The types of probationers and parolees including juveniles(hereinafter referred to as"probationers and parolees"in this Section)and their respective periods of supervision are as follows:
(i)  Juvenile probationer :a juvenile placed on probation by the decision of a family court
In principle,the period of supervision is from the date of the decision of probation to the probationer's20th birthday.In case of a probationer over18years of age,the period is two years from the date of the decision.
(ii)  Juvenile parolee :a juvenile granted parole from a juvenile training school
In principle,the period of supervision is from the date of release on parole to the parolee's20th birthday.
(iii)  Adult parolee :an inmate granted parole from a penal institution
The period of supervision is from the date of release on parole until the remainder of the parolee's sentence expires.
(iv)  Adult probationer :an offender given suspension of execution of sentence with probationary supervision
The period of supervision is from the date the decision is finalized until the probationer's suspended period expires.
(v)  Women's guidance home parolee :a woman granted parole from a women's guidance home
The period of supervision is from the date of release on parole until the remainder of the parolee's guidance disposition period expires.

  Probation/parole supervision is conducted through instruction and control and through guidance and assistance.
Instruction and control are given to probationers and parolees by constantly supervising their conduct while keeping in contact and giving them appropriate instructions to ensure their compliance with their parole conditions.
Guidance and assistance are offered by(1)giving them means of education and training,(2)providing them with access to medical care and recreation,(3)assisting them in obtaining accommodation,(4)giving them career guidance and job-hunting assistance,(5)improving and adjusting the environment,(6)helping them return to places most suitable for their rehabilitation,and(7)providing them with daily life guidance necessary for their adjustment to social life.
  Probation and parole conditions,which are the criteria for instruction and control,must be observed so that probationers and parolees could rehabilitate themselves instead of repeating offenses through surely receiving supervision.There are two types of probation and parole conditions:statutory general conditions applicable to everyone and special conditions established on a case-by-case basis.
  General conditions for juvenile probationers,juvenile parolees,and adult parolees are(1)to live at a fixed residence and get a respectable job,(2)to maintain good behavior and conduct,(3)to avoid contact with those people with criminal tendencies or with bad morals,and(4)to obtain permission from a probation office in advance for moving his/her residence or making a long trip(seven days or more).General conditions for adult probationers are(1)to maintain good behavior and conduct,and(2)to obtain permission from a probation office in advance for moving his/her residence or making a trip one month or more.
  Special conditions define certain specific items to be observed in social life.As one of such conditions,a regional board or a director of a probation office designates the next abode of a probationer/parolee after release and the date to turn himself/herself in to a probation office.The following are concrete examples of special conditions;"You must return to X(guarantor)by Y(date)","You must turn yourself in to X-probation office by Y(date)","You must visit the volunteer probation officer in charge of you every month to receive guidance","You must find a job as soon as possible","You must refrain from drinking",and"You must make utmost efforts to compensate the damage",etc.Special conditions are not applied to adult probationers.

  Probation and parole supervision is usually carried out cooperatively by a probation officer and a volunteer probation officer for a probationer or parolee.It is a combination of the expertise of a professional probation officer and the nongovernmental character of a volunteer probation officer which is one of the features of the probation system in Japan.
  When starting supervision on a probationer/parolee,a probation officer makes an individual treatment plan by clarifying treatment policies and specific problems in implementing supervision,etc.,based on an interview with the probationer/parolee and his/her related records.A volunteer probation officer provides guidance and assistance according to this treatment plan,by having contact with the probationer/parolee and their families through interviews and visits.The process of treatment is reported from the volunteer probation officer to the director of the probation office every month,and the probation officer cooperates with the volunteer probation officer to take appropriate measures according to changes in situations,such as having an interview with the probationer/parolee or persons concerned,when necessary.

  Volunteer probation officers,nongovernmental volunteers commissioned by the Minister of Justice,are assigned to any one of889probation districts(as of April1,2005)across the country and are engaged in rehabilitation services,such as probationary supervision and crime prevention activities.The
Volunteer Probation Officer Law(Law No.204of1950)stipulates that the number of volunteer probation officers should not exceed52,500,and there are assigned48,917officers throughout the country as of January1,2005(Source:The Rehabilitation Bureau,Ministry of Justice).