Probation in Japan: strengths and challenges and likely new tasks

Origins of the probation service in Japan, its administrative structure, the respective roles of Professional Probation Officers (PPOs), hogo kansatsu kan, and the nearly 50 times more numerous Volunteer Probation Officers (VPOs), hogo-shi, are described. Recruitment of VPOs, their backgrounds, increasing age, methods of work and training is outlined, followed by activities of local VPO Associations and Offender Rehabilitation Support Centres. Strengths of the distinctive Japanese VPO system are analysed, followed by challenges it faces. Chief amongst them being the introduction of partly suspended sentences coupled with probation for drug offenders and the need to build adequate medical, psychological, accommodation and employment support to prevent their reoffending and aid recovery. Consequences and new tasks for probation of the widely expected lowering of the age of criminal adulthood are also considered.