The trial of prominent Indigenous community figure Donna Nelson, detained in Japan, has been delayed two days before it was due to commence.

The former chair of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service was arrested at Narita Airport in Tokyo on January 4, 2023, after approximately 1.9kg of methamphetamine was allegedly found in her suitcase.

The 57-year-old had been detained in Japan for several weeks before news of her arrest emerged.

The Japanese justice system places significant restrictions on individuals held awaiting trial, and it is understood Ms Nelson has not been able to have direct contact with family members while in custody.

In February it was revealed Ms Nelson would face court in the last week of June, with the 27th confirmed last week.

It has been reported that at least one of Ms Nelson's daughters was en route to attend court in support of her mother when the last-minute delay emerged.

The ABC reports the prosecution sparked the delay by seeking to introduce new information to proceedings, and that it could be months before a new trial date is set.

Ms Nelson's family has previously told media in Western Australia that she was offered a trip to Japan by a man who she met on an online dating app, calling himself Kelly, with whom she had been corresponding for two years, and was then approached by a man claiming to be an associate of "Kelly", who asked her to take a suitcase to him in Japan.

Ms Nelson's daughters said the Nigerian man told their mother he owned a fashion brand, sent her a photo of what he claimed was his Japanese residency card. He then purchased her business class flights to Japan, flying via Singapore, Laos and Vietnam.

The Japanese legal system has severe penalties for drug importation and an extremely high conviction rate. Ms Nelson could face up to 20 years in prison.