Campaign for a Brighter Society in Japan

Felicity Malone
8月12日
読了時間: 4分

The ‘Campaign for a Brighter Society’, also known as the ‘Yellow Feather Campaign’, has been running in Japan every year since 1951. It originated from a volunteer merchants’ association in the Ginza district of Tokyo. The aim of the celebration is to acknowledge the rehabilitation of offenders. Therefore, it is an effective way to educate communities about crime and support the social integration of offenders.

Crime in Japan

Since Japan differs from Western countries, it is important to consider their disparities, not just in relation to culture. Japan has always been known for its low crime rate due to its zero-tolerance policy, aimed at creating a safe and harmonious society. This refers to their mindset of having no exceptions for any form of crime; even minor crimes carry a high cost.

Additionally, Japan has been considered a society of reintegrating shaming, which further leads to low crime rates. However, Japan’s recidivism rates are as high as 50% for former inmates who offend within 5 years of their release. Consequently, the focus on rehabilitation and the support that should come with it is essential. While there is substantial educational support in Japanese prisons, the lack of security after exiting the system has monumental effects.

Why is the campaign so important?

While it is vital to crack down on and punish those who have committed crimes, it is equally important for offenders to be accepted back into society.

Social integration refers to the process of integrating socially and psychologically into social environments. One way this campaign can support this is through partnerships between NGOs, educational institutions, and communities to ensure a smoother transition back into society. This support is necessary due to social adaptation issues offenders face, such as stigmatisation and the ability to find a job or get back into education. Additionally, there are groups that experience particular social integration challenges, including minority groups, immigrants and those suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse.

To remove this ostracisation, there needs to be more adequate community involvement to create a safer environment for everyone. This promotes second chances for inmates rather than ostracising them from society. As a result, the combat of public stigma can promote employment for ex-offenders. Since finding a job after being released can be extremely difficult, it is up to society to dismantle these barriers holding them back. If communities actively attempt to break this stigmatisation, employers become more willing to look past criminal records and more supportive networks form.

The effect on the rest of society

While one aim of the campaign is to help rehabilitated offenders re-enter society, there are additional benefits to society as a whole. One main aim of the Criminal Justice System is to rehabilitate offenders. If individuals are able to reform, this creates safer neighbourhoods with a lack of moral panic. As there is a large amount of stigma against offenders, the breakdown of this would reduce the amount of anxiety about ex-offenders.

In addition to creating greater safety for communities, this movement creates empowerment for local volunteers as it gives them the opportunity to make an impact.

Community engagement

There are several ways the community can participate and volunteer to help make communities safe and crime-free.

For example, hogoshi, who are also known as volunteer probation officers, are community leaders who support the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Additionally, as part of their role, they educate the rest of society about crime prevention and reintegration. This contributes not only to the individual offender but also to the public.

One group that is essential to focus on is youth groups. Being a young individual growing up surrounded by crime can be challenging to overcome. Youth engagement programs are effective to invest in because they promote education, mentorship, and recreational activities. As a result, with support from volunteers, this is a beneficial way to prevent crime and delinquency among youth.

One frequent difficulty offenders face after being released is the lack of security from a job and a home. Through rehabilitation facilities and cooperative employers, offenders can receive support finding a house and work for businesses that understand the circumstances of finding work after a conviction. This aims to reduce recidivism and support the reintegration of offenders in the right direction.

Awareness of crime and rehabilitation can be minimal, which is why education on crime and delinquency within schools is important, as it can help others understand conflict resolution and available support. Similarly, another way public outreach can be carried out is through digital platforms. Japan is heavily social media reliant, so it can be used effectively by broadcasting campaigns that outline the reintegration of offenders as well as the vocalisation from ex-offenders. This gives other members of society the opportunity to listen and understand how social environments can cause crime. Additionally, people can be made aware of how social ostracism can have a detrimental impact on an individual, giving them more of an open-minded view on the reintegration of offenders.

These interventions are necessary to reduce the opportunities for crime while addressing the social issues that contribute to criminal activities.

The Campaign for a Brighter Society is an effective way to create less stigma against ex-offenders, resulting in a more secure and inclusive society.

But what can you do to help facilitate this change? As previously mentioned, education on crime is essential in understanding social integration and reducing stigma. There are myriad articles and biographies that can help you to understand how people end up in a criminal career and why it is essential for these individuals to be welcomed back into society.

For example, https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/leaving-scars-how-recessions-produce-career-criminals/ could help with being informed on how people end up with a criminal career and how difficult it is to get back into society. Additionally, one act that can substantially make a difference is through volunteering with youth groups. This can include involving yourself in recreational activities such as sports and creative arts to prevent young people from going down a criminal path. These activities are vital to make youths feel seen and heard by their community.

What do you think of the Campaign for a Brighter Society in Japan? Does your country have something like this? And if not, do you think every country should implement this type of system?