Following Japan’s Footsteps? A Co-Integration Analysis of Homicide Trends in South Korea and Japan

• In Event: Comparative and Cross-National Comparisons of Homicide

Abstract

South Korea and Japan are known for their exceptionally low homicide rates. Little research, however, has been conducted on their historical homicide trends and whether these countries share similar patterns over time. The macrostructural conditions, including demographic trends, economic growth, and cultural patterns, of South Korea and Japan exhibit considerable parallels. In particular, South Korea’s trends tend to mirror those of Japan with a lag of approximately 10–20 years. Given these parallels, this study utilizes Johansen cointegration analysis to examine the long-term relationship between the homicide victimization rates of the two countries. The findings reveal a cointegrated relationship between the homicide trends of the two countries, and in particular, South Korea’s homicide trend following that of Japan’s.

Author

• Byunggu Kang, University of Missouri-Kansas City