Downloading in Japan - How strict are their copyright laws? -

Do the Japanese have strict laws against the illegal downloading of copyrighted materials(ie: music, television shows, movies, etc, that may or may not be of Japanese origin.)? I d like to know the extent of action that may be/has been taken against illegal downloaders, as well as the nature of the copyrighted materials that the Japanese are keeping a close eye on. Do they keep track of downloads via p2p and direct-downloads? Do they keep a lookout for the illegal downloading of non-Japanese files(for eg: english music, korean dramas, etc)? I know piracy is probably illegal all over the globe, but I d like to know how it s combatted in Japan. Any insight on this is greatly appreciated!

dunno bout japan but piracy is fairly legal in most places like in canada you can download whatever you want.