TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of human trafficking cases in Japan last year fell by nine from the previous year to 19, a record low since comparable data became available in 2001, a National Police Agency survey showed Thursday.

Many cases involved women from the Philippines in bogus marriages being forced to work at adult entertainment establishments, it said. The total of 37 victims comprised 24 Filipinos, 12 Japanese and a South Korean.

The victims were barely paid and were deprived of their freedom through various restrictions, such as being forced to live in such premises, the NPA said.

The police took action -- such as questioning, arresting and sending papers to prosecutors -- against 24 people, including six owners of adult entertainment businesses and three brokers, as well as employees of such establishments, the NPA said.

According to the NPA criteria, human trafficking cases involve forced labor and prostitution through deprivation of freedom by means such as violence and financial obligations.

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