Polaris Project Japan is committed to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery in Japan through

advocacy work and by building relationships with victims of sexual and labor exploitation.

In order to fulfill our mission, we set forth the following seven values.

1) Non-violence: Polaris Project strives to encourage the practice of non-violence among our staff and

volunteers, not only because we believe it is right, but also because we believe it is most effective.

While human trafficking often involves oppression and violence, we believe it is impossible to solve

issues of modern-day slavery through destructive means. In order to overcome and rectify unfair

practices, we must act with sympathy, respect and understanding, not violence or deceit.

 

2) Accountability: We realize that in order to effectuate real change within society, we must secure the

trust and confidence of the regional community. Accordingly, we endeavor to maintain honesty and

transparency in our business operations and financial affairs.

 

3) Collaboration: We recognize that it is impossible to effectively combat the criminal industry of human

trafficking if individuals and organization are acting discordantly. We aim to strengthen the global

anti-trafficking movement by overcome political and ideological differences and encouraging mutual

constructive support and collaboration.

 

4) Community Empowerment: The counter-plans devised by national governments and by international

organizations are unfortunately inadequate as a means to eradicate the global criminal industry

known as human trafficking. In order to encourage the proactive participation of regional citizens

and organizations, we facilitate the exchange of information regarding human trafficking, as well

as sponsor lectures. Moreover, we endeavor to heighten each person’s awareness and sense of

responsibility to the regional community.

 

5) Victim-Centered: Despite being the vulnerable recipients of oppression, exploitation and violence,

victims of human trafficking have the tendency to be criticized by society, and are often faced with

further isolation and prejudice when they are finally able to escape their slave-like conditions. We

strive to eliminate the discrimination surrounding these victims by providing impartial support for

victims regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or residence status.

 

6) Long-term change: In the background of human trafficking, there are a myriad of contributing factors

including economic disparity, poverty, human rights violations against women and children, and

international organized crime. As such, we recognize that the road to resolution is complex and

requires a long-term perspective. We aim to solve the fundamental causes of human trafficking and

change the current social mechanisms that facilitate the criminal industry’s growing impudence

through long-term, sustainable societal reform.

 

7) Innovation: We need to develop an innovative countermeasure in order to eradicate human

trafficking. Through the strategic use of modern technology, the entrepreneurial spirit, and creative

problem solving methods, we hope to develop effective and successful tactics to combat modern-day

slavery.