Agreement between the European Union and Japan on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters

THE EUROPEAN UNION, and JAPAN

DESIRING to establish more effective cooperation between the European Union Member States and Japan in the area of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters,

DESIRING that such cooperation will contribute to combating crime,

REAFFIRMING their commitment to respect for justice, principles of the rule of law and democracy, and judicial independence,

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1 Object and purpose

1. The requested State shall, upon request by the requesting State, provide mutual legal assistance (hereinafter referred to as 'assistance') in connection with investigations, prosecutions and other proceedings, including judicial proceedings, in criminal matters in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

2. This Agreement does not apply to extradition, transfer of proceedings in criminal matters and enforcement of sentences other than confiscation provided for under Article 25.

Article 2 Definitions

For the purpose of this Agreement:

(a) the term 'Contracting Parties' means the European Union and Japan;

(b) the term 'Member State' means a Member State of the European Union;