Architect Keijiro Yamashita designed the former Nara prison. It was made as part of the Meiji government's plan to be modern with prisons and prisoners. It opened in 1908. In 1910, 935 people were accommodated in this prison although the maximum capacity was 650 people. In 1922, Japan passed the Juvenile Law. The prison was renamed twice in 1922 and 1946.