Recent Changes to the Japanese Criminal Justice System In recent years, there have been a number of changes made to Japan’s criminal justice system in an effort to modernize it and make it more efficient. These include reforms to the police force such as increasing their investigative powers, introducing new technologies such as DNA testing and CCTV cameras, strengthening the role of prosecutors by allowing them to investigate certain cases without needing permission from the police and introducing alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders. This article provides an overview of the history, current state and recent changes in Japan's criminal justice system. It explores how punishments are determined based on civil law and common law, the role of police in enforcing laws, courts in determining guilt or innocence through trials, prisons and probation for long-term confinement or alternative forms of punishment respectively, and recent reforms aiming to modernize the system.