CHAPTER 7I.

REHABILITATION SERVICES

PAROLEA. Overview

Parole is a form of community-based treatment of offenders, and it aims to prevent
reoffending and promote reformation, rehabilitation and smooth social reintegration.
When a person sentenced to imprisonment shows signs of substantial reformation, theperson may be released early on parole by a decision of the Regional Parole Board after that
person has served one-third of the sentenced term or 10 years in the case of a life imprisonment(See Article 28, Penal Code). More concretely, according to an ordinance issued by the Ministryof Justice, parole can be granted to inmates (i) who are deemed to have a sense of remorse forthe offence they committed and are deemed to be willing to reform and rehabilitate themselves,(ii) have no likelihood of re-offending , (iii) it is thus deemed reasonable to place them underparole supervision for their own reformation and rehabilitation, and (iv) the general sentiment ofsociety approves of that decision.
Parole decisions are made by Regional Parole Boards upon application by the correctional
institution where the inmate is accommodated; inmates are not entitled to apply for parole. In
addition, the Regional Parole Board may commence a parole examination on its own initiative.
1. Parole Examination
When a parole examination is initiated, a board member visits the institution andinterviews the individual. Later, three members of the board examine the case to evaluate
whether the requirements for parole are met. The evaluation will consist of an examination ofobservations by the interviewer, information from the inmate’s institutional record, the result of
the pre-parole inquiry by the probation officers and probation office’s report on the coordination of social circumstances. In addition, Regional Parole Boards are required to hear theopinions and feelings of the victims, if requested.
2. Parole Decision
When the panel of three board members finds that the requirements are met, they will
grant parole specifying the date of parole, place of residence during parole, and special
conditions applicable to the parolee during the parole supervision period.
3. Pre-parole Inquiry by the Probation Officers
Probation officers attached to Regional Parole Boards visit correctional institutions
regularly for parole preparation. They collect information through interviews with inmates, caseconferences with correctional officers, and examination of relevant correctional records. The
result of this inquiry is submitted to the Board, and its copy is also sent to the probation office toprovide the field officer with the pertinent data on potential parolees.
4. Coordination of Social Circumstances
Coordination of social circumstances means that a probation officer or a volunteer
probation officer (see page 9) ascertains the status of a place where an inmate of a correctional
institution is due to live upon release (for example, by meeting the guarantor preferred by theinmate after release), arranges social circumstances such as accommodation and a place of
employment, and works to create an environment suited to reformation and rehabilitation. This
coordination starts soon after the inmate enters the correctional institution, and is implemented
continuously until the point of release from the institution. The progress of coordination is－ 43 －

periodically reported to the Director of the Probation Office, the Regional Parole Board and thecorrectional institution. Social circumstances are taken into account in treatment within theinstitution, reviews for parole, and supervision after release on parole. Every year,
coordination of social circumstances is initiated for around 50,000 inmates.
II. PAROLE AND PROBATIONARY SUPERVISION OF ADULT OFFENDERS
A. Overview

Both parole and probationary supervision are forms of community-based treatment ofoffenders. Probation is a court-imposed measure that places the offender or juvenile delinquent
under the supervision and assistance of the probation office, while allowing them to remain in
the community. As long as they abide by the conditions of parole or probation, parolee andprobationer can avoid being committed to prisons or juvenile training schools.
Parolees are the early released offenders and juvenile delinquents who have beencommitted to prisons or juvenile training schools. Parole decisions are made by Regional Parole
Boards (see page 8), and parolees are also placed on supervision and assistance of the probation
office.
The probation office deals with the following four categories of individuals:(1) juveniles placed on probation by the Family Court (juvenile probationers);(2) juveniles released from juvenile training schools on parole (juvenile parolees);(3) inmates released from prisons on parole (adult parolees); and(4) offenders who are sentenced to a suspended sentence and were placed on probation by
the court (adult probationers).
This section describes the status of the parole/probation supervision of adult parolees andprobationers (The next section will describe the treatment of juvenile parolees andprobationers).
1. Adult Parolees
An offender serving a prison sentence may be conditionally released on parole by adecision of the Regional Parole Board. An adult parolee shall be placed on parole supervision
for the remaining term of the sentence (in the case of offenders released on parole from life
sentences, probation runs for life). In 2017, of the 21,998 inmates released, 12,760 (58.0%)
were released on parole.
2. Adult Probationers
Under certain circumstances, a sentencing court may suspend the execution of the sentence
and may place the convicted offender on probation. In Japan, probation is not an independent
sentencing option for adults; it is only used as a measure combined with the suspension of
execution of sentence. The period of probation ranges from one to five years, corresponding to
the period of suspension of the execution of sentence (including partial suspended execution ofsentence) specified by the sentencing court (See page 32).
Of the 52,250 offenders sentenced to imprisonment in 2017, 32,263 (61.7%) had theexecution of their sentences suspended, out of which 2,595 were placed on probation.
B. Parole and Probation Conditions－ 44 －

Parolees and probationers are required to abide by the general and special conditions ofparole or probation. Committing another crime is deemed as violation of the general condition.
A failure to comply may result in adverse action such as parole revocation.
1.

General Conditions

The general conditions of parole or probation are specified in the Offenders Rehabilitation
Act. General conditions are imposed on all adult/ juvenile parolees and probationers alike, andthey cannot be changed or withdrawn during parole or probation.
The general conditions are the following: (i) maintaining a sound attitude towards life; (ii)
responding to summonses or interviews by professional and volunteer probation officers, (iii)
providing relevant information when requested by professional and volunteer probation
officers; (iv) residing at the designated or registered residence; (iv) obtaining the permission of
the director of the probation office before changing residence or travelling for seven days ormore.
2. Special Conditions
In addition to the general conditions, special conditions necessary for reformation andrehabilitation may be set for individual parolees and probationers. In the case of parolees,
special conditions are determined by Regional Parole Boards on the basis of proposals by the
director of the probation office. In the case of probationers, special conditions are determinedby the director of the probation office based upon the opinion of the court.
Special conditions are chosen from among the itemized list in the Offenders Rehabilitation
Act. Unlike the general conditions, they may be added to, changed, or withdrawn during paroleor probation in accordance with changes in the circumstances of each person.
The examples of special conditions include: (i) prohibition of specific acts such as
association with certain unfavorable persons, going to certain unfavorable places, reckless
wasting of money for pleasure, and excessive consumption of alcohol; (ii) performing or
continuing to perform certain acts such as engaging in work or attending school, and (iii)attendance at certain treatment programmes specified by the Minister of Justice.
3. Life and Conduct Guidelines
The director of a probation office may, if necessary, establish individual guidelines for lifeand conduct that contribute to the reformation and rehabilitation of parolees and probationers.
Unlike the conditions, non-compliance with the guidelines does not result in adverse action
against the parolees or the probationers.
C. Parole and Probationary Supervision
1. General Framework
The purpose of parole or probation, as defined in the Offenders Rehabilitation Act, is toensure the reformation and rehabilitation of the parolees and probationers through “instruction
and supervision” and “guidance and assistance.”“Instruction and supervision” is implemented by (i) maintaining contact with parolees andprobationers and keeping track of their behaviour, (ii) giving necessary instructions or taking
measures to ensure that parolees and probationers comply with the general and special
conditions of parole or probation, and (iii) providing professional treatment designed to
improve specific criminal tendencies.
“Guidance and assistance” includes (i) assistance in securing accommodation, (ii)assistance in receiving medical care, (iii) assistance in employment and vocational guidance,－ 45 －

(iv) improving and coordinating social circumstances, and (v) providing instructions onnecessary life skills.
While the aim of “guidance and assistance” is to enable parolees and probationers to live
independent and responsible lives, they may face acute financial difficulties that can hamper
their reformation and rehabilitation. Under such circumstances, the director of the probation
office may provide necessary “urgent aid” including medical care, meals, accommodation,
clothes, and travel expenses. In 2017, 5,452 parolees and probationers received such urgent aid
directly from probation offices, and 5,682 through persons commissioned by the probation
offices.

Interview by a Probation Officer

2. Intake Interviews and Treatment Plans
Individuals placed on parole or probation are required to report immediately to theprobation office that has territorial jurisdiction over his or her residence. At the office, anintake interview and initial risk and needs assessments will be conducted, and the probation
officer will explain the framework of supervision, notify him or her of the conditions of paroleor probation, register his or her residence, and draw up an individualized treatment plan.
3. Role of Probation Officers and Volunteer Probation Officers
Japanese probation officers are usually responsible for one or several local administration
divisions (“probation district”), and they supervise all the cases within that division. In order tosupplement their work, a volunteer probation officer (in this chapter, hereinafter “VPO”; seepage 9) will be assigned to serve as a day-to-day supervisor for the parolee or probationer. In
many cases, the VPO lives nearby the parolee or probationer, which makes regular contact
much easier.
After receiving the treatment plan and other relevant information from probation officer,
the VPO starts supervising the parolee or probationer. The VPO keeps in touch with theparolee or probationer and his or her family by means of visits and interviews and submits amonthly progress report to the probation office. While VPOs are entrusted with day-to-day
supervision of ordinary cases, probation officers need to directly intervene in cases of high-riskor difficult individuals or in critical situations.
4. Day Offices
Probation officers regularly visit such venues as the municipal office, public hall, or youth
centre located in the area of their respective areas of responsibility (“probation district”) andstation all day. These visits are called “Day Offices.” Probation officers interview parolees andprobationers, visit their homes, counsel their families, and consult with VPOs and other relatedparties such as school teachers, employers, and community agencies. This practice facilitates
direct casework by probation officers and provides VPOs with closer supervision andconsultation.
5. Progressive Treatment－ 46 －

Parolees and probationers are classified into four grades in accordance with the results of
their initial risk and needs assessments. The grade determines the required frequency of contact
and the criteria for the measures against the bad conduct. Parolees and probationers are
upgraded or downgraded depending upon the outcome of treatment.
6. Categorized Treatment
Categorized treatment is a system designed to effectively treat parolees and probationers
effectively based on their particular problems. Treatment manuals are prepared for eachcategory and are taken into consideration in setting up treatment plans for individual parolees
and probationers. Currently, there are 13 categories: Solvents Abusers; Stimulant Drug
Abusers; Offenders with Drinking Problems; Gang Members; Hot-Rodders; Sex Offenders;
Mentally Disordered Offenders; Unemployed Offenders; Elderly Offenders; Junior HighSchool Students; In-School Violence Offenders; Family Violence Offenders (including
violence to partners and child abuse); and Offenders with Gambling Addiction.
7. Treatment Programmes as Special Conditions
Structured treatment programmes are designed to address specific criminal tendencies andare designated by the Minister of Justice and as such may be included as a special probation
condition for parolees and probationers.
Currently, there are four designated treatment programmes: a sex offender treatment
programme; a drug relapse prevention programme; a violence prevention programme; and a
impaired driving prevention programme. As they form part of the special conditions, failure toparticipate can lead to adverse action.
These programmes are based on cognitive-behavioural theory, and they consist of one
introductory session and five core sessions. By participating in these programmes, parolees andprobationers are expected to understand their biases in thinking, to recognize the situations inwhich they are likely to commit the offence, and to develop skills to cope in such situations.
Notably, a drug relapse prevention programme includes compulsory drug testing (either
urinalysis or saliva test), and if the result is positive, it will be reported to the police unless theparolee or probationer voluntarily turns himself or herself in to the police.
The programme for violent offenders is tailored for individual delivery, while theprogrammes for drug offenders and sex offenders can be delivered either individually or ingroup sessions.
8. Comprehensive Job Assistance Scheme
Secure employment is essential to social reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders andjuvenile delinquents. To improve their employability and provide job placement assistancemore effectively, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
agreed to strengthen their coordination in the provision of services. For example, Public
Employment Security Offices provides support in preparing for employment while the offenderis still in prison. To ease the anxieties of potential employers, trial employment programmes
and fidelity guarantee system are provided as well.
In 2017, of the 7,794 parolees and probationers who enrolled in the job assistance scheme,
3,152 secured employment.
9. Offenders Rehabilitation Facilities (Halfway House)
Some offenders, despite their willingness to change and the progress they have made, may
still not be eligible for lack of an appropriate place to return in the society. In such cases,－ 47 －

Offenders Rehabilitation Facilities can be one of the options as their place to return withnecessary support (see page 9).
10. National Centre for Offenders Rehabilitation“National Centres for Offenders Rehabilitation” are established to provide assistance tooffenders that have no appropriate place to return in the society. National Centres for Offenders
Rehabilitation are national rehabilitation facilities attached to the probation offices establishedin order to provide such offenders with temporary accommodations as well as intensive
supervision and sufficient employment support by the probation officers.
There are four National Centres for offenders rehabilitation. The offenders released from
custody, including parolees, others released from prison and probationers, those who received
suspended imprisonment sentence are accommodated in these facilities. Two of them mainly
perform vocational agricultural education and training, and one of these two is specificallyestablished for juveniles.
As of 2017, total capacity of four centres is 58.

Ibaraki National Centre for
Offenders Job Training and
Employment Support

11. Self-Reliance Support Homes
Besides Offenders Rehabilitation Facilities (halfway houses), there are facilities registeredwith the probation offices called Self-Reliance Support Homes, which provides the parolees
and probationers with accommodation, etc. Self-Reliance Support Homes are run by private
corporations, groups and other businesses and can take various forms, including facilities
managed by a business, detached homes, and apartments. Probation offices entrust theprovision of accommodation, living guidance (independence preparation support), andwhenever necessary, meals to the corporations, business or groups that operates these facilities.
As of 2017, 395 bodies are registered as Self-Reliance Support Homes. For FY 2017, theactual number of parolees and probationers accommodated is more than 1,547, and the total
over time is more than 99,540.
12. Community Life Stabilizing Support Centers
When offenders are released from a correctional institution, some have difficulty in living
independently, owing to old age or disability, or they have nowhere to live after release.
Probation offices undertake “special coordination” which enables these former inmates to entersocial welfare facilities etc. in collaboration with prefectural Community Settlement Support
Centers established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Several hundred former
inmates complete special coordination every year. Just under half of them are elderly, around30 percent have intellectual disabilities, around 30 percent have mental disorders, and justunder 15 percent are physically disabled. Meanwhile, three-quarters of special coordination
cases are linked to welfare facilities.

－ 48 －

13. Social Contribution Activities
Social contribution activities include cleaning activities at public places and volunteer
activities at welfare facilities. These have been implemented since FY 2011 as part of thetreatment involved in parole/probation supervision, thereby helping offenders to acquire asense of self-efficacy and develop greater moral awareness, and the ability to adapt to society
through continued participation in social activities which benefit their local communities.
D. Termination of Parole and Probation
Depending on the performance of the parolee or probationer, parole or probation may beterminated early (see page 44 for the regular period of each type of parole and probation), or in“failure cases,” adverse action such as parole revocation may be taken.
1. Measures for Good Conducti) Adult Parolees
Parole supervision for adult parolees runs for the remaining term of the sentence, and there
is no early discharge from parole supervision. 22 This means that offenders released on parolefrom life imprisonment will be on parole supervision for life, which can be terminated only
through pardon.
ii) Adult Probationers
As for adult probationers, the period of probation corresponds to that of the suspension of
execution of sentence as specified by the sentencing court, and cannot be shortened. However,the Regional Parole Board, upon the proposal of the director of the probation office, may
provisionally cancel the probationary supervision, in which case, the probationer will be treatedas if not on probation.
2. Measures against Bad Conducti) Adult Parolees
If an adult parolee does not comply with the conditions, the Regional Parole Board, upon
the proposal of the director of the probation office, may revoke parole 23 . When parole isrevoked, the parolee is confined in a correctional institution for the remaining term of his or her
original sentence from the date parole was granted.
ii) Adult Probationers
When an adult probationer does not comply with the conditions and the circumstances of
non-compliance are serious, the director of the probation office shall submit a proposal inwriting to the public prosecutor, who will then apply to the court for a decision to revoke thesuspension of the execution of the sentence 24.
E. Outcome of Parole and Probation

22

Offenders paroled from indeterminate prison sentences may be discharged early from parole supervision. However,in Japan, indeterminate sentencing is applicable only to juveniles, and even then is rarely applied.
23
Article 75 (1), Article 75(2), Offenders Rehabilitation Act.
24
Article 26-2(2), Penal Code, Article 79, Offenders Rehabilitation Act.

－ 49 －

The number of adult parole and probation cases terminated in 2017 is shown in thefollowing Table.
2017 Total

Adult Parole

Completion ofterm*
Terminated due
to reoffending
Others**
Total

Adult Probation

12,2682,414(95.3%)(72.5%)

560

825(4.3%)(24.8%)

48

91(0.4%)(2.7%)

12,876

3,330* The parole or probation period passed without any adverse action being taken.
** “Others” for adult parolees indicates completion of statute of limitations during suspension of parole
supervision, and death, etc. “Others” for adult probationers indicates death, etc.

III. PAROLE AND PROBATIONARY SUPERVISION OF JUVENILES
A.

Overview

This section describes the status of the parole and probationary supervision of juvenile
parolees and probationers.
1.

Juvenile Parolees

A juvenile committed to a juvenile training school may be released on parole by a decisionof the Regional Parole Board. The parole procedure is as same as for adults. (See page 43).
However, the requirements for parole for juvenile-training-school residents differ from those for
adult offenders: (i) the juvenile has reached the highest stage of treatment, and release on paroleis appropriate for his or her reformation and rehabilitation; or (ii) release on parole is necessary
for his or her reformation and rehabilitation.
Juvenile parolees are placed on parole supervision during the period of parole, which is, as a
general rule, until reaching 20 years of age. In 2017, 2,469 juveniles were paroled from juvenile
training schools, accounting for 99.8 percent of those who were released from juvenile training
schools.
2.

Juvenile Probationers

The Family Court, after a hearing, may impose a juvenile delinquent on a protective measure,and probation is one of the options available (see page 33). The legally prescribed period ofprobation for a juvenile probationer is until he or she reaches 20 years of age or for two years,
whichever is longer. In 2017, the Family Court placed 16,899 juveniles on probation. This
represents 26.8 percent of the juveniles whose cases were disposed of by the Family Court.
B. Parole and Probation Conditions
Parole and probation conditions for juveniles are the same as those for adult parolees andprobationers (see page 45). However, systematic treatment programmes as special conditions(see page 47) are not yet provided to juvenile parolees and probationers (see the next section).

－ 50 －

C. Parole and Probationary Supervision
Parole or probationary supervision for juvenile parolees and probationers are basically thesame as that for adult parolees and probationers. The general framework of parole andprobationary supervision (see page 44), the methods of intake interviews and treatment plans(see page 46) and the roles of probation officers and volunteer probation officers (see page 46)
are the same as those for adult parolees and probationers. Day offices (see page 46), progressive
treatment (see page 46), categorized treatment (see page 47) and comprehensive job assistanceschemes (see page 47) are applied to juvenile parolees and probationers as well as adult parolees
and probationers. Regarding the National Centre for Offenders Rehabilitation (see page 48), one
centre is established exclusively for juveniles (Numatacho National Centre for Offenders Job
Training and Employment Support). Some Self-Reliance Support Homes (see page 48) accept
juvenile parolees and probationers. Community Life Stabilizing Support Centers (see page 48)
are also utilized to undertake special coordination for juvenile-training-school residents.
On the other hand, systematic treatment programmes as special conditions are not yet
imposed on juvenile parolees and probationers. Probation offices may sometimes administer
these treatment programmes with the juveniles’ consent, but they are not obliged to participate
in these programmes as conditions of parole or probation.

Numatacho National Centre for
Offenders Job Training and Employment Support

Measures important for juvenile parolees and probationers are described below.
1. Short -Term Programmes for Juvenile Probationers
Upon recommendation by the Family Court, juvenile probationers with relatively low
criminal tendencies may be placed in programmes called “Short-Term Traffic Probation” or“Short-Term Juvenile Probation.” While the duration of probation is legally no different fromordinary juvenile probation, these programmes operate on the assumption that probation will beterminated early if the juveniles fulfill certain requirements.
Short-Term Traffic Probation requires juvenile probationers to attend group sessions such as
lectures and discussions, and to submit monthly reports on their daily lives. Those who havesatisfied these requirements are usually discharged from probation after three to four months.
Juveniles placed on short-term juvenile probation are required to submit monthly reports andto complete certain tasks assigned by the probation officer. These tasks are determined on an
individual basis, and they may include “social participation activities” as described below.
2. Social Contribution Activities/Social Participation Activities
Social contribution activities have been applied to juvenile parolees and probationers as wellas adult parolees and probationers (See page 49).

－ 51 －

Social participation activities have been implemented mainly for juvenile-training-schoolparolees and juvenile probationers and with the aim of fostering a appropriate socialization andenhancing their ability to adapt to society. Frequently implemented activities include“participating in cleaning and environmental beautification activities”, “participating in nursing
care for the elderly, etc. and volunteer activities”, and “participating in creative activities, handson experience, and various classes, etc.”
3. Treatment of Juveniles Who Have Committed Heinous/Serious Offences
Juvenile parolees and juvenile probationers and who commit serious offences such as
homicide, in many cases, have problems related to their predisposition and complex serious
problems with family relationships, etc. They are therefore placed at the highest level ofprogressive treatment with the intensive involvement of probation officers to help them develop
the ability to adapt to society and to encourage them to apologize to their victims by providingthem with an atonement guidance programme.
4. Measures for Guardians
Probation offices provide the guardians of juvenile parolees and juvenile probationers with
instruction or advice until juvenile parolee and the juvenile probationer reaches 20 years of age,thus ensuring that the guardians provide the appropriate supervision through understanding ofjuveniles’ living conditions etc. and rectify their behaviour that could obstruct juveniles’
reformation/rehabilitation. Probation offices also make information available that contributes
to solving problems pertaining to the juvenile’s delinquency by holding meetings withguardians etc.
D. Termination of Parole and Probation
Depending on the performance of the parolee or probationer, parole or probation may beterminated early (see page 50 for the regular period of each type of parole or probation), or in“failure cases,” adverse action such as parole revocation may be taken.
1.

Measures for Good Conducti) Juvenile Parolees

For juvenile parolees, the decision on early discharge is made by Regional parole Boards
upon the proposal of the director of the probation office.
ii) Juvenile Probationers
Juvenile probationers are discharged early when the director of the probation office finds it
no longer necessary to continue the probation.
2.

Measures against Bad Conducti) Juvenile Parolees

When a juvenile parolee does not comply with the conditions of parole, the Regional Parole
Board, upon the proposal of the director of the probation office, may apply to the Family Court
for a decision to recommit the parolee to a juvenile training school.
ii) Juvenile Probationers
When a juvenile probationer does not comply with the conditions of probation, the directorof the probation office may issue official warnings. If the juvenile still does not comply and thedegree of non-compliance is serious, the director may apply to the Family Court for a decision
to commit the juvenile to a juvenile training school.

－ 52 －

E. Outcome of Parole and Probation
The number of juvenile parole and probation cases terminated in 2017 is shown in thefollowing Table.
2017 Total

Juvenile
ParoleEarly discharge**
Completion ofterm
Terminated due
to reoffending

Juvenile
Probation*

431

7,940

(15.1%)(75.0%)

2,011

1,156

(70.3%)(10.9%)

410

1,476

(14.3%)(13.9%)

7

12(0.2%)(0.1%)

2,859

10,584others***Total* Excluding special Short-Term Programmes for juvenile traffic offenders.
** The parole or probation was terminated early for good conduct.
*** “Others” indicates death, etc.
IV. AFTERCARE OF DISCHARGED OFFENDERS
Offenders released from custody but not subject to parole or probation may still need someform of aftercare support from the government. Examples of such offenders include (i) inmates
released after serving the full term of their imprisonment sentences; (ii) defendants who received“suspension of execution of sentences without probation (see page 32)”; and (iii) suspects
released by prosecutors on “suspension of prosecution (see page 20).”The Offenders Rehabilitation Act authorizes the director of probation office to provide“urgent aftercare” to such discharged offenders, either directly or by commissioning appropriate
persons to do so, when applied for by eligible offenders, to the extent necessary for theirreformation and rehabilitation. Aftercare services that may be provided include medical care,meals, accommodation, clothing, education and training, travel expenses, vocational guidance,and referral to Public Employment Security Offices or Public Welfare Offices. The maximum
period of aftercare is six months in principle but may be extended for up to another six months.
V. PARDONS
A pardon is an action of the executive branch that officially nullifies punishment or otherlegal consequences of a crime. Though pardons are not measures for offender treatment, they
can function as a stimulus and encouragement for behavioural change. It is particularly
significant for offenders released on parole from life sentences, for they will be placed on parole
supervision for life unless the underlying sentence is remitted by a pardon. The authority to
grant pardons to specific individuals belongs to the Cabinet. Upon recommendation by the－ 53 －

National Offenders Rehabilitation Commission, the Minister of Justice asks for a Cabinet
decision granting a pardon, which is then attested by the Emperor.
VI. MEASURES FOR CRIME VICTIMSIn 2007, the Rehabilitation Bureau launched four measures for crime victims in relation to
offenders’ rehabilitation. The four measures are (i) system for hearing the victim’s opinions
during parole examination (victims may express their opinion regarding parole); (ii) system forconveying the victim’s feelings on parole and probation (victims may ask the probation officer
to convey their sentiments to parolees and probationers); (iii) victim notification scheme(certain
information about parole and probation is notified to victims); and (iv) victim consultation andsupport service. As of 2017, 74 probation officers and 106 VPOs are assigned to work
exclusively on victim support measures.
VII.

MEDICAL HEALTH SUPERVISION

The Act on Medical Care and Treatment for Persons Who Have Caused Serious Cases
under the Condition of Insanity provides for medical care and treatment of individuals who
committed acts that would constitute offences of homicide, rape, robbery, arson, or injury (orattempts thereof) but who, for reasons of insanity or diminished capacity, were acquitted,
received a reduced sentence with suspension of its execution, or were not prosecuted. Under theact, the court may commit such persons to a designated medical facility or order them to receive
outpatient treatment.
Persons ordered to undergo outpatient treatment are placed under the medical
supervision of a probation office. The purpose of the supervision is to ensure that the person
continues to receive necessary medical treatment. Other responsibilities of the probation officeinclude co-ordination of social circumstances and coordination of various institutions andorganizations involved in the care and treatment of the person. These responsibilities areundertaken by rehabilitation co-ordinators (see page 9), and not by ordinary probation officers.
VIII. CRIME PREVENTION ACTIVITIES
Various efforts are undertaken by the rehabilitation authorities to (i) raise publicawareness of the importance of offender rehabilitation; (ii) improve social environments, andengage communities in the prevention of crime. As part of such efforts, an annual crime
prevention campaign, called “Movement Towards a Brighter Society”, is organized under theleadership of the Ministry of Justice. The campaign is carried out through the year, but in the
campaign month of July, an extensive public relations programme is launched to advocate “Thepower of the community preventing crimes and juvenile delinquency, assisting rehabilitation of
offenders”.

Campaign for Junior High School Students－ 54 －