CHAPTER 7
I.

PAROLEA.

Overview

REHABILITATION SERVICES

The parole system 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 with or without work shows signs of substantial
reformation, the person may be released early on parole by a disposition of the Regional Parole Board afterthat person has served one-third of the sentenced term or 10 years in the case of life imprisonment (SeePenal Code (Article 28)). More concretely, according to an ordinance issued by the Ministry of Justice,parole can be granted to inmates (i) who are deemed to have a sense of remorse for the offence they
committed and are deemed to be willing to reform and rehabilitate themselves, (ii) have no likelihood of
repeating an offence, and (iii) it is thus deemed reasonable to place them under parole supervision for theirown reformation and rehabilitation and (iv) the general sentiment of society approves of that decision.
Parole decisions are made by Regional Parole Boards upon application by the warden of thecorrectional institution where the inmate is accommodated; inmates are not entitled to apply for parole.
Alternatively, 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 and interviews theindividual in question. Later, three members of the board examine the case to evaluate whether therequirements for parole are met. The evaluation will consist of an examination of observations by theinterviewer, information from the inmate’s institutional record and probation office’s report on the
co-ordination of social circumstances. In addition, Regional Parole Boards are required to hear the opinions
and feelings of the victims of the underlying offences, 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 theparolee.
3.

Pre-parole Inquiry by the Probation Officers

Probation officers attached to Regional Parole Boards visit correctional institutions regularly forparole preparation. They collect information through interviews with inmates, case conferences withcorrectional officers, and examination of relevant correctional records. The result of this investigation is
submitted to the Board, and its copy is also sent to the probation office to provide the field officer with thepertinent data on potential parolees.
4.

Coordination of Social Circumstances

Coordination of social circumstances means that a probation officer or a volunteer probation officer
ascertains the status of a place where an inmate of a correctional institution is due to live (for example, by
meeting the guarantor preferred by the inmate after discharge), arranges social circumstances such as
housing and a place of employment, and works to create an environment suited to improvement andrehabilitation. This coordination starts soon after the inmate enters the correctional institution, and is
implemented continuously until the point of discharge from the institution. The progress of coordination isperiodically reported to the Director of the Probation Office, the Regional Parole Board and the correctional
institution. Social circumstances are taken into account in treatment within the institution, reviews for parole,and supervision after release on parole. Every year, coordination of social circumstances is initiated anew for
more than 50,000 inmates.

-46-

II.

PAROLE AND PROBATIONARY SUPERVISION OF ADULT OFFENDERSA.

Overview

Both parole and probationary supervision are forms of community-based treatment of offenders.
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 probation or parole, probationers can avoid being committed to prisons or juvenile
training schools.
Parolees are the early released offenders and juvenile delinquents who have been committed toprisons or juvenile training schools. Parole decisions are made by Regional Parole Boards (see page 8), andparolees 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 provisionally released from juvenile training schools on parole (juvenile parolees);(3) inmates released from prisons on parole (adult parolees); and(4) offenders who received a suspended sentence and were placed on probation by the sentencing
court (adult probationers).
This section describes the status of the probation/parole supervision of adult parolees and probationers (Thenext section will describe the treatment of juvenile probationers and parolees).
1.

Adult Parolees

An offender serving a prison sentence may be conditionally released on parole by a decision of theRegional Parole Board. The inmate must have served at least one third of the sentence (or ten years in thecase of a life sentence) before he or she becomes eligible for parole. An adult parolee shall be placed onparole supervision for the remaining term of the sentence (in the case of offenders released on parole fromlife sentences, probation runs for life). In 2012, of the 27,463 inmates released, 14,700 (53.3%) werereleased on parole.
2.

Adult Probationers

Under certain circumstances, a sentencing court may suspend the execution of the sentence and mayplace the convicted offender on probation. In Japan, adult probation is not an independent sentencing option:
it is only used as a measure complementary to the suspension of execution of sentence. The period ofprobation or parole ranges from one to five years, corresponding to the period of suspension of the executionof sentence specified by the sentencing court (See page 35).
Of the 60,847 offenders sentenced to imprisonment in 2012, 35,514 (58.4%) had the execution of
their sentences suspended, out of which 3,282 were placed on probation.
B.

Probation and Parole Conditions

Probationers and parolees are required to abide by the general and special conditions of probation orparole. A failure to comply may result in adverse action such as parole revocation.
1.

General Conditions

The general conditions of probation or parole. are specified in the Offenders Rehabilitation Act.
General conditions are imposed on all juvenile and adult probationers and parolees alike, and they cannot bechanged or withdrawn during probation or parole.
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 thedesignated or registered residence; (iv) obtaining the permission of the director of the probation office beforechanging residence or travelling for seven days or more.

-47-

2.

Special Conditions

In addition to the general conditions, special conditions necessary for improvement and rehabilitation
may be set for individual probationers and parolees. In the case of probationers, special conditions are
determined by the director of the probation office based upon the opinion of the court. In the case of parolees,
special conditions are determined by Regional Parole Boards on the basis of proposals by the director of theprobation office.
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 probation or parole inaccordance with changes in the circumstances of each person.
The examples of special conditions are: (i) prohibition of specific acts such as association withcertain persons, going to certain places, reckless wasting of money for pleasure, and excessive consumptionof 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 life andconduct that contribute to the improvement and rehabilitation of probation or parole.ers and parolees. Unlike
the probation conditions, non-compliance with the guidelines does not result in adverse action against theprobationer or the parolee.
C.

Implementation of Probationary and Parole Supervision

1.

General Framework

The purpose of probation or parole, as defined in the Offenders Rehabilitation Act, is to “ensur[e] the
improvement and rehabilitation of the probationers and parolees” through “instruction and supervision” and“guidance and assistance.”“Instruction and supervision” is implemented by (i) maintaining contact with probationers andparolees and keeping track of their behaviour, (ii) giving necessary instructions or taking measures to ensurethat probationers and parolees comply with the general and special conditions of probation or parole, and(iii) providing professional treatment designed to improve specific criminal tendencies.
“Guidance and assistance” includes (i) assistance in securing accommodation, (ii) assistance inreceiving medical care, (iii) assistance in job placement and vocational guidance, (iv) improving andcoordinating social circumstances, and (v) providing instructions on necessary life skills.
While the aim of “guidance and assistance” is to enable probationers and parolees to live independentand responsible lives, they may face acute financial difficulties that can hamper their improvement andrehabilitation. Under such circumstances, the director of the probation office may provide necessary “urgentaid” including medical care, meals, accommodation, clothes, and travel expenses. In 2012, 6,378
probationers and parolees received such urgent aid directly from probation offices, and 6,444 throughpersons commissioned by the probation offices.

Interview by a Probation Officer

2.

Intake Interviews and Treatment Plans

Individuals placed on probation or parole are required to report immediately to the probation officethat has territorial jurisdiction over his or her residence. At the office, an intake interview will be conducted,
and the probation officer will explain the framework of supervision, notify him or her of the conditions ofprobation or parole, register his or her residence, and draw up an individualized treatment plan.

-48-

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 to supplement their work,
a volunteer probation officer (in this chapter, hereinafter “VPO”; see page 9) will be assigned to serve as a
day-to-day supervisor for the probationer or parolee. In many cases, the VPO lives nearby the probationer orparolee, which makes regular contact much easier.
After receiving the treatment plan and other relevant information, the VPO starts supervising theprobationer or parolee. The VPO keeps in touch with the probationer or parolee and his or her family bymeans of visits and interviews and submits a monthly progress report to the probation office. While VPOs
are entrusted with day-to-day supervision of ordinary cases, probation officers need to directly intervene incases of high-risk or 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”) and station all day. These
visits are called “Day Offices.” Probation officers interview probationers and parolees, visit their homes,
counsel their families, and consult with VPOs and other related parties such as school teachers, employers,
and community agencies. This practice facilitates direct casework by probation officers and provides VPOs
with closer supervision and consultation.
5.

Progressive Treatment

Probationers and parolees are classified into four grades in accordance with the results of their initialrisk and needs assessments. The grade determines the required frequency of contact and the criteria for themeasures against the bad conduct. Probationers and parolees are upgraded or downgraded depending upon
the outcome of treatment.
6.

Categorized Treatment

Categorized treatment is a system designed to effectively treat probationers and parolees effectively
based on their particular problems. Treatment manuals are prepared for each category and are taken into
consideration in setting up treatment plans for individual probationers and parolees. 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 High School 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 and aredesignated by the Minister of Justice and as such may be included as a special probation condition forprobationers and parolees.
Currently, there are four designated treatment programmes: the Sex Offender Treatment Programme;
the Stimulant Drug Offender Treatment Programme; the Violence Prevention Programme; and the Impaired
Driving Prevention Programme. As they form part of the special probation conditions, failure to participate
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, probationers and parolees are expected
to understand their biases in thinking, to recognize the situations in which they are likely to commit theoffence, and to develop skills to cope in such situations. Notably, the Stimulant Drug Offender Treatment
Programme includes compulsory drug testing (either urinalysis or saliva test), and if the result is positive, itwill be reported to the police unless the probationer or parolee voluntarily turns himself or herself in to thepolice.
The programme for violent offenders is tailored for individual delivery, while the programmes for
drug offenders and sex offenders can be delivered either individually or in group sessions.

-49-

8.

Comprehensive Job Assistance Scheme

Secure employment is essential to social reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders and juvenile
delinquents. To improve their employability and provide job placement assistance more effectively, theMinistry 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 will provide support inpreparing for employment while the offender is still in prison. To ease the anxieties of potential employers,
trial employment programmes and employer-fidelity-bond schemes are provided as well.
In 2012, of the 7,921 probationers and parolees who enrolled in the job assistance scheme, 2,684
secured employment.
9.

National Centre for Offenders Rehabilitation ProjectSome inmates, despite their willingness to change and the progress they have made while in acorrectional institution, may still not be eligible for parole for lack of an appropriate place to return to. They
may have no family, friends, or employers willing to accept them, and may also be rejected by Offender
Rehabilitation Facilities (halfway houses) operated by the private sector. National Centres for Offender
Rehabilitation have been established to provide temporary accommodation, coupled with intensive
supervision and job placement assistance by probation officers, for such offenders. These Centres create
opportunities for early release on parole, and ensure that these offenders and juveniles are not released into
the community without appropriate supervision and support. As of 2013, four such Centres are in operation,and their total capacity is 58 parolees.

Ibaraki National Centre for
Offenders Job Training and
Employment Support for Parolees

10.

Community Settlement 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 enabling these former inmates to enter social welfare facilities etc. incollaboration 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, just under 30 percent have intellectual disabilities, around 20 percent have mental
disorders, and just under 10 percent are physically disabled. Meanwhile, more than half of all former inmates
are linked to welfare facilities as a result of special coordination.
11.

Self-Reliance Support Homes

Probation Offices may entrust the provision of accommodation facilities for probationers or parolees,
livelihood guidance aimed at independence (independence preparation support), and, whenever necessary,
the provision of meals, to private corporations, groups and other businesses registered in advance with theprobation offices, besides juridical persons for offenders rehabilitation that operate offenders rehabilitation
facilities (halfway houses). These accommodation facilities are known as Self-Reliance Support Homes, andcan take various forms, including facilities managed by a business, detached homes, and apartments. As of2013, more than 200 bodies are registered as Self-Reliance Support Homes. For FY 2013, the actual numberof probationers and parolees accommodated is more than 1,200, and the total over time is more than 76,000.

-50-

12.

Social Contribution Activities

Social contribution activities have been implemented since FY 2011 as part of the treatment involvedin probation/parole supervision, thereby helping offenders to acquire a sense 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, including cleaning activities at public places and volunteer
activities at welfare facilities.
D.

Termination of Probation and Parole.

Depending on the performance of the probationer or parolee, probation or parole may be terminatedearly (see page 47 for the regular period of each type of probation. and parole), 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 noearly discharge from parole supervision.25 This means that offenders released on parole from 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 executionof 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 treated as if not on probation.
2.

Measures against Bad Conducti)

Adult Parolees

If an adult parolee does not comply with the conditions of probation or parole, the Regional Parole
Board, upon the proposal of the director of the probation office, may revoke parole 26. When parole isrevoked, the parolee is confined in a correctional institution for the remaining term of his or her original
sentence.
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 in writing to the
public prosecutor, who will then apply to the court for a decision to revoke the suspension of the executionof the sentence 27.

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.
26
Article 75 (1), Article 75(2), Offenders Rehabilitation Act.
27
Article 26-2(2), Penal Code, Article 79, Offenders Rehabilitation Act.
25

-51-

E.

Outcome of Probation and Parole

The number of adult probation and parole cases terminated in 2012 is shown in Table 2 below. The
number of successfully completed case (i.e. the probation or parole period passed without any adverse action
being taken, or probation or parole was terminated early for good conduct) and the number of cases in which
reoffending took place are including as well. The figures do not add up to 100 percent because some of thecases of reoffending, especially cases of minor offences, did not result in adverse action being taken.
Table 2. Probation and Parole Cases Terminated in 20122012 Total
Successfullycompleted*
Terminated due
to reoffending
Total

Adult
ParoleAdult
Probation

14,2152,526(95.1)%(68.2%)

72

1,163(0.5%)(31.4%)

14,948

3,703* The probation or parole period passed without any adverse action being taken.
III.

PAROLE AND PROBATIONARY SUPERVISION OF JUVENILES

A.

Overview
Both parole and probationary supervision are forms of community-based treatment of offenders.

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

Juvenile Parolees

A juvenile committed to a juvenile training school may be provisionally released on parole by adecision of the Regional Parole Board. The parole procedure is as same as for adults. (See page 46).
However, the requirements for parole for juvenile-training-school residents differ from those for adultoffenders: (i) the juvenile has reached the highest stage of treatment, and release on parole is appropriate forhis or her improvement and rehabilitation; or (ii) release on parole is necessary for his or her improvement
and rehabilitation.
2.

Juvenile Probationers

The Family Court, after a juvenile hearing, may place a juvenile delinquent on protective measures,and probation is one of the options available (see page 37). The legally prescribed period of probation orparole. for a juvenile probationer is until he or she reaches 20 years of age or for two years, whichever islonger. In 2012, the Family Court placed 22,614 juveniles on probation. This represents 19.0 percent of thejuveniles whose cases were disposed of by the Family Court.
Juvenile parolees are placed on parole supervision during the period of parole, which is, as a generalrule, until reaching 20 years of age. In 2012, 3,241 juveniles were paroled from juvenile training schools,
accounting for 99.4 percent of those who were released from juvenile training schools.
B.

Probation and Parole Conditions

Probation and parole conditions for juveniles are the same as those for adult probationers andparolees (see page 48). However, systematic treatment programmes as special conditions (see page 50) are
not yet provided to juvenile probationers and parolees (see the next section).

-52-

C.

Implementation of probationary and Parole Supervision

Implementation of probationary or parole supervision for juvenile probationers and parolees arebasically the same as that for adult probationers and parolees. The general framework of probationary andparole supervision (see page 48), the methods of intake interviews and treatment plans (see page 49) and theroles of probation officers and volunteer probation officers (see page 49) are the same as those for adultprobationers and parolees. Day offices (see page 49), progressive treatment (see page 49), categorized
treatment (see page 50) and comprehensive job assistance schemes (see page 50) are applied to juvenile
probationers and parolees as well as adult probationers and parolees. Regarding the National Centre for
Offenders Rehabilitation, one centre is established exclusively for juveniles (Numata-cho National Centre
for Offenders Job Training and Employment Support). Community Settlement Support Centers (see page 51)
are also utilized for juvenile-training-school residents. Some Self-Reliance Support Homes (See page 51)
accept juvenile probationers and parolees.
On the other hand, systematic treatment programmes as special conditions are not yet imposed on
juvenile probationers and parolees. Probation offices may sometimes administer these treatment programmeswith the juveniles’ consent, but they are not obliged to participate in these programmes as conditions ofprobation or parole. or parole.

Numata-cho National Centre
for Offenders Job Training and Employment Support

Implementation measures important for juvenile probationers and parolees 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 from ordinary juvenile probation, these
programmes operate on the assumption that probation will be terminated early if the juveniles fulfill certain
requirements.
Short-Term Traffic Probation requires juvenile probationers to attend group sessions such as lecturesand discussions, and to submit monthly reports on their daily lives. Those who have satisfied theserequirements are usually discharged from probation after three to four months.
Juveniles placed on short-term juvenile probation are required to submit monthly reports and tocomplete 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 implemented to juvenile probationers and parolees as well as
adult probationers and parolees (See page 54).
Social participation activities have been implemented mainly for juvenile probationers andjuvenile-training-school parolees with the aim of fostering a appropriate socialization and enhancing theirability to adapt to society. Frequently implemented activities included “participating in cleaning andenvironmental beautification activities”, “participating in nursing care for the elderly, etc. and volunteer
activities”, and “participating in creative activities, hands-on experience, and various classes, etc.”

-53-

3.

Treatment of Juveniles Who Have Committed Heinous/Serious Offences

Juvenile probationers and juvenile parolees who commit heinous/serious offences such as homicide, inmany cases, have problems related to their predisposition and complex serious problems with family
relationships, etc. They are therefore placed at the highest level of progressive 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 providing them with an atonement guidance programme.
4.

Measures for Guardians

Probation offices provide the guardians of juvenile probationers and juvenile parolees with
instruction or advice until the juvenile probationer or juvenile parolee reaches 20 years of age, thus ensuringthat they provide the appropriate supervision through understanding of their living conditions etc. and rectify
their behaviour that could obstruct their improvement/rehabilitation. Probation offices also makeinformation available that contributes to solving problems pertaining to their delinquency by holding
meetings of guardians etc.
D.

Termination of Probation and Parole

Depending on the performance of the probationer or parolee, probation or parole may be terminatedearly (see page 56 for the regular period of each type of probation or parole. and parole), or in “failurecases,” adverse action such as parole revocation may be taken.
1.

Measures for Good Conducti)Juvenile Probationers

Juvenile probationers are discharged early when the director of the probation office finds it nolonger necessary to continue the probation.
ii)

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.
2.

Measures against Bad Conducti)Juvenile Probationers

When a juvenile probationer does not comply with the conditions of probation, the director of theprobation office may issue official warnings. If the juvenile still does not comply and the degree 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.
ii)

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 torecommit the parolee to a juvenile training school.

-54-

E.

Outcome of Probation and Parole

The number of juvenile probation and parole cases terminated in 2012 is shown in Table 2 below.
The number of successfully completed cases (i.e. the probation or parole period passed without any adverse
action being taken, or probation or parole was terminated early for good conduct) and the number of cases inwhich reoffending took place are included as well. The figures do not add up to 100 percent because some of
the cases of reoffending, especially minor offences, did not result in adverse action being taken.
Table 2. Probation and Parole Cases Terminated in 20122012 Total

Juvenile
Probation*

Successfullycompleted**
Terminated due
to reoffending
Total

Juvenile
Parole13,1943.024(84.5%)(82.2%)

2,940

851

(18.8%)(23.1%)

15,613

3,681* Excluding special Short-Term Programmes for juvenile traffic offenders.
** The probation or parole period passed without any adverse action being taken, or probation or parole wasterminated early for good conduct.
IV.

AFTERCARE OF DISCHARGED OFFENDERS

Offenders released from custody but not subject to probation or parole may still need some form ofaftercare support from the government. Examples of such offenders include (i) inmates released after serving
the full term of their prison sentences; (ii) defendants who received “suspension of execution of sentences
without probation (see page 35)”; and (iii) suspects released by prosecutors with “suspension of prosecution(see page 24).”
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 their improvement and rehabilitation.
Aftercare services that may be provided include medical care, meals, accommodation, clothing, educationand 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.

PARDONSA pardon is an action of the executive branch that officially nullifies punishment or other legal
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 onparole 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 National Offenders Rehabilitation Commission, the Minister ofJustice 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 for conveying the victim’s feelings on
probation and parole (victims may ask the probation officer to convey their sentiments to probationers andparolees); (iii) victim notification system (certain information about probation and parole is notified to
victims); and (iv) victim consultation and support service. As of 2013, 68 probation officers and 106 VPOs
are assigned to work exclusively on victim support measures.

-55-

VII.

MEDICAL HEALTH SUPERVISION

The Act on Medical Care and Treatment for Persons Who Have Caused Serious Cases under theCondition of Insanity provides for medical care and treatment of individuals who committed acts that would
constitute offences of murder, rape, robbery, arson, or injury (or attempts 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 the act, the court may commit such persons to a designated medical facility ororder them to receive outpatient treatment.
Persons ordered to undergo outpatient treatment are placed under the medical supervision of aprobation office. The purpose of the supervision is to ensure that the person continues to receive necessary
medical treatment. Other responsibilities of the probation office include co-ordination of social
circumstances and coordination of various institutions and organizations involved in the care and treatmentof the person. These responsibilities are undertaken by rehabilitation co-ordinators(see page 9), and not byordinary probation officers.
VIII.

CRIME PREVENTION ACTIVITIES

Various efforts are undertaken by the rehabilitation authorities to (i) raise public awareness of theimportance of offender rehabilitation; (ii) improve social environments, and engage communities in theprevention of crime. As part of such efforts, an annual crime prevention campaign, called “Movement
Towards a Brighter Society”, is organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice. The campaign iscarried out through the year, but in the campaign month of July, an extensive public relations programme islaunched to advocate “The power of the community that prevents crimes and juvenile delinquency and helps
offenders’ rehabilitation”, which is also is the subtitle of the campaign.

Campaign for Junior High School Students-56-