There are no other modern rich, democratic countries with anything even approaching the incarceration rate or minimum sentencing insanity the US has, so it's entirely proper to single the US out.
The Japanese system is deeply troubled too although in different ways.
Yes, they have old people who dont get enough for a pension. That is troubling as so far, as it prooves that people can in the end vote with there hands and feets against the free market approach of everyone insure himself against beeing poor at old age.
I'm talking about the justice system. I'm not quite sure what you are talking about.
The recently posted HN Article about the elederly in japan stealing to avoid the penalty of beeing poor for a honest live in capitalism.