NCJ Number
74381
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The crime rate and crime patterns in Japan are compared with those in similar industrialized nations.
Abstract
Japan is the most industrialized, urbanized, and, in relation to its natural resources, one of the most densely populated nations in the world. Elsewhere in the world, industrialization and urbanization have been accompanied by a rise in crime rates, especially serious crime. This has happened not only in Europe and North America, but in Africa, South America, and Asian countries other than Japan. In Japan, on the other hand, crime is not merely being controlled, but serious crime is being reduced. In the past few decades, the number of nontraffic, penal code offenders investigated by the police has maintained a downward trend from the 1950 peak of 578,152. In 1978, there were 379,322 such offenders. The decline continued in 1979. Even serious crime still causing trouble in Japan is not of the same pattern or extent as that in the West. Drug problems, for example, are related to stimulant drugs rather than heroin, cocaine, or other hard drugs; hallucinogenic drugs are not a problem. Like many other countries, Japan has increasing juvenile delinquency but the difference between Japan and Western nations is the release of most Japanese delinquents to their own families; whereas, in most Western countries, such youth have no intact family or the parents or guardians do not want the child. A factor contributing to juvenile delinquency in Japan is the demanding, fiercely competitive educational system. Those who do not pass the necessary examinations for ascendance to higher studies tend to become alienated from accepted society, so that deviancy, a delinquent gang subculture, or suicide are nurtured. Tables are provided on population, vehicles, and traffic accidents in Tokyo. Notes are included. For related articles, see NCJ 74380.