Latest news with #JapanDiet
Kyodo News
4 days ago
- Kyodo News
Japan prisons to place more focus on rehabilitation than punishment
KYODO NEWS - 12 hours ago - 13:45 | All, Japan An amendment to the Penal Code placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation efforts in prison took effect Sunday, marking the first time changes have been made to the forms of punishment under Japan's more than a century-old crime laws. Imprisonment is no longer divided into the categories of with and without labor, and prison work is no longer mandatory for inmates, allowing more time to be allocated for rehabilitative guidance and education to reduce recidivism, according to the Justice Ministry. The revised law, which will affect people convicted from Sunday, stipulates anew that imprisonment consists of "confinement in a penal institution" and that inmates can be assigned to undertake "necessary work" or can undergo "necessary guidance" for rehabilitation and improvement. Prior to the change, the treatment of inmates was largely based on the likelihood of reoffending, potentially subjecting an elderly repeat shoplifter and a yakuza gang member to the same regime. The new system sets up 24 programs tailored to an inmate's age, characteristics and other factors, including a Daily Care-Senior curriculum for those aged 70 and older and suffering from dementia and Addiction Recovery targeting drug abusers. Other programs target those aged between 20 and 26, and those facing prison terms of at least 10 years. Elderly inmates are expected to be able to focus more on maintaining their physical and cognitive functions rather than engaging in typical prison work, while younger inmates will undergo a program to enable their return to school after leaving prison, according to the ministry. Inmates will be sent to prisons that can offer appropriate programs for them. Their situation will be reviewed every six months, enabling them to switch to different treatment programs if needed. Japan's Penal Code was enacted in 1907. The legislation to realize the latest change was enacted by parliament in 2022. Related coverage: Japan Diet enacts law against predatory practices at male host clubs Japan police to fine minor rule-breaking cyclists from next April
Kyodo News
4 days ago
- Kyodo News
Man held for upskirt video at popular Nara Park, police warn foreigners
KYODO NEWS - 19 minutes ago - 17:15 | All, Japan A 59-year-old Japanese man was arrested Saturday for allegedly taking an upskirt video of a woman at Nara Park, a popular tourist spot, police said, warning that foreign visitors may be targeted in similar incidents. The man, who claims to be unemployed and resides in Osaka Prefecture, has admitted to the charges, saying that posting such videos on YouTube increases views and boosts revenue, according to the police. Recently, the number of videos posted online of female foreign tourists feeding the deer, which roam freely in the park, has risen, the police said. Okamoto is suspected of having filmed the woman with his smartphone while she was squatting to feed a deer, in violation of Nara Prefecture's nuisance prevention ordinance. A witness who found his behavior suspicious called the police. Related coverage: U.S. man arrested over pepper spray attack at mall near Tokyo Japan to tighten license conversion rules for foreign drivers Japan Diet enacts law against predatory practices at male host clubs
Kyodo News
5 days ago
- Kyodo News
Japan prisons to place more focus on rehabilitation than punishment
KYODO NEWS - 29 minutes ago - 13:45 | All, Japan An amendment to the Penal Code placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation efforts in prison took effect Sunday, marking the first time changes have been made to the forms of punishment under Japan's more than a century-old crime laws. Imprisonment is no longer divided into the categories of with and without labor, and prison work is no longer mandatory for inmates, allowing more time to be allocated for rehabilitative guidance and education to reduce recidivism, according to the Justice Ministry. The revised law, which will affect people convicted from Sunday, stipulates anew that imprisonment consists of "confinement in a penal institution" and that inmates can be assigned to undertake "necessary work" or can undergo "necessary guidance" for rehabilitation and improvement. Prior to the change, the treatment of inmates was largely based on the likelihood of reoffending, potentially subjecting an elderly repeat shoplifter and a yakuza gang member to the same regime. The new system sets up 24 programs tailored to an inmate's age, characteristics and other factors, including a Daily Care-Senior curriculum for those aged 70 and older and suffering from dementia and Addiction Recovery targeting drug abusers. Other programs target those aged between 20 and 26, and those facing prison terms of at least 10 years. Elderly inmates are expected to be able to focus more on maintaining their physical and cognitive functions rather than engaging in typical prison work, while younger inmates will undergo a program to enable their return to school after leaving prison, according to the ministry. Inmates will be sent to prisons that can offer appropriate programs for them. Their situation will be reviewed every six months, enabling them to switch to different treatment programs if needed. Japan's Penal Code was enacted in 1907. The legislation to realize the latest change was enacted by parliament in 2022. Related coverage: Japan Diet enacts law against predatory practices at male host clubs Japan police to fine minor rule-breaking cyclists from next April
