The executions of two death row inmates on Friday was a blow to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, which only last week reiterated a call for a moratorium on hangings and for a national debate on the matter.
In a position paper released on Dec. 9, the lawyers' body urged the Justice Ministry to set up a panel to review Japan's adherence to an "inhumane" punishment.
On Friday, the JFBA condemned the executions that day of convicted murderers Sumitoshi Tsuda, 63, and Kazuyuki Wakabayashi, 39.