According to a recent government survey, 83.1% of Japanese citizens support the death penalty, while 16.5% favor its abolition. Concerns for victims’ families and fear of increased crime if abolished are significant reasons for support. A record 71% of those favoring abolition cite irreversible mistakes as a major concern. The survey reflects changing public sentiments regarding capital punishment and wrongful convictions.
A recent government survey revealed that over 80 percent of the Japanese population supports the death penalty, with 83.1 percent affirming its necessity. This marks a slight increase of 2.3 percentage points from the previous survey conducted in 2019. Concurrently, support for abolishing the death penalty grew by a noteworthy 7.5 points, now standing at 16.5 percent. This consistent approval for capital punishment has been observed in five consecutive surveys conducted every five years.
Among the reasons for endorsing the death penalty, 62.2 percent of respondents cited concerns for victims’ families, while 55.5 percent believed that violent crimes warrant the ultimate punishment. Another 53.4 percent expressed fears that removing the death penalty could lead to a surge in severe crimes. Conversely, a record-high 71 percent of those advocating for abolition pointed to the irrevocability of wrongful convictions as a primary reason, reflecting a significant rise from past figures.
The survey was conducted from October to December 2022, following a notable acquittal of Iwao Hakamata, who had spent over four decades on death row for a case dating back to 1966. Respondents were divided on whether the death penalty should be abolished with the introduction of life imprisonment without parole; 37.5 percent supported abolition under such conditions, while 61.8 percent maintained that it should remain.
With a total sample size of 3,000 individuals aged 18 and older, the survey yielded 1,815 valid responses. The method of data collection shifted from in-person to mail due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. This change reflects broader societal shifts in survey methodology, adapting to current public health guidelines.
In summary, the survey highlights a complex landscape concerning capital punishment in Japan, with significant support for the death penalty existing alongside rising calls for its abolition based on wrongful convictions. As public discourse evolves, the balance between justice and the possibility of error remains a critical consideration for policymakers and society.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
