J apan, Corrections in

Abstract

The foundation of the corrections system in Japan is rooted in a history of low crime rates, strong informal social control, and a nationalized system of operation. This is reportedly attributed to drastic political and cultural changes made after World War II. While contemporary fear of rising crime rates has produced incarceration issues similar to those in other Westernized nations, Japan remains one of the lowest‐ranked countries in terms of per capita prison populations. Rehabilitative efforts remain the core element of the Japanese corrections system, with a focus on work, education, and reintegration, in the hopes of keeping relatively low recidivism rates.