The Justice Ministry unveiled plans Tuesday for the country's first prison built and operated in large part with private-sector funds and expertise.
The ministry selected an unused tract in Mine, Yamaguchi Prefecture, originally set aside to attract industries from across the country.
Falling under so-called private finance initiatives, the prison in Mine Techno Park is expected to accommodate 500 male and 500 female first-time offenders and operate for 20 years. The facility is expected to begin operations in April 2007, the ministry said.