Osaka Prison in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, is working on a model program to support inmates with developmental disorders so they can better reintegrate into society.
Under a program designed to prevent them from becoming isolated and repeating offenses, the inmates receive education and guidance focusing on facilitating self-understanding and improving cooperative behavior.
For the first time in more than a century, Japan overhauled its prison system in June last year with new rules placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment to combat the country＊s high recidivism rates.
A Penal Code amendment removed the distinction between imprisonment with labor and that without, meaning prison labor is no longer mandatory. This gives inmates more time for educational and rehabilitative programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
According to the Justice Ministry, a survey conducted on 877 inmates in May and June 2023 found that about 12% of them had or were suspected of having developmental disabilities.
Osaka Prison decided on the model project in December 2024 after some of its inmates reported they were having trouble keeping up with the pace of prison labor or building relationships with other inmates.
One day in late February, 11 inmates sat in a circle with a prison officer specializing in education. They took turns speaking to the group about their personalities and how they wanted to be treated.
One of them said during their presentation, ※My emotions show on my face.§
Another inmate replied, ※So, do you want us to tell you to calm down a bit when we see your emotions showing through?§
The person answered that they did.
Following the session, an inmate in their 30s who is serving a second sentence over theft and other charges said, ※I had been troubled by misunderstandings and miscommunicating with others, but now I＊m starting to be able to imagine how other people might be feeling, and it＊s easier for me to communicate.§
The prison officer who oversaw the presentations said, ※In order to understand the victims＊ suffering, it is important as a prerequisite to recognize one＊s own characteristics and thinking habits.
※What happens here occurs in society as well,§ the officer added. ※We pay careful attention to face-to-face communication.§
The prison is also working to help inmates feel more at ease, such as by placing stuffed toys in their rooms and plants along the corridors, as well as putting bird-shaped stickers on the walls.
Another officer stressed the program has helped inmates who tend to be self-centered to work proactively on solving problems.
The Justice Ministry plans to introduce the program in other criminal justice facilities.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.