Introduction

Abstract

This volume’s overarching theme is outlined in the Introduction: governmental justification of capital punishment in Japan and de facto moratorium periods. Whilst Japan retains the death penalty, contrary to the worldwide trend, a number of de facto moratorium periods on executions have been identified over the years. Investigation of governmental discourse surrounding these periods can illuminate the elite-driven nature of the capital punishment system in Japan. Research background and methodology are explained, and the Introduction concludes by summarising the content of this volume and the main arguments discussed in each chapter.