(Angus Reid Consultants – CPOD Global Scan) – Most adults in Japan are in favour of capital punishment, according to a poll by the Cabinet Office. 61.7 per cent of respondents believe the death penalty should not be abolished in the future.
(Angus Reid Consultants – CPOD Global Scan) – Most adults in Japan are in favour of capital punishment, according to a poll by the Cabinet Office. 61.7 per cent of respondents believe the death penalty should not be abolished in the future.
Japan’s constitution—written after the country’s defeat in World War II, during the American occupation—forbids “cruel” punishments. In 1948, the Japanese Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty could not be considered “cruel.”
In March 1995, members of the Aum Shinrikyo (Supreme Truth) cult released nerve gas in the Tokyo subway system, killing 12 people and injuring thousands more. Public outcry intensified for those responsible for the attack—including cult founder Shoko Asahara—to be executed. Asahara was sentenced to death last year.
In Japan, the death penalty is carried out by hanging. Since 1993, 46 people have been executed.
Polling Data
What is your view on capital punishment?
Capital punishment should not be | 61.7% |
Capital punishment may be abolished in | 31.8% |
Capital punishment should be abolished, | 6.0% |
Source: Cabinet Office
Methodology: Interviews to 2,048 Japanese adults, conducted in December 2004. No margin of error was provided.
