The Death Penalty In Japan

Tokyo: Capital Punishment in Japan Under Scrutiny

After the recent acquittal of Iwao Hakamada, the world’s longest-serving death row prisoner, who was awarded $1.4 million in compensation, the death penalty in Japan is once again facing scrutiny. Despite broad public support for the practice, there is growing opposition to it.

Key Points to Know:

• Japan and the United States are the only G7 countries that retain the death penalty.
• Recent surveys show 83% of Japanese citizens view the death penalty as necessary, but support for abolition is increasing.
• As of December 2023, 107 prisoners are on death row in Japan.
• Executions in Japan are carried out by hanging, a method that has been in place for over a century.
• The last execution in Japan took place in July 2022, ending a two-year hiatus.

Controversies Surrounding the Death Penalty in Japan:

• The method of execution by hanging has been criticized as cruel and inhumane.
• Inmates are often not informed of their impending execution until the last minute, causing psychological distress.
• Families of the inmates are not allowed to witness the execution process.

Despite the ongoing debate and criticism, the death penalty remains a legal practice in Japan. However, calls for reform and transparency in the execution process are gaining momentum.

(This article is based on a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the author.)