Society

Japan Overhauls Prison System for First Time in a Century

TOKYO, May 31 (News On Japan) - Japan has officially abolished both penal servitude and imprisonment without labor, replacing them with a newly introduced 'custodial sentence' system. This marks the first major reform of the country's penal code since it was established in 1907.

Under the new system, inmates will be categorized into 24 groups based on factors such as age, nationality, presence of addiction, and sentence length. Each group will receive work assignments and guidance tailored to their specific characteristics.

For example, elderly inmates with dementia will be placed in a "geriatric welfare program," which focuses on activities aimed at improving physical and cognitive functions. Inmates with a history of drug use will be classified under a "rehabilitation program for addiction," with a stronger emphasis placed on treatment and recovery. The aim is to shift the primary function of incarceration from punishment to the prevention of repeat offenses.

Although the new custodial sentence will apply to individuals convicted after June 1st, the Ministry of Justice also plans to gradually reassign current inmates serving time under the old system into the new classification groups.

The reform was driven by the growing need to modernize Japan's correctional system, particularly in response to the rising number of elderly prisoners, the increasing prevalence of drug-related offenses, and the high rate of repeat offenses. By eliminating the distinction between penal servitude and simple imprisonment, the new system aims to create a unified and flexible approach to incarceration that better supports rehabilitation.

Under the new custodial sentence system, all inmates will be assessed and classified into 24 different groups based on factors such as age, nationality, sentence length, addiction history, and mental or physical health. Each group will receive individualized programs that align with their specific characteristics and rehabilitation needs. For example, elderly inmates with dementia or other age-related impairments may be placed in welfare-oriented courses designed to maintain or improve physical and cognitive functioning. Inmates with a history of substance abuse will be placed in recovery-focused programs that emphasize treatment, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Younger offenders may be assigned to educational or vocational training programs that prepare them for reintegration into the workforce upon release.

The underlying philosophy of 拘禁刑 shifts the emphasis of incarceration from punitive measures toward the prevention of recidivism. Rather than focusing on "punishment" in the traditional sense, the new system prioritizes rehabilitation, social reintegration, and support for behavioral change. This approach reflects both domestic concerns about repeat offenses and international criticism of Japan's historically rigid penal practices. Although the new sentence applies only to crimes committed after June 1, 2025, the Ministry of Justice plans to gradually reclassify existing inmates serving time under the previous system into the new categories. By integrating correctional science and individualized support into its prison system, Japan aims to modernize its approach to criminal justice, reduce the likelihood of reoffending, and create a more humane and effective correctional environment.

Source: TBS

Japanese Woman Witnesses Crisis in Gaza

A Japanese woman working with Doctors Without Borders has delivered a harrowing account from Gaza, where severe food shortages and relentless Israeli airstrikes have pushed local hospitals and residents to the brink of collapse.

Hakodate Fishermen Brace for Another Poor Squid Season

The squid fishing season officially opened on June 1st in Hakodate, where 11 boats set out from the port despite recent years of severely depleted catches and early reports from Aomori, which began fishing in May, already indicating another poor haul.

Japan’s Healthcare in Crisis, Doctors Overworked as Research Time Dwindles

Amid mounting financial strain and work reform policies, Japan’s university hospitals are struggling to maintain the quality of their medical research, threatening the future of healthcare in the country. A recent survey of approximately 3,000 physicians working in university hospitals revealed that 60% spend less than five hours a week on research, with 22% reporting zero research time. The main reason: they are simply too busy with clinical duties to conduct research.

Former Princess Mako Komuro Has First Child in U.S.

Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family and now living in the United States, has given birth to her first child, the Imperial Household Agency announced on May 30th. The agency stated that the birth was disclosed during a press conference after some media reports surfaced, despite their intention to allow Komuro to live in a quiet environment following her departure from the Imperial family.

Akie Abe Moved to Tears During Kremlin Visit with Putin

Akie Abe, widow of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, visited the Kremlin on May 29th and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Akie was seen tearfully listening to Putin’s words, reflecting the emotional nature of their exchange. Following the conversation, she was invited to ride in Putin’s official limousine to the Bolshoi Theatre, where the two attended a ballet performance together.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Welfare Worker Dies After Attack by Knife-Wielding Woman

A female employee was fatally stabbed at a child welfare facility in Saga City on May 31st. Police arrested a 28-year-old woman at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

Japan Overhauls Prison System for First Time in a Century

Japan has officially abolished both penal servitude and imprisonment without labor, replacing them with a newly introduced 'custodial sentence' system. This marks the first major reform of the country's penal code since it was established in 1907.

Okinawa Survivor Breaks Silence After 80 Years

Okinawa resident Sueko Urasaki, who appeared as a trembling child in a U.S.-filmed recording of the Battle of Okinawa, has spoken publicly for the first time in 80 years about her harrowing experience, expressing a heartfelt plea for peace to future generations.

Former Princess Mako Komuro Has First Child in U.S.

Cylinder Marked November 1964 Found at Site of Tokyo Explosion

A gas cylinder recovered from the scene of an explosion in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward bore a stamp indicating it was manufactured in November 1964, according to investigative sources. The blast, which occurred on May 27th at a construction site, injured 10 people.

Ancient Wall Carvings Reveal Burial Secrets of Japanese Nobility

Japan’s largest known cluster of horizontal tombs lies in the southeastern Osaka city of Kashiwara, where more than 160 cave tombs have been confirmed in what is now known as Takai Horizontal Tomb Park. Including uninvestigated areas, the total may exceed 200 burial chambers.

Foreign Tourist Punches Car, Makes Threatening Gestures in Asakusa

A visiting family in Tokyo’s Asakusa district was left shaken after witnessing a sudden outburst by a foreign tourist who punched their car and made aggressive gestures in the middle of the road.

Man Admits to Dropkick Assault and Robbery in Osaka

A trial opened on May 29th at the Osaka District Court for 28-year-old Kazuya Nagaya, who is accused of seriously injuring a man by kicking him from behind and stealing his bag in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture. Nagaya admitted to the charges, stating, "No doubt, it’s exactly as you said."

< 2 3 4 5 >