Kunio Hatoyama, Minister of Justice, from August 27, 2007 was the second most prolific hangman in Japan's postwar history. Called the "grim reaper" by the Asahi Shinbun (News), he ordered 13 executions during his tenure. He is well known for suggesting that offenders should be executed without the authorization of the Minister of Justice, in a conveyor belt fashion. He believes the death penalty is necessary because "Japan places more value on life than the west." Listed below are an assortment of his flip-flops and often inane comments.
Hatoyama a hawk on death penalty, illegal immigrants
The Japan Times: Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007
Remove justice minister from execution process: Hatoyama
The Japan Times: Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007
'Inhuman' Hatoyama snubs Kamei
The Japan Times: Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007
Hangings not humane way: Hatoyama
The Japan Times: Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007
Hatoyama: "No need for ban on executions."
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007
Justice minister blasts Asahi newspaper for calling him 'Grim Reaper'
Friday 20th June, 2008