It is often said that the Japanese have a unique attitude towards law. Many explanations have been offered for why this is so, and in what circumstances:

•Japan is a civilization that respects human life more than Europe (former Minister of Justice Kunio Hatoyama explaining why Japan still has the death penalty — yes, you read that right);

•A unique characteristic of Japanese parents is that they will tolerate anything for the sake of their children (a Japanese family court manual);