Japan is one step closer to amending its Penal Code in order to emphasize rehabilitation programs aimed at giving inmates a better chance of reintegrating into society.

Punishments under the current Penal Code are aimed at preventing recidivism and, in essence, have long been interpreted as a form of retribution. But in recent years, the concept of rehabilitation has begun to win ground over punishment. On Tuesday, the government approved a Cabinet decision on a draft amendment to the Penal Code and related laws on imprisonment.

Currently, the principal punishments in the nation's justice system are the death penalty, imprisonment with work, imprisonment without work, a fine, and a sentence that includes both imprisonment and a fine.