Why did deterrence strongly affect attitudes toward the death penalty in Japan? Due to its extreme secrecy surrounding the death penalty, Japan lacks published scientific research on the deterrence effect of capital punishment. Thus, the Japanese respondents may not be aware of the lack of the effect. Another possible explanation is that deterrence may be more socially acceptable than retribution in Japan. Finally, Japan is a collectivist society and has a tradition of trust in government. The Japanese government frequently defends its pro death penalty position based on the deterrence effect. As a result, the Japanese governmental position may lead its citizens to support the death penalty.