A photograph featuring former death row inmate Matsumoto and his second son, taken at the Alef facility, has captured public attention in Japan. This rare glimpse into the life of a death row prisoner speaks volumes about the country's capital punishment system, an issue that remains generally opaque. The story behind the photograph and the instances leading to it are unknown.

Japan is one of the developed nations that continues to practice capital punishment, and the issue is shrouded in much secrecy. Details about Japan's death row inmates and their lives are seldom publicized, making this photograph of Matsumoto notably unique. Society's response is mixed, some echo the government's stand that capital punishment serves as a deterrent, while others advocate for a more humane justice system.

In comparison, the U.S. and most EU countries share differing views on capital punishment. The U.S. still practices it, but with significantly more transparency about death row inmates. Conversely, the EU strongly opposes capital punishment and discourages its member states from pursuing such sentences.