Goro Koyama

Japan PI >> Articles by: Goro Koyama

Goro Koyama is CEO & Founder of Japan PI Inc., a bilingual private investigations firm with headquarters in Tokyo. Goro has 30 years experience serving domestic and overseas companies and individuals in Japan. He is a member of the Council for International Investigations (CII), World Association of Detectives (WAD), and the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). He has been featured in the Japan Times & Beacon Reports.

Japan’s Legal Galápagos: Japan-Based Private Investigator Navigates Every Day

May 8, 2026

In a recent case that has attracted considerable international attention, an American man was reportedly arrested in connection with a sexual assault investigation in Japan after forensic analysis indicated a match between his DNA sample and evidence linked to the suspect. According to publicly available reports, he has remained in custody for an extended period despite consistently maintaining his innocence. The case has been the subject of commentary in

The Ultimate Guide to Self-Fingerprinting for FBI Identity History Summary Checks (FD-258)

May 7, 2026

Obtaining an FBI Identity History Summary Check (often called a “rap sheet”) is a common requirement for international visas, employment, or immigration purposes. For applicants outside the United States, or those who prefer the traditional paper method, submitting a standard FD-258 Fingerprint Card is the official way to proceed [1]. While visiting a professional fingerprinting service is highly recommended to ensure FBI compliance, some individuals choose to perform self-fingerprinting. This

10 Reasons to Hire a PI Firm for Business Investigations

February 11, 2026

The business environment for Japanese companies has become more complicated, with more risks. Corporate misconduct and scandals are occurring more often, and they are also becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. As a result, these issues have become a serious concern for company management. A clear example is the 2025 Corporate Image Deterioration Ranking. This involved a Mitsubishi UFJ Bank employee who stole 1.7 billion yen from customers’ safety

The Global Private Investigation Industry: Light and Shadow Across Borders

February 9, 2026

The profession we commonly call “detective” or “private investigator” changes dramatically the moment you cross a national border — in terms of social status, legal authority, and areas of specialization. In some countries, PIs are recognized as professionals who support the judicial system and hold powerful data access rights. In others, the profession is legally unrecognized, or even prohibited on religious or political-ideological grounds. A Divided World: Four Distinct Blocks

Exposing International Life Insurance Fraud: The Reality of Forged Document Claims

November 15, 2025

Cross-Border Fraud Tactics A life insurance claim filed with a U.S. insurance company by a Chinese national residing in Japan. Multiple death certificates that initially appeared legitimate. However, every single document was an elaborate forgery. The perpetrator calculated that forged documents would go undetected in the United States due to the cross-border nature of the transaction. They assumed that even if the fraud were discovered, they could simply flee the

How Private Investigators Support Litigation in Japan: A Practical Guide for Foreign Clients

November 6, 2025

How Private Investigators Support Litigation in Japan: A Practical Guide for Foreign Clients If you’re a foreign client considering legal action in Japan, you’re likely expecting a process similar to what you’re familiar with at home. Unfortunately, that assumption can lead to costly mistakes. As a private investigator working with overseas clients who navigate Japan’s court system, I’ve seen the same problems repeat themselves again and again. This guide will

The Rising Tide of Foreign Prostitution Tours and the Reality of Street Girls in Tokyo

November 30, 2024

In recent years, Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, particularly Kabukicho, has been grappling with a severe social issue: the increase of foreign prostitution tours involving Japanese street girls. As a professional detective working on the front lines, I feel compelled to shed light on the complex structures and backgrounds of this problem. This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the current situation, the underlying factors, and the historical context that

Participation Report in the WAD-Hosted Seminar, September 2024

November 3, 2024

Participation Report in the WAD-Hosted Seminar, September 2024 Seminar Overview In late September 2024, we visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to participate in a seminar hosted by the World Association of Detectives (WAD). This event brought together professionals worldwide from the investigation and security industries to exchange information on the latest technologies, industry trends, and legal regulations. Through this opportunity, I gained a deep understanding of the current state of international

Statistics of Missing People in Japan

December 17, 2023

Statistics released by NPA Japan in 2022 detail the number of missing persons, including data on the type of people who went missing and the reasons behind their disappearance. The data reveals that since 1955, the total number of missing person reports has consistently ranged from 80,000 to 100,000, which suggests a significant number of missing individuals in Japan. This could be due to the societal pressures and stress experienced

U.S. Educational and Employment Checks Through Single Database

August 28, 2023

In the United States, information institutions centralize the management of educational and employment records. With access to their databases, background checks, educational verification, and employment history can be completed. This alleviates the need for universities and corporations to respond to verification inquiries for hiring checks individually. Moreover, it’s convenient for companies conducting hiring checks to verify educational and employment records through these centralized information institutions. Similar to Japan’s Credit Information

Detectives and Sushi – Food Culture as a Tourism Resource

July 15, 2023

The Japanese government aims to become a tourism-oriented nation. In tourism, the key elements are nature, climate, culture, and food. When tracking individuals visiting Japan, it is important to understand the fundamental principles of Japanese tourism. Sushi Among them, sushi is the most famous when it comes to food. As private investigators, we sometimes provide guidance to foreign visitors, so it is necessary for us to have knowledge and expertise

Couple Buster Detective: Breakup and Love – Can Love Be Bought with Money?

July 13, 2023

This episode introduces a case where a middle-aged man, suffering from unrequited love, tries to win a woman’s heart by enlisting the help of a professional and offering money in return. Please note this is not a case in which our company was directly involved, but a story we heard from another detective agency. Unrequited Love of Middle-aged Man The main character in this story, Man A, is a 47-year-old

Background Check for Employment – Regulations in Japan.

July 12, 2023

In Japan, background checks are allowed under specific circumstances and are not entirely prohibited. This article will clarify the distinctions between global standards, Japan’s unique cultural and legal regulations, the prerequisites for conducting a background check, and pertinent laws and regulations. Global Background Check Items In the context of applicant screening, various methods are employed to gather information globally, including but not limited to the following: Permissible Checks in Japan

Travel Insurance Investigation Practices by Bilingual PI

July 4, 2023

Bilingual PIs occasionally conduct investigations on behalf of foreign travel insurance companies. Travel insurance covers injuries and illnesses, property damage, and theft during travel. In addition to research, interpreting, translation, and cross-cultural communication skills are required for insurance-commissioned research. What is a travel insurance survey? Travel insurance investigation is investigating the circumstances related to a travel insurance claim. It is conducted to verify evidence, certified documents, medical records, and eyewitness

Amendment of Law on Registration of Japanese Name Pronunciation

June 27, 2023

Starting in 2024, a new law amendment will require Japanese citizens to register the pronunciation of their name on their family registry records, known as Koseki. Japanese names present significant challenges: This can create confusion in communication, but learning the cultural and linguistic specifics can help navigate these obstacles. Identification is impossible without the Japanese notation of a Japanese individual, except for a few exceptions. It is essential to remember

Uncovering the Evil Romance Conspiracy: PI’s Hunt for the Scammers

June 19, 2023

Romance scammers impersonating Americans are rampant. It is a sneaky trick to pretend to be an American online, posing as a lover or partner, and defrauding the victim of money. This technique is called a “romance scam” and causes the victim to develop romantic feelings and fall victim to a scam. What to do if you suspect a romance scam If you suspect a romance scam, it’s most important to

Okinawa PI – Investigation on Inbound Overseas Traveler or US Military Base Related Cases

June 19, 2023

One of the areas where bilingual detectives often work is Okinawa. Common overseas surveys include: Especially when looking for people, I often look for the children and relatives of American men and Japanese women in Okinawa. American men are not only American soldiers, but also teachers, some are engaged in the food and beverage industry. Since Okinawa is famous as a tourist destination, it is often the scene of an

Analyzing Financial Statements – Business Background Checks

June 17, 2023

Analyzing Open-Source Intelligence is essential to check a company’s financial stability, and financial statements are the primary information source for a company’s background check. This article will show how to conduct financial analysis, specifically on the balance sheet. Understand The Company Features in The Same Category We offer quizzes to help you discover which sections of a balance sheet require focus when differentiating between companies in the same category. BOOK

The Law’s Scalpel for Child Bullying! Background Checks on Bullying Perpetrators

June 16, 2023

Bullying problems are severe and cause significant distress to children and their families. In some cases, the victim’s child’s body, life, or property may be threatened, and in some cases, the victim may commit suicide. In severe cases, legal proceedings may be necessary. If a minor gets bullied or attacked, their parents may file a claim for damages against the assailant or their parents after consulting a lawyer. However, due

Case Studies of Employment Screenings for Mid-Career Recruitment

June 15, 2023

This article sheds light on the fundamental aspects of selecting and screening executive candidates during hiring. By doing so, organizations can avoid various employee-related issues such as work negligence, violation of work orders, and any form of harassment at the workplace, including reverse harassment. The article also highlights the importance of complying with legal and ethical standards. Effective screenings can also prevent criminal incidents such as embezzlement, misappropriation, and information

Facial Recognition Search for Catfish Identification

June 13, 2023

Face recognition technology introduces a visual element that enhances the search experience. With this tool, users can verify the identity of potential online catfish. This article will present the best search engines for 10 FRT (a technology for recognizing faces). Face Recognition for Identity Verification With the rise of online transactions and digital platforms, identity verification is becoming increasingly important. Face recognition technology can provide an additional layer of security

Practice of Reference Checks in Japan

June 13, 2023

This article will explain the procedures and precautions for companies to conduct pre-employment screening (background surveys and reference checks) of recruitment candidates. Resume Check Given the inflated cost of engaging in an external pre-employment screening, it might be sensible to check resumes’ credibility first. Only those needing attention based on these criteria can undergo a thorough pre-employment screening. This approach saves resources while ensuring a rigorous recruitment process. We will

International Marriage in Japan

May 16, 2023

International marriages in Japan have a higher divorce rate than domestic marriages. Cultural and language differences cause communication and understanding problems between spouses from different backgrounds. It’s also been found that Japanese women and foreign men get married a lot in Japan, and these marriages are more likely to end in divorce. Aside from child abduction, there is also an issue related to international marriages and a cultural gap that

Surveillance of Visitors to Japan

March 25, 2023

As a result of the convergence of COVID-19, overseas travel is no longer restricted. Thus, surveillance of foreign travelers is returning to pre-pandemic levels. When doing surveillance of visitors to Japan, PIs must be familiar with the hotel conditions where the visitors are staying. In business transactions or domestic disputes, PIs are often asked to monitor travelers When doing surveillance of visitors to Japan, PIs must be familiar with the

Introduction of Background Checks and DBS UK

February 11, 2023

There has been no shortage of vicious stalker murders. Police warnings against stalker behavior have not been a complete deterrent. A criminal history reference system and a registration system for sex offenders are being considered in Japan because of the high recidivism rate of sex offenders. Based on the DBS concept used in the UK, Japanese authorities have been considering adopting a sex offenders monitoring system for serial offenders including

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