By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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Japanese officials’ apology at the grave of a wrongfully detained man, and the denial of his timely cancer treatment, is a stark reminder of the deep flaws that can exist within any justice system. While the gesture of the apology itself might be seen as a positive step, the context surrounding it paints a much more complex picture. It’s easy to say “sorry,” but the actions that follow, or rather, the lack thereof, speak volumes.
The profound sadness expressed by Aishima’s wife, “I accept your apology, but I can never forgive you,” perfectly captures the sentiment. It’s a powerful statement that underlines the irreparable harm caused by the system’s failures. The apology doesn’t undo the suffering, the lost opportunities for treatment, or the indignity of being wrongfully accused and detained. The pain remains, and the weight of the injustice is heavy.
The monetary damages of approximately $1.12 million, while substantial, can hardly compensate for the loss of life and the years of pain. It’s a cold calculation of a life’s worth, and it feels insufficient. In this context, it’s difficult to view this sum as anything more than a symbolic gesture, a desperate attempt to mitigate the damage done.
The brutal reality of Japan’s justice system, as highlighted by many, is concerning. The intense nature of the system, the draconian rules, and the lack of communication allowed for those accused are deeply troubling. The ability to detain someone for an extended period without formally charging them is a red flag. This system, and its practices, create an environment ripe for abuse, and it’s not hard to see how mistakes, or deliberate actions, could occur and have lasting negative consequences.
The fact that this man was denied cancer treatment while incarcerated is simply inhumane, no matter the circumstances surrounding his detention. The denial of medical care is a violation of basic human rights. Any system that allows this is fundamentally broken.
While some may view the apology as a sign of respect or accountability, it’s essential to consider its place within the larger context of the system. Many people comment that the apology seems to be a way to “save face” in the moment without any real commitment to reform. The lack of preventative measures being discussed or implemented is a huge concern, and there is a legitimate fear that similar incidents will continue to happen in the future.
The high conviction rate in Japan is a significant point of concern. The fact that the prosecutors often only take cases they are sure to win raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of the system. While plea bargains in the US contribute to a high conviction rate there as well, the implications are different. The implication of a 99% conviction rate in Japan is staggering, and it suggests that the deck is stacked against the accused.
In the US, the justice system also has its flaws. However, there are many that comment that they would rather be in a red state in the south than a marginalized minority in Japan. Many highlight that the US system, with all its problems, has a system of checks and balances that are rarely present in Japan. The fact that there are often lawsuits settled in the US for wrongful detention, while imperfect, at least provides some avenue for redress and acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
The comparison between the two systems, the US and Japan, reveals a lot. The US has a massive prison population, while Japan’s is much smaller. However, the per capita rate of incarceration in Japan is still very high, almost 10 times that of the US. The conditions in the prisons, and the potential for abuse, also need to be taken into consideration.
The contrast between the apology, and the lack of any meaningful action to address the systemic issues, highlights the core of the problem. This apology, as well-intentioned as it may seem on the surface, will not restore Mr. Aishima’s life. It won’t prevent other people from suffering the same fate. The true measure of justice will be found in the actions taken to ensure that this never happens again. And in the US, there is no guarantee that such an apology would ever be forthcoming.