This article has provided an overview of how criminals are treated in Japan, focusing on the criminal justice system, types of punishment, pre-trial detention, trial procedures, sentencing and imprisonment rates, and alternatives to imprisonment available for offenders. The Japanese criminal justice system is focused on restoring harmony between the offender and society through rehabilitation and reintegration into society rather than punishing offenders for their crimes. Punishment may include prison sentences or probationary periods with community service obligations attached as well as fines or suspended sentences depending on the severity of the crime. There are also a number of alternatives to imprisonment such as community service orders, rehabilitation programmes, electronic tagging, house arrest and probation orders which allow offenders an opportunity at rehabilitation while still being monitored. This article provides an overview of the Japanese criminal justice system which focuses on restorative justice rather than punishment for criminals. It outlines types of punishment such as prison sentences or probationary periods with community service obligations attached as well as alternatives to imprisonment such as community service