Inclusion of Former Prisoners as Member of Japanese Society : Achieving Coexistence by Restorative Justice

Abstract

This study tries to figure out how former prisoners and people who have no experience in prison live together more harmoniously by reducing the second conviction. This study is based on literature that includes resources such as the Ministry of Justice documents and the Ministry of Justice Rehabilitation Bureau and White Paper on Crime. In Japan, the crime rate decreases yearly, but the recidivism rate is as high as ever. The recidivism rate in 2019 was 58.3%. In other words, it is more than one in two who commit crimes again. The reason for the recidivism rate is the former prisoners’ employment rate. Their lack of skills causes the rate of former prisoners’ employment to return to society, education on preventing repeating crimes, and understanding the meaning of an apology. As another reason, supporting companies become the target of criticism by the public. Those are why former prisoners tend to commit crimes again. Changing the current system of prisons that functions as social sanctions into a new system of social rehabilitation centers are essential to prevent second convictions. Some examples from overseas introduce the system connecting victims and offenders using restorative justice. To live together, former prisoners have to receive the education to get employment and not to commit crimes again in prison, and get opportunities to apologize to victims. In addition, people who have no experience in prison should change their way of thinking about offenders. Understanding and changing the course of thinking about offenders are essential to living together harmoniously.