Maiko Taguscari [Staff attorney; researcher on penal system reform, Japan Federation of Bar Associations]: "On Dec. 7, the Ministry of Justice disclosed the names of the three death row inmates who were hanged that day, as well as the summary of the crimes they were convicted of and the locations where they were hanged. Some media say this is an important step toward transparency of the death penalty system, but this argument is totally away from the point.

The ministry says that 'disclosure of such information is important to explain to the public that executions are being properly carried out, since the voice of the public including crime victims which demands disclosure of related information has increasingly become louder'. However, obviously there has been no movement by family members of crime victims which calls for disclosure of the information concerning the executions. Moreover, even in previous practice, the ministry informally provided the media with the names and other information which identified the hanged inmates. That is, there is substantially no progress but the ministry pretends to take an important step on the grounds that victims are demanding disclosure.

By referring to rising of victims' voice, the ministry tried to justify both the previous hidden practice and its modification. It can be said that the ministry does not have any intention to disclose much more information, such as why these inmates were selected for executions or whether the inmates had any mental disorders or not, and drastically review its secret policy. More international pressures are needed to stir up public discussion in Japan and change the ministry's obstinate attitude."