Japan’s death penalty system is characterized by a unique execution method in which three prison officers pull levers simultaneously, ensuring that no individual knows who triggered the execution. This study examines the sociological and criminological implications of this system, focusing on collective responsibility, moral disengagement, and state power. Drawing on theories from Durkheim, Weber, and Foucault, the paper explores how Japan’s execution protocol reflects broader cultural values, including collectivism, bureaucratic authority, and the controlled visibility of punishment. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes legal policies and media discourse to assess how anonymity in executions affects both executioners and public perceptions of justice. Findings suggest that the system diffuses moral accountability while reinforcing the legitimacy of state power. Additionally, secrecy surrounding executions aligns with Japan’s broader tendencies toward social order and conflict avoidance. Comparisons with other nations highlight how different justice systems balance retributive punishment and moral responsibility. This study contributes to discussions on capital punishment by situating Japan’s execution method within global debates on justice, ethics, and governance. By interrogating the intersection of culture, law, and punishment, the research provides insights into how societies construct and rationalize state-sanctioned death while maintaining moral and social cohesion. The findings have implications for both criminological theory and human rights discourse, challenging conventional understandings of justice and the role of individual agency in state violence.

Authors:
Hayley McLellan, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Hayley Leigh-Ann McLellan is currently a PhD student at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, specializing in youth justice and restorative justice.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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