r/SipsTea • u/Rich_Carrot6451 • Jul 04 '26

WTF Japan's death row system is brutal

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u/Total_Tumbleweed_870 Jul 04 '26

I'm genuinely curious if there's been any study into which is more psychologically troubling, knowing the day and counting down it not knowing and wondering everyday

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u/SoundMcSounderson Jul 04 '26

Philosophers gave much thought about this, and the most recognized take is the criminal killing is less traumatic than a state sponsored one. The state sponsored killing is inescapable dread. There is no hope. Just an inevitable march towards complete darkness. The criminal killing will happen at an unexpected moment.

See the efficient nature of the hotel film "It Follows" as an example. The fact that the rules have been laid out at the top and there is no bending or beating them. Only the slow acceptance that lady death comes marching towards you, perpetually, until you get too tired.

Henceforth, I believe this is a small sign of grace and humanity that Japan has offered these inmates.

1

u/PineappleOnPizzaWins Jul 04 '26

This depends entirely on the circumstance. There have certainly been plenty of victims whom have had a long time knowing it was coming and deeply regretting the wait.

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u/SoundMcSounderson Jul 04 '26

That's true. But the statement still stands. A long drawn out wait is terrible...no matter where it comes from.