This document  analyses the process of requesting Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) in criminal matters from Japanese authorities, particularly focusing on the gathering of electronic evidence. It provides information on the basis for cooperation, the scope of assistance, requirements for MLA requests, grounds for refusal, limitations on the use of provided evidence as well as contact information for the Japanese Central Authority for MLA. It also includes an easy to follow flowchart and a description of the required steps for the submission of MLA requests to Japan.

The document was prepared within the framework of the SIRIUS Project. The SIRIUS Project has received funding from the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments under Contribution Agreement No PI/2020/417-500.