Lawyers for the Arts

A Study of Legal Aids for Artists in Japan

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine whether there exist unmet legal needs among artists in Japan and to propose measures to meet such legal needs, if any. A questionnaire survey was used to study present situation of legal aids for artists. In conclusion, we think unmet legal needs exist, and the following measures can be effective solution: i) to expand legal aids in general with increase in budget allocation; ii) to develop a legal aid program designed to serve legal needs of artists, such as Volunteer Lawyer for Arts in New York; iii) to educate and train entertainment lawyers.