In regard to the current situation of juvenile delinquency in Japan,the rate of juveniles cleared for Penal Code offenses among the overall juvenile population is at a high level and as seen in the fact that some particularly heinous crimes have been committed by juveniles,there is no predicting the future situation.As the background of juvenile delinquency it is often pointed out that many delinquents have personal problems during the process of development and are disadvantaged in terms of their family,friends and community environment.Based upon the above-mentioned situation,the issues of juvenile delinquency and juvenile delinquents have generated enormous public concern in recent years.
  Regarding the Juvenile Law system which has been discussed,four years have passed since the amended Juvenile Law came into force in2001,which if certain condition are fulfilled,allows juveniles under16(provided they are at least aged14)to be referred back to public prosecutors,and juveniles aged16or over who have intentionally committed a crime resulting in death of a victim to be referred back to them in principle.Furthermore,in March2005,the bill to amend the Juvenile Law,etc.that would enable the commitment of juveniles under14to juvenile training schools was submitted to the regular Diet session.Thus,the discussion on the Juvenile Law system is still continuing.
  Juvenile delinquency in recent years,along with the public's warning sense of security,is one of the major causes of heightened anxiety among the general public.It is critical for society as a whole to help prevent juvenile delinquency and to foster juveniles soundly who shoulder the next generation.
  In light of the above-mentioned background on juvenile delinquency in this White Paper,we feature on"Juvenile Delinquency"in the special part as well as taking an overall look at the crime trends and the treatment of offenders mainly in2004.In the special part,for the future discussion,while analyzing the recent trends of juvenile delinquency and delinquents'characteristics in Japan,we introduce the current situation of their treatment in institutions and society and the current status and treatment of juveniles who have committed serious offenses since the amendment of the Juvenile Law,and also outline the justice systems regarding juvenile delinquency in the specific foreign countries.
  Juvenile delinquency is caused by various complexly intertwined problems relating to family,friends and community,and therefore the prevention of juvenile delinquency and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents cannot be achieved only by efforts within the framework of the criminal justice system.Juvenile delinquents are given the opportunity to rehabilitate in the criminal justice system.However,it is only the first step towards their rehabilitation and afterwards,they return to their families and communities and overcome their problems with the support of people around them in order to eventually achieve independence and finally become rehabilitated.Needless to say,the understanding and support of family and community is indispensable in preventing juvenile delinquency in advance and rehabilitating juvenile delinquents.
  It is our hope that this White Paper will serve as an informative reference broadly in reviewing and examining effective countermeasures against juvenile delinquency,and help the general public consider as their own problems what is necessary for raising juveniles soundly,and promote a variety of endeavors to assist the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents in the community.
  Lastly,we wish to express our sincere gratitude to the General Secretariat of the Supreme Court of Japan,the Cabinet Office,National Police Agency,Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications,Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology,Ministry of Health,Labor and Welfare,Ministry of Land,Infrastructure and Transport,and other concerned institutions for their enormous cooperation in compiling this White Paper.
November2005
Nakai  Kenji   PresidentResearch and Training InstituteMinistry of JusticeJapan
  This White Paper was undertaken during Mr.Kenji Nakai's presidency at the Research and Training Institute of the Ministry of Justice of Japan,and thereafter,he retired.
December2006
Matsunaga  Eiji   PresidentResearch and Training InstituteMinistry of JusticeJapan