While Japan is culturally different from Canada, there are some similarities between the two community corrections systems. Parole release criteria in both countries include requirements to maintain a fixed residence, refrain from associating with known criminals, maintain good behavior, obtain permission from a parole officer before moving residence or traveling, and comply with any special conditions imposed by the parole board. However, the article notes that Japanese inmates generally receive shorter sentences and are eligible for parole after spending less time in prison. In contrast to those in Canada, Japanese wardens have greater discretion in recommending offenders for parole. The second item discusses proposed legislation that would reform the parole system by increasing discretion for conditional release decisions involving serious offenders. Overcrowding in English and Welsh prisons provided much of the impetus for these reforms.