The number of reported cases of nontraffic penal code offenses has increased significantly in recent years in Japan, reaching a record post-WWII high of 581,463 in 2004; however, crime decreased by 36,963 known cases (6.4 percent) in 2005. Compared to the previous year, the number of cleared cases increased by 804 (0.4 percent) to 220,744 cases. The clearance rate, which had been regularly approximately 90 percent, has declined sharply in recent years, registering its lowest level in the post-World War II period in 2004 (37.8 percent). It recovered slightly in 2005, increasing to 40.5 percent. The trend in homicides has leveled off after long-term declines. Robbery cases reached 7,664 in 2003, the highest number since 1950, but decreased for the second consecutive year in 2005, down 17.9 percent from the previous year. Fraud cases have increased significantly since 2002, reaching a record high since 1960 in 2005. Data on the treatment of offenders pertain to prosecution (reception of suspected cases, arrest and detention of suspects, and dispositions); trial (judgments, sentencing, and detention and bail); corrections of adult offenders; rehabilitation services; and international cooperation in criminal justice. Other major sections of this report address trends in offenses by specific offenders and their treatment, trends in juvenile delinquency and the treatment of juvenile delinquents, and costs and services to crime victims. The report’s concluding section addresses new trends in criminal policy in Japan. It provides an analysis of recent crime trends, followed by descriptions of action programs to “create a crime-resistant society,” crime prevention activities in local communities, recent trends in legislation, the enhancement of inmate treatment, reform of the rehabilitation system, immigration reform, sexual offenses, and court reform. Extensive figures, tables and appendix