Justice Minister Kokichi Shimoinaba said March 10 that the issue of lowering the age at which minors who commit crimes can be punished should be included on the agenda of ongoing discussions among the Justice Ministry, the Supreme Court and the federation of bar associations.
His remark could affect the ministry's long-standing policy of stressing rehabilitation for troubled youths rather than punishment.
The possible change may come amid a recent spate of knife attacks involving students across the country.