NCJ Number
133480
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This booklet presents an overview of the purpose, structure, and operations of Japan's prison industry.
Abstract
The purpose of Japan's prison work is to provide inmates with vocational knowledge and skills as well as to strengthen their willingness to work, sense of independence, and ability to cooperate with others under well-regulated circumstances. Japan's prison industries employ approximately 40,000 inmates from a total inmate population of approximately 50,000 in 74 penal institutions that include prisons, juvenile prisons, and detention houses. Work is divided into the categories of production, vocational training, and maintenance work for the institution. Vocational training covers 40 work categories including welding, plastering, electrical wiring, boiler operation, the operation of construction machinery, barbering, beautician, and computer programming. Prison work may be conducted outside the institution in facilities operated by the private sector. Proceeds from prison work products are vested in the national treasury. Remuneration for the inmate is issued at release. The Industry Cooperation Division within the Japanese Correctional Association promotes higher productivity, an effective system of production, and a sales network. Prison industry products include furniture, stuffed animals, aprons, leather bags, men's shoes, incinerators, barbecue tables, ornamental ships, lamp stands, and broaches. Illustrative photographs are provided.