Why does Japan retain the death penalty despite international criticism?

Question

Accepted Answer

Japan Continues to Retain the Death Penalty Amidst International Scrutiny

Japan executed two men convicted of murder on August 2, 2019, marking the first such executions of the year. This action underscores Japan's continued adherence to capital punishment, a stance maintained despite significant international criticism. Over 100 inmates currently reside on death row in Japan, positioning it among the minority of developed nations that still uphold the death penalty.
High Public Support for Capital Punishment

Public opinion in Japan demonstrates a consistently high level of support for the death penalty. This domestic backing appears to be a significant factor in the government's decision to retain capital punishment. The justice minister, Takashi Yamashita, stated that the executions were ordered after very careful consideration, suggesting a deliberative process that likely takes public sentiment into account.
Nature of Crimes and Ministerial Justification

The two individuals executed, Koichi Shoji, aged 64, and Yasunori Suzuki, aged 50, were convicted of particularly heinous crimes. Shoji was found guilty of killing two women and stealing cash in 2001, while Suzuki was convicted of murdering three women and stealing cash in 2004. The minister described these as "extremely brutal cases" where lives were taken for selfish reasons, highlighting the perceived severity of the offenses as a justification for the ultimate penalty.
International Criticism and Historical Context

Despite the domestic support, Japan faces criticism from international rights groups, such as Amnesty International. This criticism intensified in July 2018 following the execution of 13 members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult, responsible for the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway. While the government has publicly announced executions since 1998, and the number of executions in 2018 matched a record set in 2008, the international community, particularly rights advocates, continues to question Japan's retention of the death penalty.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why does Japan retain the death penalty despite international criticism?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends