NCJ Number
134761
Date Published
1991
Length
363 pages
Annotation
This survey analyzes crime statistics, the overall crime situation, and the work of the police in combatting crime in Japan.
Abstract
Japan has become the marvel of criminal justice experts because of its low crime rate in comparison to other highly industrialized countries. Although property crimes have increased slightly in recent years, the number of serious offenses has even declined. However, in the context of the overall crime situation, the pervasiveness of organized crime puts these low figures into question. Though crime organizations presently limit their violence to members, a large percentage of the Japanese population considers their payments to crime organizations as the price of peace. In fact, historically, the Japanese are so accustomed to crime organizations, which function almost as a State within the State, that they rarely perceive this crime form as a problem, and the police rarely interferes. The Japanese police also have a special role in society. In addition to preventing and combatting crime, they function as ethical models and "teachers of virtue." Consequently, a survey of citizen attitudes indicated that the Japanese population has great confidence in their police, though critical opinions were also voiced. The study concludes that, despite numerous positive aspects, the Japanese criminal justice system cannot be considered ideal. The article includes a bibliography and numerous statistical charts and graphs.