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Open Prisons in the Japanese Manner

NCJ Number
132014
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 14 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (Spring-Winter 1990) Pages: 1-14
Author(s)
E H Johnson
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The operation of open prisons, which depart from the correctional "principle of containment," varies in different countries according to the prevailing sociocultural system. There are two general models of open prisons: the forebearant model respects the principle of containment and downplays departures from usual penological practice, while the treatment model is seen as the opposite of containment by advocates of the therapeutic community.
Abstract
In Japan, open prisons are run according to the forebearant model which is consistent with the unique qualities of Japanese corrections for adults. Japanese culture values duty, respect for authority, and diligent labor; in Japanese open prisons, escapes are rare as are rule violations through violence. Two sets of circumstances have nurtured the development of open prisons: war and the contributions of penal pioneers. Five open prisons operated by the Japanese Corrections Bureau are described: Ohi Shipbuilding Dockyard Camp, Arii Dockyard Camp, Kagamihara Metal Industrial Camp, Kitsuregawa School for Agriculture and Civil Engineering, and Ichihara Prison for Traffic Offenders. 2 notes and 17 references (Author abstract modified)