Transformation of traditional values as a social risk of youth crime and victimization of minors in modern Japan

Japan is known as a country with a unique culture, a high level of welfare of citizens, low crime rate. Despite the fact that the overall crime rate is falling, there is an increase in youth crime and victimization of minors. The authors of the article attempt to socio-psychological analysis of the causes of this phenomenon: 1) historical foundations of social life of the Japanese and ethnopsychological features of the national character; 2) changes in family policy and gender roles; 3) the processes of transformation of traditional values and value orientations of Japanese youth. It is concluded that the “new” perspectives and the growth of youth crime in Japan is largely due to the lack of harmonious socialization and changed value orientations in self-realization.