Viewing the state of offenses committed by Japanese nationals overseas, as ascertained by diplomatic establishments abroad through their Japanese citizen protection work, there were 389 cases in 2001 (a decrease of 12.0% from the previous year), involving 462 Japanese nationals (a decrease of 10.3% from the previous year) (Source: Consular and Migration Affairs Department, Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
   Fig. 1-5-2-1 shows the percent distribution of offenses committed by Japanese nationals overseas in 2001, by type of offense. Passports and visas had the largest share, 18.5% (72 cases), followed by 13.6% (53 cases) for Narcotics, 11.6% (45 cases) for bodily injury and assault, 9.0% (35 cases) for the Foreign Exchange Law and Customs Law, and 8.2% (32 cases) for Road Traffic Law violations, in that order.

Fig. 1-5-2-1 Percent distribution of offenses committed by Japanese nationals overseas, by type of offense (2001)