More than 1,800 people staged a rally Sunday in Tokyo to call for abolition of the death penalty.

In a keynote speech, Yo Hemmi, an award-winning writer, said: "Are we able to condone hanging someone? Are we able to pass on such a scene to our children?

"I will continue seeking abolition (of capital punishment), as I cannot condone (something that) it makes our hearts destructive," said Hemmi, a former Kyodo News reporter. "I hope Dec. 19, 2010, will become the starting point for the suspension of executions, forever."