The Showa period began in October 1926 when Emperor Showa ascended the throne and ended in January 1989 when he died. The era was marked by drastic changes in economy, society, and political and legal systems, which brought an ebb and flow in criminality and precipitated various crime control policies. The Showa Era may be roughly divided into three periods: the prewar and war period (1926-1945), the postwar period (1945-1960), and the recent period (1960- 1989). Throughout the Showa Era, the pendulum has swung widely between extremes of totalitarianism and democracy, war and peace, poverty and affluence, and social disorder and order. During this period, Japanese society experienced numerous and diverse forms of criminality and implemented effective countermeasures. Although the rapid social change precipitated by industrialization and urbanization which has occurred in Japan has been widely believed to be criminogenic, Japan is one of the safest societies in the world, despite its rapid economic development. An analysis of crime and criminal policies in the Showa Era reveals the significant factors that have contributed to the low crime rate in Japan. The discussion examines criminal trends, the treatment of offenders, criminal laws and ordinances, and changes and features of organizations in charge of criminal justice and criminal policy. 90 tables, 62 figures, appended supplementary statistics, and a 23-item bibliography