Yes, arson is almost WORSE than murder in Japan - it is intent to destroy life, property, and has the potential to kill others as well. This thinking does come from before WWII, when almost all houses were made of wood.
Also, Japan executes by hanging. Three policemen walk in, press three buttons simultaneously, and the execution occurs. It’s to insure that the police don’t know who killed the prisoner.
Sounds like an import that would see a lot of use here if it weren’t for the liberal judges and lawmakers.
That’s wild.