Three convicted murderers have been hanged in Japan — the first time the death penalty has been carried out there in nearly two years.

Japanese Justice Minister Toshio Ogawa confirmed the hangings during a news conference in Tokyo Thursday, turning aside criticism from human rights groups.

“The death penalty is currently supported by the Japanese people. Additionally, it is supported through people's participation in jury trials. As such, I will continue to do my legal duty as justice minister.''

Japan and the United States are among the few major industrialized nations to use capital punishment.

All Japanese executions are carried out by hanging. Condemned inmates are only told of their impending death a few hours beforehand.

Thursday's executions were the first in Japan since July 2010.