INTRODUCTION
Japan is a preeminent nation in the Asian theatre. Together, Japan and the United States comprise 40% of the world's gross national product (GNP). Additionally, these two countries dispense almost 40% of the world's foreign aid. Japan is still the world's second largest economy. The population of Japan is approximately 127 million, (half that of the United States) living in a physical area roughly the size of California.
While often thought of as an orderly, crime-free culture Japan is facing serious problems associated with the increase in violent crimes. Recently capital punishment in both nations has been under increased scrutiny. Efforts to abolish or impose a moratorium on the death penalty are multiplying. Many people, including bar associations, members of Congress, various members of the Japanese Diet, private Japanese citizens groups and leaders of religious organizations in both nations are raising concerns about the application of the death penalty. Capital punishment is a controversial issue globally. A comparison of the U.S. and Japanese systems, may help to enlighten you as to what the ultimate answers might be. Americans do not live in isolation. When looking for answers to difficult issues it is important that we understand that it is possible to look outside our own familiar environment to nations like Japan for possible solutions.
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