters:

Beyond what is provided for in the preceding two paragraphs, if it is necessary in order to maintain discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc., the director of the immigration detention center, etc. or an official designated by the director may give instructions to detainees concerning their daily life and conduct.

If it is necessary in order to maintain discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc., an immigration control officer may inspect the body, clothing, personal belongings and room of a detainee, and take away and temporarily keep the detainee's personal belongings.

The provisions of Article 55-19, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the inspection of the body and clothing of a female detainee pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

If it is necessary in order to maintain discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc., an immigration control officer may, within the immigration detention center, etc., inspect the clothing and belongings carried by a person other than a detainee (excluding the persons set forth in the items of Article 55-56, paragraph (1)), and take away and temporarily keep that person's belongings.

The inspection set forth in the preceding paragraph must not extend to inspection of the contents of documents or drawings.

If a detainee falls under any of the following items, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may isolate the detainee from other detainees:

The period of isolation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph is one month; provided, however, that if there is a particular need to continue it, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may renew it every 10 days.

Even during the period set forth in the preceding paragraph, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. must immediately discontinue the isolation when it is no longer necessary.

If a detainee injures themselves or inflicts harm on another person, escapes, obstructs the performance of duties of an official of the immigration detention center, etc., or otherwise engages in an act that seriously harms discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc., or attempts to engage in any of these acts, an immigration control officer may, to the extent judged reasonably necessary, stop the act, restrain the detainee, and take other measures necessary to suppress the act.

If a person other than a detainee falls under any of the following items, an immigration control officer may, to the extent judged reasonably necessary, stop the act, restrain the person engaging in the act, and take other measures necessary to suppress the act:

The security equipment necessary for the measures set forth in the preceding two paragraphs is specified by Ministry of Justice Order.

An immigration control officer may use arresting ropes or handcuffs pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order when escorting a detainee or if there is a risk that a detainee will engage in an act falling under any of the following items:

The specifications of arresting ropes and handcuffs are specified by Ministry of Justice Order.

If a detainee falls under any of the following items, an immigration control officer may, by order of the director of the immigration detention center, etc., place the detainee in a protection room or in a single room meeting the standards specified by the Minister of Justice (hereinafter referred to as a "protection room, etc." in this Article and in Article 55-74, paragraph (1), item (iii)):

In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if there is no time to wait for an order from the director of the immigration detention center, etc., an immigration control officer may place the detainee in a protection room, etc. without waiting for that order. In this case, the officer must promptly report this to the director of the immigration detention center, etc.

The period of placement in a protection room, etc. is 24 hours or less; provided, however, that if there is a particular need to continue it, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may renew it every 24 hours.

Even during the period set forth in the preceding paragraph, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. must have the placement discontinued immediately when placement in a protection room, etc. is no longer necessary.

If a detainee has been placed in a protection room, etc. or the period of that placement has been renewed, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. must promptly hear the opinion of a physician or dentist on staff or a physician, etc. commissioned by the director of the immigration detention center, etc. regarding the detainee's state of health.

The standards for the structure and equipment of protective cells are specified by Ministry of Justice Order.

In the event of an earthquake, fire or other disaster, if there is no means of evacuation within the immigration detention center, etc., the director of the immigration detention center, etc. must escort detainees to an appropriate place.

In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if it is not possible to escort detainees, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may release them from the immigration detention center, etc. The same applies if, in the event of an earthquake, fire or other disaster, it is not possible to escort a detainee who is outside the immigration detention center, etc. to an appropriate place for evacuation.

A person released pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must appear at the immigration detention center, etc. or at a place designated by the director of the immigration detention center, etc. promptly after the situation requiring evacuation has ceased.

When another person requests a visit with a detainee, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to permit it; provided, however, that this does not apply if the director finds it necessary in order to maintain discipline and order or to preserve sanitation at the immigration detention center, etc.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to have an official designated by the director attend visits between a detainee and a person other than the persons listed below (hereinafter referred to as "consular officers, etc." in this Section), or have the official make an audio recording or video recording of the visit; provided, however, that if the director finds that it is not necessary in order to maintain discipline and order or to preserve sanitation at the immigration detention center, etc., the director may decide not to have the attendance and the audio and video recording (referred to as "attendance, etc." in the following paragraph) carried out:

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. must not have attendance, etc. carried out for visits between a detainee and the persons listed below, except in the case where there are special circumstances that give grounds to find that the visit is likely to result in harm to discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc.:

If a case falls under any of the following items (for a visit with a consular officer, etc., limited to item (i)(b) or (c)), an official of the immigration detention center, etc. may stop the act or statement, or suspend the visit. In this case, in order to suspend the visit, the official may order the detainee or the visitor to leave the place of the visit and take other necessary measures:

In the case where a visit has been suspended pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if the director of the immigration detention center, etc. finds it inappropriate to allow the visit to continue, the director may terminate the visit.

With regard to visits with detainees, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may, pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order, impose restrictions necessary for maintaining discipline and order, preserving sanitation or otherwise managing and operating the immigration detention center, etc., on the number of visitors, the place, days and hours of visits, the duration and frequency of visits, and other aspects of visits.

When restricting the frequency of visits pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the frequency must not be less than once per day for each visitor.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to permit detainees to send and receive letters to and from other persons, except where they are withheld pursuant to the provisions of Article 55-61.

If the director of the immigration detention center, etc. finds it necessary for maintaining discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc. or for any other reason, the director may have an official designated by the director inspect letters sent or received by detainees.

For the following letters, the inspection set forth in the preceding paragraph is to be conducted to the extent necessary to confirm that they fall under those letters; provided, however, that this does not apply to letters set forth in item (iv) if there are special circumstances that give grounds to find that they are likely to result in harm to discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc.:

If, as a result of an inspection pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article, the whole or part of a letter sent or received by a detainee falls under any of the following items, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may withhold the sending or receipt of the letter, or delete or blot out the relevant portion. The same applies if, in the process of confirming that a letter set forth in any of the items of paragraph (2) of that Article falls under those letters, it becomes clear that the whole or part of it falls under any of the following items:

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, with regard to letters sent or received by a detainee to or from an organ of the national government or of a local public entity that contain matters within the authority of that organ, and letters sent or received by a detainee to or from an attorney that contain matters within the duties of an attorney provided for in Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Attorney Act concerning that detainee, the withholding of their sending or receipt or the deletion or blotting out of the portion concerning those matters may be carried out only if the whole or part of that portion falls under any of items (i) through (iii) of the preceding paragraph.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. may, pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order, impose restrictions necessary for the management and operation of the immigration detention center, etc. on the guidelines for preparing letters sent by detainees, the days and hours for applying to send them, and the methods by which detainees send and receive letters.

In the case where a detainee is unable to bear the costs required for sending a letter, if the director of the immigration detention center, etc. finds it appropriate in light of the purpose of sending it, the whole or part of those costs is to be borne by the National Treasury.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to keep the letter, in the case where its sending or receipt has been withheld pursuant to the provisions of Article 55-61, and the deleted portion, in the case where part of a letter has been deleted pursuant to the provisions of that Article.

When blotting out part of the text of a letter pursuant to the provisions of Article 55-61, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to make a copy of the portion to be blotted out and keep it.

When a detainee leaves the facility, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to hand over to the detainee the whole or part of the letters, or the copies, kept pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs (hereinafter referred to as "withheld letters, etc." in this Chapter).

If a detainee dies, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. is to hand over the withheld letters, etc. to the detainee's bereaved family members, etc. upon their application, pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, if the handover of withheld letters, etc. is likely to hinder the maintenance of discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc., they are not to be handed over. The same applies if, in the following cases, their handover is likely to hinder the maintenance of discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc.:

The provisions of Article 55-34, paragraph (1), Article 55-35, paragraph (1), and Article 55-36, paragraphs (2) and (3) apply mutatis mutandis to withheld letters, etc. pertaining to a detainee (excluding those that are not to be handed over pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph). In this case, the phrase "the application set forth in paragraph (1)" in paragraph (3) of that Article is deemed to be replaced with "the application set forth in Article 55-64, paragraph (4)".

Withheld letters, etc. that are not to be handed over pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (5) belong to the National Treasury on the day on which three years have elapsed counting from the day set forth in each of the following items:

If a detainee applies to deliver documents or drawings (excluding letters) prepared by the detainee to another person, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may, with respect to that delivery, conduct inspections and take other measures in the same manner as for letters sent by detainees.

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. may, when finding it appropriate, permit a detainee to communicate by telephone or by other means of telecommunication specified by Cabinet Order.

The provisions of Article 55-63 apply mutatis mutandis to the communication set forth in the preceding paragraph.

If the director of the immigration detention center, etc. finds it necessary for maintaining discipline and order at the immigration detention center, etc. or for any other reason, the director may have an official designated by the director receive the communication set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article or record its content, in order to confirm the content of that communication.

The provisions of Article 55-57, paragraph (1) (excluding item (i)(a)) and paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the communication set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.

A person who is dissatisfied with any of the following measures taken by the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may file a request for examination in writing with the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency:

A request for examination pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph (hereinafter simply referred to as a "request for examination" in this Section) must be filed by the person making it in person.

A request for examination must be filed within 30 days counting from the day following the day on which notice of the measure provided for in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article was given.

If there is a natural disaster or other unavoidable reason for not having filed a request for examination within the period set forth in the preceding paragraph, a request for examination may, notwithstanding the provisions of that paragraph, be filed only within one week counting from the day following the day on which that reason ceased to exist.

In the case where the director of the immigration detention center, etc. has erroneously informed a person of a period longer than the statutory period as the period for requesting examination, if a request for examination is filed within the period so informed, the request for examination is deemed to have been filed within the statutory period.

The provisions of Article 15, Article 18, paragraph (3), Article 19, paragraphs (2) and (4), Article 22, paragraphs (1) and (5), Article 23, Article 25, paragraphs (1), (2) and (6), Article 26, Article 27 and Article 39 of the Administrative Complaint Review Act (Act No. 68 of 2014) apply mutatis mutandis to a request for examination. In this case, the phrase "upon the petition of the requester for review or ex officio" in Article 25, paragraph (2) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "ex officio", and any other necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

The Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency is to conduct the necessary investigation concerning a request for examination ex officio.

If it is necessary for the investigation set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency may order the director of the immigration detention center, etc. to submit reports or materials or other objects, or have an official designated by the Commissioner question the person who filed the request for examination or other relevant persons or request them to submit objects, retain the objects submitted by those persons, or conduct an inspection.

When the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency receives a request for examination, the Commissioner is to endeavor to make a determination within 90 days to the extent possible.

The provisions of Article 45, paragraphs (1) and (2), Article 46, paragraph (1), main clause and paragraph (2) (excluding item (ii)), Article 47 (excluding the proviso and item (ii)), Article 48, Article 50, paragraphs (1) and (3), Article 51 and Article 52, paragraphs (1) and (2) of the Administrative Complaint Review Act apply mutatis mutandis to a determination on a request for examination. In this case, the phrase "Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications" in Article 51, paragraph (3) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "Ministry of Justice Order", and any other necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

A person who is dissatisfied with a determination on a request for examination may file a request for re-examination in writing with the Minister of Justice.

A request for re-examination under the provisions of the preceding paragraph (hereinafter simply referred to as a "request for re-examination" in this Section) must be filed within 30 days from the day following the day on which notice of the determination on the request for examination was given.

The provisions of Article 55-68, paragraph (2), Article 55-69, paragraph (2), Article 55-71 and paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, and Article 15, Article 18, paragraph (3), Article 19, paragraphs (2) and (4), Article 23, Article 25, paragraphs (1), (2) and (6), Article 26, Article 27, Article 39, the main clause of Article 46, paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) (excluding item (ii)), Article 47 (excluding the proviso and item (ii)), Article 48, Article 50, paragraph (1), Article 51, Article 52, paragraphs (1) and (2), Article 62, paragraph (2) and Article 64, paragraphs (1) through (3) of the Administrative Complaint Review Act apply mutatis mutandis to a request for re-examination. In this case, "upon petition by the requestor for review or ex officio" in Article 25, paragraph (2) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "ex officio", and "Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications" in Article 51, paragraph (3) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "Ministry of Justice Order", and any other necessary technical replacement is provided for by Cabinet Order.

If any of the following acts has been committed against a detainee by officials of the immigration detention center, etc., the detainee may, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order, report those facts in writing to the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency:

A report under the provisions of the preceding paragraph must be made within 30 days from the day following the day on which the facts pertaining to the report occurred.

The provisions of Article 55-68, paragraph (2), Article 55-69, paragraphs (2) and (3), and Article 55-71, and Article 18, paragraph (3), Article 22, paragraphs (1) and (5), Article 23, Article 27 and Article 39 of the Administrative Complaint Review Act apply mutatis mutandis to a report under the provisions of paragraph (1). In this case, any necessary technical replacement is provided for by Cabinet Order.

If a report under the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article is lawful, the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency is to confirm whether or not the facts pertaining to the report exist and notify the person who made the report of the result; provided, however, that this does not apply if that person has left the facility.

If a report under the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article was made after the expiration of the statutory period or is otherwise unlawful, the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency is to notify the person who made the report to that effect. In this case, the provisions of the proviso to the preceding paragraph apply mutatis mutandis.

The provisions of Article 55-72, paragraph (1), and Article 50, paragraphs (1) and (3) of the Administrative Complaint Review Act apply mutatis mutandis to a notice under the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs. In this case, any necessary technical replacement is provided for by Cabinet Order.

If the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency has confirmed that the facts prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article occurred and finds it necessary, the Commissioner is to take the measures necessary to prevent the recurrence of similar acts and other measures.

If a detainee who has received a notice under the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article is dissatisfied with its content, the detainee may, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order, report the facts prescribed in Article 55-74, paragraph (1) in writing to the Minister of Justice.

A report under the provisions of the preceding paragraph must be made within 30 days from the day following the day on which the notice under the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article was received.

The provisions of Article 55-68, paragraph (2), Article 55-69, paragraph (2), Article 55-71, Article 55-72, paragraph (1), and paragraphs (1), (2) and (4) of the preceding Article, and Article 18, paragraph (3), Article 23, Article 27, Article 39 and Article 50, paragraph (1) of the Administrative Complaint Review Act apply mutatis mutandis to a report under the provisions of paragraph (1). In this case, any necessary technical replacement is provided for by Cabinet Order.

A detainee may file a complaint in writing with the Minister of Justice concerning measures taken against the detainee by the director of the immigration detention center, etc. or other treatment the detainee has received.

The provisions of Article 55-68, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the complaint set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Upon receiving a complaint set forth in paragraph (1), the Minister of Justice must process it in good faith and notify the person who filed the complaint of the result of the processing; provided, however, that this does not apply if that person has left the facility.

A detainee may file a complaint, orally or in writing, with an auditor who conducts an on-site audit pursuant to the provisions of Article 55-9 (hereinafter simply referred to as an "auditor" in this Section) concerning measures taken against the detainee by the director of the immigration detention center, etc. or other treatment the detainee has received.

The provisions of Article 55-68, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the complaint set forth in the preceding paragraph.

In receiving an oral complaint set forth in paragraph (1), an auditor must not have officials of the immigration detention center, etc. present.

The provisions of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis where an auditor has received a complaint set forth in paragraph (1).

A detainee may file a complaint, orally or in writing, with the director of the immigration detention center, etc. concerning measures taken against the detainee by the director of the immigration detention center, etc. or other treatment the detainee has received.

The provisions of Article 55-68, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the complaint set forth in the preceding paragraph.

When a detainee files an oral complaint set forth in paragraph (1), the director of the immigration detention center, etc. may have an official designated by the director hear its content.

The provisions of Article 55-77, paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis where the director of the immigration detention center, etc. has received a complaint set forth in paragraph (1).

The director of the immigration detention center, etc. must take the necessary measures so that, when a detainee files a request for examination, etc. (meaning a request for examination, a request for re-examination, or a report under the provisions of Article 55-74, paragraph (1) or Article 55-76, paragraph (1); the same applies in the following paragraph and the following Article) or a complaint to the Minister of Justice or an auditor (meaning a complaint set forth in Article 55-77, paragraph (1) or Article 55-78, paragraph (1)), the detainee is able to keep its content confidential from the officials of the immigration detention center or the regional immigration services bureau.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 55-60, documents of a request for examination, etc. or of a complaint (meaning a complaint set forth in Article 55-77, paragraph (1), Article 55-78, paragraph (1) or paragraph (1) of the preceding Article; the same applies in the following Article) must not be inspected.

Officials of an immigration detention center or a regional immigration services bureau must not treat a detainee disadvantageously on the grounds that the detainee has filed a request for examination, etc. or a complaint.

If a detainee dies, the director of the immigration detention center, etc. must, pursuant to the provisions of Ministry of Justice Order, promptly notify the bereaved family, etc. of the detainee of the cause and the date and time of death and, if there are articles left behind or withheld letters, etc. to be delivered, of that fact.

If a detainee dies and there is no person to carry out the burial or cremation of the body, the burial or cremation is to be carried out by the director of the immigration detention center, etc., notwithstanding the provisions of Article 9 of the Act on Graveyards, Burial, etc. (Act No. 48 of 1948).

Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraph, measures concerning the body of a detainee are provided for by Ministry of Justice Order.