Japan's Execution of Takahiro Shiraishi: A Setback for Human Rights and an Opportunity for Reform

The execution of Takahiro Shiraishi, convicted of murdering nine people, is a callous attack on the right to life in Japan and a significant setback for the country's human rights record. The secrecy surrounding the notification of executions in Japan adds to the cruelty of this punishment. The Japanese authorities must introduce a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolishing the death penalty entirely. This is particularly timely, as 113 countries worldwide have completely abolished the death penalty in law, and more than 144 have abandoned it in law or practice.

Key Takeaways:

• The execution of Takahiro Shiraishi is the first in Japan in nearly three years and the latest callous attack on the right to life in Japan.
• The secrecy surrounding the notification of executions in Japan makes the use of this punishment inhuman.
• Japan continues to use the death penalty despite 113 countries worldwide having completely abolished it in law and more than 144 having abandoned it in law or practice.
• The Japanese authorities must immediately introduce a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolishing the death penalty entirely.
• The acquittal of Hakamada Iwao, the world's longest-serving death row prisoner, laid bare the unfairness of Japan's criminal justice system and use of the death penalty.
• Amnesty opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception.
• The number of executions worldwide increased by 32% in 2024, with 1,518 executions recorded in 15 countries, up from 1,153 in 2023.

Statistics:

• 113 countries worldwide have completely abolished the death penalty in law.
• More than 144 countries have abandoned the death penalty in law or practice.
• 1,518 executions were recorded in 15 countries in 2024, compared to 1,153 in 2023 (a 32% increase).
• The number of executions in Japan is not specified, but this is the first execution under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba since July 2022.

Sources:

• Amnesty International: Statement on the execution of Takahiro Shiraishi
• Amnesty International: Abolish the death penalty worldwide
• Contify.com: Japan executes man convicted of murder, first execution since 2022