Majority in Japan Support Death Penalty, but Calls for Abolition Rise

A government survey shows 83.1% support for the death penalty in Japan, though those advocating for abolition have risen to 16.5%. Major reasons for support include victim rights and concerns over rising crime. Conversely, concerns about wrongful convictions drive abolitionist sentiments, especially following a high-profile acquittal. 37.5% support abolishment if life sentences without parole are introduced, amid an evolving public opinion landscape.

A recent government survey indicates that over 80% of Japan’s population supports the death penalty, with 83.1% favoring its continuation, an increase of 2.3 percentage points since 2019. However, support for abolishing the death penalty has also risen, with those advocating for its removal increasing to 16.5%, a notable rise of 7.5 points. This marks the fifth consecutive survey in which support has surpassed 80%.

The primary reason for supporting the death penalty, according to 62.2% of respondents, is the consideration of the victims of capital crimes and their families. Additionally, 55.5% believe that violent crimes should incur the ultimate penalty, while 53.4% are concerned that eliminating capital punishment could lead to an increase in serious crimes.

Among those who support abolition, 71% cite the risk of irreversible mistaken convictions as their primary concern, a significant rise of approximately 20 points since the last survey. This survey was conducted following an acquittal of an 88-year-old man in a high-profile murder case after he spent over forty years on death row.

When asked about alternatives, 37.5% of participants indicated they would favor abolishing the death penalty if life imprisonment without parole were implemented, whereas 61.8% believe that the death penalty should remain in place. This research involved 3,000 individuals over the age of 18, yielding 1,815 valid responses, with the format changed from in-person interviews to mail due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The survey results reflect a nuanced public opinion in Japan regarding the death penalty. While a strong majority remains in favor, there is a notable rise in calls for abolition, indicating growing concerns about wrongful convictions. The evolving perspectives on this issue may influence future legal and policy discussions surrounding capital punishment in the country.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net