Iwao Hakamata

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said the decision was made after careful consideration.

Japan's capital punishment system has faced growing scrutiny following the 2024 exoneration of Iwao Hakamata after more than four decades on death row.

A 2024 government poll found over 80% of Japanese citizens consider the death penalty unavoidable.

According to Amnesty International, 145 countries have now abolished capital punishment or effectively ceased carrying out executions.

In twenty twenty-four, a study group for the future of the death penalty in Japan called for a fundamental review of capital punishment.

In the same year, the acquittal and a retrial of former death row inmate Iwao Hakamada renewed discussion about the risks of wrongful convictions.

Cool Japan Fund nearing the end after suffering massive losses.

Thirteen years after being launched amid much fanfare to promote Japanese culture overseas, the Cool Japan Fund Incorporated effort is quietly winding down, leaving a legacy of massive losses.