Different cultural backgrounds also may explain the differences described above. Japan is a collectivist society, whereas the United States is an individualist one (Yamagishi et al., 1998). In the United States, individualism is accepted and even encouraged (Chang, 1999; Matsui, 1995). Diversity between groups in terms of gender, age, religion, and race are often highlighted and positively evaluated. Conversely, Japanese society emphasizes collectivism and conformity where the group is more important than the individual (Yamagishi et al., 1998). In collectivist cultures, different values and opinions to various degrees exist among people but they are not highlighted and highly recommended. Governmental agencies, the media, and society in general are more likely to stress shared values, common goals, and harmony among groups. When some degree of difference in opinions exists among individuals, they may not exist among groups. This distinctive cultural trait may lead to likelihood that there would be fewer gender, age, and religion differences in the views of capital punishment.