Scholars in the sociology of criminal law are interested in evaluating the emergence process of criminal law. Important in this process are such elements as the role of moral entrepreneurs, access to the media of communication, and political maneuvering. In Japan, these elements have typically been seen in the emergence of anti-prostitution law. After World War II, female groups became a core of entrepreneurs for the enactment of anti-prostitution law. Females, Christian groups, and other entrepreneurs against prostitution used the mass media to develop public opinion for a ban on prostitution. Several government councils were established to discuss the problem of prostitution in 1948, 1953, and 1956. Members of these councils were bureaucrats and intellectuals who examined measures for coping with the problems of prostitution. Vice racketeers and prostitutes worked against passage of anti-prostitution law. Nonetheless, the Prostitution Prevention Law was enacted in 1956. It is concluded that Japanese scholars in the sociology of criminal law need to analyze the role of bureaucrats, Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, and the Cabinet as the main elements in creating certain laws. 7 references and 9 notes