Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'life imprisonment' is expressed through specific legal terms, with important distinctions between life with the possibility of parole and life without parole. The most common term is 無期懲役, but its practical meaning differs from Western expectations.
The standard term for a life sentence in Japan, where parole is theoretically possible after a certain period.
The standard legal term for life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. In practice, parole is rarely granted and often requires serving at least 10-30 years.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.
Literally 'life sentence', but in Japan this term is sometimes used interchangeably with 無期懲役, though it can also refer to life without parole in other contexts. Less common in legal documents.
In Japan, a life sentence effectively has the possibility of parole.
A sentence where the convicted person will never be released. This is a relatively new concept in Japanese law.
Used to specify a life sentence without the possibility of parole, often in discussions about legal reforms.
For some crimes, the introduction of life imprisonment without parole is being considered.
Alternative phrasing for life without parole, using 終身刑.
Informal or figurative use of 'life imprisonment' in everyday language.
In Japan, 無期懲役 does not mean 'life without parole' by default. Parole is possible but rare. If you need to emphasize no possibility of release, explicitly add 仮釈放なし (no parole).
無期懲役 is the standard legal term for life imprisonment with labor and possible parole. 終身刑 is sometimes used synonymously but can also imply life without parole in comparative contexts. In legal texts, 無期懲役 is preferred.
Life imprisonment without parole was proposed as an alternative to the death penalty.
He might get a life sentence.