Japan usually avoids executions while parliament is in session to avoid criticism from lawmakers.

The country also comes under fire from human rights groups for executing inmates in relative secrecy and with no notice - to avoid last minute appeals.

"Yo! Let's get Taro and hang him before anybody finds out!"

One of Japan's Justice Ministers, "I am aware of various opinions on the issue, but nearly 80 percent of the people in this country have no objection to the existence of the death penalty."

The 100 some death row inmates in Japan can now expect the hangman to come calling at anytime.

The most notorious is "Shoko Asahara, the guru of a doomsday cult that attacked rush-hour trains in Tokyo with nerve gas in a deadly 1995 attack."

Today, Japan hanged three inmates…the first executions this year.

More to follow.

What do you think of capital punishment?