Japan executes death row prisoners

Media reports quoting justice ministry sources said Japan has carried out the execution of four prisoners on death row.



The four were hanged in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka.



Japan is one of the few countries in Asia, which has stepped up its use of the death penalty, despite international condemnation.



Last year, it carried out 15 executions, and in 2007 nine condemned prisoners were put to death.