The Juvenile Justice System of Japan: An Overview

Abstract

Japan’s overall crime rate has been low. The same has been true for its juvenile offending rate. Japan’s juvenile justice system reflects a western parens patriae-type orientation with an emphasis on rehabilitation, protection, and the overall well-being of the accused child. In recent times, examples of a relatively few horrific juvenile-perpetrated offenses have led to a misperception of an increase in offending and a public interest in more punitive responses for youth law-breaking. Some legal changes have occurred in this regard over the past two decades. A general concern is that increases in heterogeneity in the society, poverty, and academic pressures may be key contributors to youth deviance. The justice system, however, continues to emphasize reintegrative shaming and restoration in its approaches.

Marika Dawkins is a faculty member at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is one of the United States’ few holders of a doctorate in Juvenile Justice. Her research has largely been about the effectiveness of various justice policies.

Camille Gibson is a faculty member at Prairie View A&M University in the College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology. She is a native of Jamaica. Her research interests include schools and delinquency; youth gangs; and youth violence.