This article delves into the personal reflections of death row inmate, Sei Shōmatsu, which he penned down over the past 10 years since his conviction. The named criminal, a notorious figure in the Japanese justice system, opens up about his life journey, the crimes he committed, and his experiences on death row. The details of the crimes remain undisclosed in the headline, underlining Japan's respectful attitude towards victims and their families.

Japan is one of only a few developed nations that continues to apply capital punishment, a contentious issue within the society. As such, insights into the lives of those on death row, especially from the convicts themselves, are particularly captivating for the public. People tend to gravitate towards understanding the psychology and motivations behind the crimes, while also grappling with the moral and ethical implications of capital punishment.

Unlike Japan, the EU has a blanket ban on capital punishment, whereas it's a state decision in the US. Public discourse on death row inmates and their stories is common in the US, often with detailed criminal proceedings being made public, while in the EU, emphasis is placed heavily on rehabilitation.