Japan to pardon half a million on occasion of Oct. imperial ceremony

Japan is expected to grant pardons to 500,000 to 600,000 petty criminals on the occasion of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony on Oct. 22, officials with knowledge of the plan said Wednesday.The Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will formally approve the plan in mid-October, the officials said, adding that the pardons will involve those found guilty of minor infractions at least three years ago and fined.The amnesty is expected to reverse a temporary prohibition on violators qualifying for national licenses and will restore their civil rights.Those sentenced to imprisonment or to p…READ FULL ARTICLE