NCJ Number
163154
Journal
Bulletin of the Criminological Research Department Dated: (1995) Pages: 16-20
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The conditions experienced by foreign inmates in Japan were studied using information collected from correctional personnel and inmates themselves in 1990 and 1993.
Abstract
The analysis focused on the 223 foreign inmates of 1990 and the 374 foreign inmates of 1993. Results revealed that the inmates had an average age of 32.5 years and had an average period of imprisonment of 1 year and 6 months. Youthful inmates in their 20's predominated. The range of nationalities increased from 29 countries in 1990 to 39 countries in 1993. Three-fourths were Asian countries. The rates of robbery and homicide increased over the 3 years, indicating that offenses were becoming more serious. The rate of drug offenses decreased but accounted for 44 percent of the total. Approximately two-thirds of the inmates had accomplices. Japanese victims represented 62.9 percent of the total, a decline since the earlier studies. A total of 83.3 percent intended to commit a crime before arriving in Japan. Findings indicated a rapid increase in the number of foreign inmates, a high rate of serious and drug law offenses, and the need for efforts to address language barriers. In addition, policies regarding foreign workers involved in simple labor should be examined.