Al wrote:
> Someone i know has been raising the question lately as to whether making
> a someone's name, date of birth, and current address public without that
> person's consent is legally OK in Japan. For example, if information of
> that sort is published in a printed publication or on the internet, does
> it violate any existing laws in Japan or not? Is there a difference in
> how informaiton in print and informaiton on the internet is considered?

Given that Okazaki has annually printed the names, registered address
(from the juminhyou), and the total amount of tax paid by top income
earners for many decades, I doubt it would be illegal to also print
their date of birth. I'm in Sapporo until next week, but can confirm
with the "usual suspects" when I return.

> I am aware that these are "tough" questions, given the vaguenes or
> sparseness of so many laws in this part of the world, but perhaps
> someone here can offer an educated opinion...

Someone here offering an educated opinion?