The Japanese government has confirmed it has no plans to initiate discussions on abolishing the death penalty, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stating on Thursday that the system remains necessary for certain serious crimes. Hayashi explained that the majority of the public supports the death penalty, particularly for heinous offenses such as mass murder or murder committed during robberies. Given these public sentiments, the government does not see it as appropriate to reconsider or abolish the death penalty at this time.
In Japan, the death penalty is typically applied in cases involving multiple murders, and roughly 10 people are sentenced to death each year. The execution process is carried out under strict secrecy, with prisoners often left unaware of their fate until the morning of their execution. This has prompted criticism from international human rights groups, who have called for Japan to end the practice, deeming it inhumane.
Despite the pressure from global human rights organizations, the Japanese government remains firm in its stance, citing public opinion and the perceived necessity of the death penalty in punishing the most egregious crimes.
