How You Can Be 99.9% Guilty Before a Trial in Japan | Open Secrets

From modern day slavery to triad societies, this documentary series travels the world investigating the secrets that exacerbate power struggles between the haves and have-nots.
Click here to SUBSCRIBE to VICE Asia: bit.ly/2LhqAR9
Connect with VICE Asia:
Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/2P3Y0pv
Videos, daily editorial and more: vice.com/en_asia
More videos from the VICE network: viceasia/videos/
Like VICE Asia on Facebook: viceasia
Follow VICE Asia on Twitter: / viceasia
Follow us on Instagram: / viceasia

[@kookieskookie3729]

48 years in prison. 30 of which in solitary confinement. I feel so bad for him. That’s insane and totally inhumane.

[@ayushdesai-dakle]

Yes, that's gonna seriously destroy your mind

[@mae8646]

@soft_cardigan The death penalty seems more humane than 30 years in solitary confinement

[@skrwdUNi]

not to mention the physical torture they put him thru for probably a large portion of those years

[@khoado2060]

@soft_cardigan 8th amendment

[@jasonlucas2328]

He got VIP treatment compared to POWs captured by the Japanese during the war. It needs a great will of people who like to eat raw fish, raw meat, raw chicken, raw liver (fish liver), etc. The Japanese still have this wild mentality of eating their enemies to gain power. The crazy thoughts will be released when there are no checks and balances, in other words, during a war.

[@Tobacc0]

My friend was arrested for a drugs charge in Tokyo and became a bit of a famous case, getting off as innocent after 9 months in prison. He was lucky to have the same lawyer as Ghosn had (we all raised funds to pay for it). They tried to force confessions from him day after day but he was too stubborn for them. They tried tricks to break his will like pretending to be releasing him from prison and then re-arresting him as soon as he stepped outside. Eventually, he got about $50,000 in compensation.

[@Vi3ioN_BTC]

man that's sick. So sorry to hear this about your friend

[@freekear]

So is your friend completely guilty? Or was he actually bringing drugs to a country where its illegal?

[@testsalv4366]

@@freekear I bet he is but only for self use. He should probably go to Thailand if he's using some stuff. The prison there is very elegant.

[@Tobacc0]

@@freekear No, he was innocent. The guy who was crashing at his apartment had the drugs shipped to his address. He knew nothing about it.

[@Tobacc0]

@@Vi3ioN_BTC Cheers, man. It actually helped him in the long run. He was in a rut with his life anyway and the whole ordeal got him a new job and view on life!

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Iwao's sister is amazing. You can tell her bubbly personality and absolute determination hasn't been diminished by time. She never gave up and ended up a collateral victim, she basically served as long a sentence as her brother.

[@PhilipWalker]

20:11 speaks volumes. You can tell in the prosecutor's mind, anyone detained is without a doubt the culprit, and he needs to fabricate in just twenty days how this innocent person committed the crime.

[@johnmcintyre1965]

That guy (the prosecutor @ 20:11) is truly VILE.

[@dputra]

I can't stop cursing in my head. His mind is f'ed up. He doesn't even think someone might actually innocent and they should release them

[@texasranger6545]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@mdml0]

I hope everyone is also aware that this hostage justice can also apply to tourists.

[@jasonlucas2328]

I don't go to bars or have a drink with small plates to eat (Izakaya).

[@vivoslibertos]

Tourist or not the rule of thumb is to maintain the harmony, the WA.

[@FM-dm8xj]

then dont make trouble kid,

[@PropaneWP]

@@FM-dm8xj So, even after watching this documentary, you think that all those 99.99% convicted people were "troublemakers"? Do you happen to be a Japanese prosecutor or something?

[@FM-dm8xj]

@@PropaneWP do you know anything about japan weeb?

[@BillWibbly]

I remember a former coworker of mine here in Japan was arrested for “shoplifting” from a convenience store (she forgot her wallet in the car and unwittingly walked out with her shopping basket when she went to get it). What was at most a momentary lapse in judgement got her locked up at the police station for 28 days for interrogation and an eventual deportation. Poor woman couldnt even speak japanese to defend herself. Absolutely nuts

[@lord_khufu]

damn going to japan without decent japanese knowledge must be rough, if i ever went there i gotta make sure i can speak japanese well just in case, don't know if i can maintain 3 languages though haha, i mean learning english made me terrible at my native language now, pretty annoying !

[@rizaradri316]

That's really a major issue for foreigners. The Japanese has really low English proficiency.

[@chilenapromedioRU]

I'm very sorry for your coworker, but that's actually quite common in Japan, foreigners are highly arrested for "shoplifting" in cases like this and deported with prohibition to re-enter the country.

[@KH-of2rb]

That's a lie. There is no space in Japan to put people in jail for shoplifting alone. If you put someone in jail for that, it would fill up quickly. It usually ends in anger.

[@bimasetyaputra8381]

​@@KH-of2rbunless you're a foreigner lmao

[@TatsumiOga682]

Wow that song he wrote at the end hit me in the heart. Life has been so unfair to that poor man...

[@Rob-mr1kj]

I've been living in Japan for a few years now, and I was following the Ghosn case since it all started. One thing I still remember is the Japanese Justice Minister Masako Mori saying, after Ghosn escaped, that he should return and prove his innocence. In what civilized country you have to prove you are innocent??? Even if it was a gaffe, I think she actually believes that, and she being the head of the Japanese Justice system says a LOT.

[@Mansikkacake]

This is a great documentary and I hope many people in Japan will watch this and start having conversation about hostage justice. Most of Japanese like 99% are law abiding citizens and many people think people like that guy on Fukawa case who stole friends pants deserved what he got even tho he was innocent of the murder. as if you didnt commit a theft crime then you would not have falsely convicted this murder. How ironic of the contrast if we think about looters, burglary and thefts in California criminal teen who don't even get convicted. As for Carlos Ghosn, he should get a fair trial and see if he's innocent or what. smh. This old fashion Japanese system needs to change as it is so ridiculously violating rights to have a fair trial !

[@sgakm.manyida]

Stop playing with words. The oxymoron of "prove innocence" in this country doesnt mean that the suspect proves himself innocent but that he is exonerated according to legal process. Fleeing abroad isnt the case.

[@user-rq3ol8ib2t]

@@Mansikkacake I am Japanese. This tragic incident is famous in Japan and was discussed as a social problem. Under Japan's current judicial system, the police can't even arrest someone without enough evidence to convict them 99.9% of the time. Even firing at a madman brandishing a knife is restricted. Most Japanese are not dissatisfied with the current police and judicial system. To put it bluntly, Japan is a democratic country, and the majority of Japanese people are satisfied with the Japanese judicial system. This is the reason why the Japanese judicial system exists in Japan. In reality, the authority of Japanese public institutions is very weak. It just reflected the will of the Japanese people. I'll leave it up to you to decide if this is good or bad, but at least I still trust the police and I can live my life with peace of mind.

[@harukrentz435]

In the court system would try to prove youre guilty while youre trying your best to fend off their accusation.

[@sfjava6239]

Why US does not penalized Japan for human rights violation?

[@lazy_lefty]

They tortured that man with solitary confinement for 30 years and it made him lose his mind...... that's so fuckin sad...

[@randomkness5173]

this is just so crazy, my heart breaks when the man said how he wished he had more time to be a good son to his parents :

[@stephanieharu]

I’m so glad you decided to cover this, Vice. I’ve lived in Japan for 4 years now and the moment that I came here the foreign community always made it clear that Japanese police and the legal system are not on the side of anyone. They thrive on putting people behind bars for even the most mundane of reasons. I was told never never to go outside without my zairyu card (my identification/visa as a foreigner) because without it the police can detain you for 3 days (or more if they feel like adding charges even if they aren’t legitimate) and not a single person will know where you are. Your friends and family are allowed to think that you’re ostensibly dead. Whenever a foreigner goes missing other foreigners will literally say “wait a couple days just to make sure they’re not in jail for their zairyu card” it’s that much of an issue. I recently learned while in jail or prison you’re not allowed to speak in other languages than Japanese. Imagine being someone who isn’t fluent with no way to communicate your innocence. I don’t say this to fear monger Japan. But people should really know how it is here and what you need to do to keep yourself safe. Even from the people who are supposed to protect you.

[@lifehalfdone8210]

Oh yes. I am victim of both the cases here. I was arrested for not carrying my zairyu card when I was only sixteen. Kept interrogating, got an interpreter and what not. My father has lived in Japan for 47 years now. He was recently taken into custody for a crime he never committed. They kept him in for 40 days and did not let anyone communicate in our own language. We could not even say 'assalamu alaikum' which is an Islamic greeting.

[@wiandryadiwasistio2062]

thanks. another country into blacklist (assuming doing street photography there may get us detained)

[@banagan4604]

Don't visit Japan

[@secondsein7749]

And they seem to be heartless about it as well. A youtuber, Tokyo Lens got in an accident and was waiting for the ambulance to come. During that time he was interrogated by a number of policemen. The ambulance come then a senior policeman comes and then ask for his passport even thought it is clear that he needs to get to the hospital first. The police was having none of it and would have arrested and thrown him into the jail if it weren't for the paramedic told the officer he needs treatment.

[@nylon1458]

Lies

[@MrNagasakii]

Thank you for bringing this to light… it is extremely traumatic to be detained and that sticks around even after. You have this fear and anxiety that follows you around even though you’ve done nothing wrong. Whatever you do you don’t feel safe anymore because you have a fear of the people who are supposed to protect you

[@apexheavy]

its good to see that this is getting more public attention, its been a huge problem for so long

[@Roonlovesfish3874]

I have heard that this happens to tourists and international students as well. Scary stuff!

[@devinhigoy221]

Japan doesn't even know the term "Innocent until proven guilty".

[@YOSSHI_MK2]

推定無罪の原則(Principle of Presumption of Innocence) Check it out.

[@tats8666]

I know what I am about to say might be a harsh criticism of Japanese culture and society, but being half Japanese I can somewhat relate: The problem with Japanese culture is the concept of public perception - ulitimately people are excepted to live lives that are acceptable to society to the extent that it would be impossible to be accused of the possibility of wrong doing. Therefore, people assume, "If he or she has the potential to be accused then he or she must be guilty and is thus unfit to remain in society." It's also in someway related to the high suicide rate, because people are expected to be useful to society, by say failing tests, being fired, failing in business, accused of a crime - all these things destroy public image, the sense of being useful of the individual and their identity which drives people to end their lives. Although it us admirable that the guy is doing a radio show to try and highlight the issue and inform the public, in order to achieve real change there needs to be more international pressure and discussion. Maybe he needs to also start a KZbin channel with English Subtitles. Having low crime rates might be good, but having low crime rates because society is terrified of what being potentially accused do to your life is basically suppressing crime through terrorism and tyranny - not much different from Communist China. So someone was a suspect and they confessed and that is the job done from the police officers perspective, but is it really? What if their family was slaughtered and they found the first available person to be the suspect, forced a confession and then closed the case while the real killer was still at large? How would they feel? People need to step away from efficiency to effectiveness.

[@user-rq3ol8ib2t]

I think what you are saying is extreme. Having lived in Japan for a long time as a Japanese, at least I and no one around me was afraid of police pressure. We value discipline and order. It's not because of fear of the justice system or the police. It is a spontaneous respect for society and others. And You say“terrorism and tyranny”?I don't know if this is a metaphor, but when did terrorism and tyranny take place in Japan today? I am very confused by your perception of Japan.

[@tats8666]

@@user-rq3ol8ib2t To an extent I agree with what you are saying. No, people in Japan do not generally fear the police and probably more often than not view police with respect and as people who are working hard to serve society and keep people safe. It's not a society that is built on having to bribe the authorities or that people have be afraid of racial bias (unless maybe someone is South American or other Asian, since they don't fit the stereotypes of "acceptability"). For example if someone was drunk then a police officer in Japan might help them home, but in other countries a drunk person could be arrested and charged for drunken and disorderly conduct (depends what the person was actually doing while drunk in either case/place). Yes Japanese people are generally more respectful of other people, society, laws, rules and societal and cultural norms compared to other people in other countries. The issue I am talking about is not police pressure as such, but public and societal pressure which can be very oppressive and terrifying. Hence, why Karoshi and free/service overtime are only really things that exists in Japan, although it does also exist in South Korea and China to a lesser extent. The idea of having to perform in order to fit in and also how people perceive people as being part of the problem which creates these types of witch hunts when people are suspected or accused of something (perhaps tyranny and terrorism are wrong words, more like extreme inquisition type oppression of individuals and individualism and their perceived failures to be acceptable members of society). The fact is that these people in the documentary were victims of a system where police can't just say, "Look we are really sorry for the misunderstanding and the trouble we have caused you, but we really want to find the people responsible for this and hope you can forgive us." The reason is because it would impact how they (the police) are perceived by society, the victims family and the media reporting on their work. Therefore, forcing a confession is the solution for the police with regards to public perception, but it is one which creates another victim and doesn't actually solve the crime and thus the police aren't actually doing their job. Assuming someone was bought into questioning, what would their family (namely parents), neighbors, employers, colleagues and friends think of them? Most other places people don't have to think into that kind of detail or be afraid of those things, because it wouldn't matter because most people are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty and people generally tend to mind their own business and be less judgmental. Depending on what it was for and what a persons profession is it could impact their lives. Lets say someone was a teacher, even if said person was innocent there is no way a PTA in Japan would let them keep their job and good luck to them in getting another job (depending what said crime was, but PTA in Japan aren't generally understanding of people). It is always possible that someone could be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Even if not so, people make mistakes but mistakes should not define an individual. There is also a double standard with regards to mental illnesses, it isn't something that isn't considered acceptable to discuss and it is stigmatized, but a person can get away with multiple murders or some hideous crime like throwing their child out of an apartment window because of supposed mental illnesses. Don't get me wrong, Japan is an awesome place and Japanese people are great people. Things are structured and function well, everything is organized, generally predictable, of high quality and standards, people are generally polite and respectful. But if there was one thing that I could wish for, it would be that Japan would be a place that would be more forgiving of people making mistakes, whether that be organizations like the police or in terms of individuals in everyday life. I think everyone should have the right to start again and have their voices heard. No place is perfect and it is very hard to balance the needs of society as a whole and the individual and it is a matter of perspective and opinion as to which is more valuable than the other in this or that situation, but placing too much importance on one or the other is unhealthy and expecting people to all fit into a generic mold and be the same for the sake of society is wrong. I hope that these people and their families who were victimized by police and society were able to find jobs and live normal lives again, but I highly doubt it.

[@aesyamazeli8804]

@@tats8666 this discussion is very illuminating, but to be fair it's the same thing all over the world, to a lesser extent. In my country, the police are not 'pressured' to find the culprit but they certainly don't care if they find the wrong one.

[@melelconquistador]

Does Japan have an ignorance problem as a result of the しょうがない and "nail that sticks out gets hammered down" attitudes? I mean it in terms of a conservatism in the contrast between the propagated image of the status quo to the upheld reality.

[@wiandryadiwasistio2062]

no, your statement is not harsh criticism, but a constructive one. harsh criticism would look like this (don’t take this seriously though; i’m giving an example so you get the idea): japan just can’t change things back from 1940s lmao. i’m surprised everyone there is guilty before ‘proved’ innocent, like why a random pedestrian can be a terrifying criminal just because they exist in a crime scene lmao. what kind of ‘justice’ is that, bru? idk but rather making their prison cells full of random people, guess them polices can find other things to do like doing stand-up comedy or convincing weebs that anime girls don’t exist lmao but again, shō ga nai, eh? guess they still miss the good ol’ 1940s when they still can use horses (and guns) to make ‘em confess but now, it’s not possible… so they have to do the work by their hands. it’s hard getting creative nowadays but at least it’s honest

[@halesm]

Fantastic work on this documentary, I had no idea about this.

[@ubadtmar7835]

This is truly sad and tragic. Never realised that the Japanese Law is anti-human rights, anti-Justice. A very good documentary

[@lazaruskarl2629]

Like they did in WAR,to POW ......

[@geminized]

When your country is an ally of USA, you can get away with a lot of human rights violations

[@indonesianchinese5724]

Indonesia is the best.

[@thecoffeemaker7444]

@@indonesianchinese5724 hardly

[@vivoslibertos]

It's important that people should aware that Japan is a feudal country, the irony is even the citizens not aware of it.

[@Buttersausage]

Than you shedding light 💡 into this

[@alessiagatti590]

It really feels like it's guilty until proven innocent than the contrary. Absurd stories. Thanks for the brilliant documentary 👌

[@PeterTheodore91]

As a foreigner who lives in Japan for over 6 years, all i can say is try your best to avoid problems (especially tourists). I had a few experience on my frist 5 months in Japan when i don't speak Japanese yet, there are one crazy dude in my share house who always tries to cause trouble to foreigners who lives there (except the one who can speak Japanese) like throwing someone shoe on the road, being too noisy, discarding someone's belonging without warning, complaining if someone is not following the rule (meanwhile himself often didn't follow the rules), changing TV channel/turned off so he can play his console without asking while someone is using it and the housing company basically did nothing! Instead, they suggested me to get out (so i did). My Japanese friend warned me there are crazy people who cowardly trying cause trouble to foreigners in expectation will assaulting them so they can call cop🤦🏻‍♂️ But don't worry, you won't encounter this crazy people very often, I'm just saying it is possible in place like public transportation and cheap share house/apartments (seriously, avoid cheap living place unless you really have no choice!🤦🏻‍♂️ i have heard a lot of crazy things happened)

[@mreefalrabaai320]

This was very informative.

[@mrsleakyshit]

The discussion about “what” crime someone committed is entirely separate from “how” that person should be treated. The two should not be confused, as some people will deliberately confuse the two to try to manipulate the conversation to their liking.

[@lovewhenshe]

really great video

[@thechickenhasarisen]

That boxer not only deserves a full acquittal but he deserves to at least live long enough to see those who perpetuated his confinement be sent to prison themselves. ✌️

[@pratickkkk]

Anime culture has made people think that Japan is the ideal country, little do we know about the attrocities that take place there

[@goddessblade]

...when you realiza the Japan in Ace Attorney is much more just and fair than the real one

[@zippymufo9765]

Patrick wins "Cringe comment of the year" 😂 I cannot imagine why anyone would believe that they could evaluate a country by its cartoons.

[@surveyor1515]

@@zippymufo9765 my dude, people literally fall in love with Japan because of its anime…by the millions, he’s absolutely correct 🤨

[@pratickkkk]

@@zippymufo9765 I am afraid they do though

[@minxili3317]

Don't forget the war crimes that they have committed in World War 2 and till this day refuse to admit to them. Then they go and play the victim.

[@winglessangelheart]

As a Japanese living in Japan, i'm ashamed to say this is the first time i've heard of the term (both english and japanese). It's astounding how they carry out these inhuman interrogations under broad daylight without us noticing a thing... There are a few youtubers and alike who are coming up with videos and recordings of these 'interrogations' which show a lot about the police' stubborness and show how it actually is, so the moral of the story you can work out in this era- record every shit that may prove valuable later.

[@thepunisher2988]

You have nothing to be ashamed of. They do the same thing in the Western world, except that they like to hide their problems or pretend they are not as bad as others' by claiming moral superiority and pointing fingers at other nations. There is no perfect justice system, and there will always be false convictions, but we must try to reduce false convictions as low as humanly possible. The Japanese justice system probably has worked harder to reduce conviction errors than the justice systems of any other nations. When police or prosecutorial misconduct surfaces in the Western world, they are given a rather high degree of immunity except for the most serious circumstances of corruption. In Japan, when police or prosecutorial misconduct surfaces, there will definitely be one or more people are going to lose their jobs. Also, the prosecutors don't put a case forward to trial unless they are almost certain they will get a conviction, because losing one too many case might see them lose their potential for promotions in the future. This means most of the time the prosecutor will make sure there is exhaustive evidence that point to guilt, or just not bother to proceed to trial. There are a lot of cases that never get prosecuted just because there isn't a perfect set of evidence for a conviction. As a result, a lot of crimes go unpunished and the victims of those crimes have to live a life of resentment, because they can't do anything about it. This can be very frustrating to the police investigating the case, and sometimes there is a heavy pressure on the investigators to get a confession out of the suspect so the prosecutors can take it to trial. Just like with anything, there will be cheaters sometimes. It is just human nature to want to cheat when there is a immense pressure to win. Some investigators will resort to dirty interrogation tactics, and this isn't unique to the Japanese criminal justice system. ALL justice system need to work to reduce that kind of behavior, and it isn't going to help the US work out its own problems when it tries to claim moral superiority by pointing fingers at the Japanese justice system. I'm tired of the West trying to influence our ways especially in matters they don't have much credibility anyway.

[@rdxzero]

which youtubers? I want to watch

[@H37P5kY57]

However the culture also allows individuals to be held accountable for their actions and thus a very low crime rate. Seems like my school mates from boarding school eventually migrated to the US. I'm going to ask them if they've heard of this but my assumption is a no. I think Asian students didn't find boarding school difficult because we are all used to this Draconian way of life.

[@snowdog03]

I know a gaijin there who was imprisoned almost two years for accepting a package delivery from his African friend. The recipient didn't know it was drugs. He finally was freed and deported after he found a competent lawyer.

[@pilliger101]

YES this needs more traction!

[@pasainedukurey5208]

Thank you so much Vice, I’ve always wanted to visit Japan but after watching this, I am never going there in my life because I’d assume it would be even worse for a foreigner.

[@user-ht4kp7py2c]

I lived in Japan for seven years and it’s highly overrated now because of anime, manga, and video games. Enjoying Japanese products is fine, but saying Japan is the best country on earth does a disservice to the millions of people that suffer under its arcane Confucian societal norms.

[@whatintheworld6413]

Yeah actually Japan is quite Racist too not on skin color. The fact that you're not real Japanese, they will segregate you. Even half Japanese they don't admit them as "Real" Japanese

[@gordonbgraham]

@@user-ht4kp7py2c I've lived in Japan since 1988, more than 30 years and have raised 5 kids here. I'm from Canada, where home-ownership is out of reach for the working class. Drug use is rampant among teenagers and people are at odds with each other culturally and politically. Moving to Japan from Canada was the best decision I've ever made. I've never read manga or played a video game in my life. I'm into ice hockey and motorcycles.

[@williamweikumaishi-xiong6281]

Thank you VICE for covering this topic!

[@williamedrickleoshin]

Does anyone have a link to the full song. It was really beautiful.

[@Unknown_Ooh]

The first gentleman has an amazing story I couldn't imagine how hard it is to get an acquittal in Japan with a 99.9% conviction rate due to people's egos and can't be wrong personalities.

[@suzukimasato5287]

I live in Japan, My advice? Dont live here. Its a beautiful clean kind of hell. Sad and grey. Food is awesome tho

[@mdml0]

Yeah. I think it's good to visit for vacation but living permanently is difficult.

[@wiandryadiwasistio2062]

the honne/本音 is too spicy for foreigners anyway, but i’d love to try it as a tourist…

[@AshkanKiani]

same and agreed. i’ll be leaving soon, and having been stopped and frisked by the police multiple times is a big factor why.

[@gordonbgraham]

I've lived in Japan since 1988 and couldn't be happier. Moving here from Canada more than 30 years ago was the best decision I've ever made. My wife and I have raised 5 healthy, happy kids here. We wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[@Hay8137g]

Food is meh

[@mikulitsi1819]

26:00 Man... I'm crying

[@figgettit]

it frankly incredible these testimonies are not violently suppressed. these people are so brave. especially the journalist

[@jonathanhahaha1324]

Dammit am I surprised by that situation, I'm not an expert on Japan but it seems even to their own people totally unheard of, how the F can they keep the lid on those Major injustices, its just disgusting how cowardly most of people really are and not speak up, thanks vice crew for the report, this has to become a topic in the younger generation urgently, share and tell your friends about it, lets gather people to public protests this in Japan, I'm in.

[@melelconquistador]

They reframe what this cowardice and injustice is. It's the underlying conservatives sentiments permeating the culture. Many words for it like "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down."

[@wiandryadiwasistio2062]

it’s in their blood to not cause social chaos and rather just go along with it. sorry but that’s collective mindset for us; japan still have a lot to change, and i don’t think it’ll be decades, centuries at least

[@vivoslibertos]

Japan is feudal and the only history that is not fabricated is the WW II. How they treat the POW is the same how they treat the citizen if they don't maintain the harmony.

[@TheZachary86]

Westerners really have this obsession in getting foreign nations to protest and overthrow their governments. Whilst their own nations similar protests will get squashed.

[@gordonbgraham]

Mostly because there is so little of it. Wrongful convictions are commonplace throughout the world. Japan is no different. That said, there are fewer of them in Japan than most other nations simply because they are so thorough before making a charge.

[@glennowen4940]

26:58 was a beautiful yet ironic sad song.

[@xsl2011]

​Having the most powerful passport in the world and the worst justice system doesn't go hand in hand and we here can only comment here. That system is not going to change may be after few decades.

[@MrPieman00]

what is the worlds most powerful passport?

[@xsl2011]

@@MrPieman00 Means those who holds the passport of Japan can travel to 193 countries without applying for a visa before traveling.

[@newtmolina2198]

@@MrPieman00 pretty sure its singapores

[@schizo0223]

@@newtmolina2198 Singapore is tied with South Korea for number 2. Japan is number 1 still, but only by one (193 vs 192.)

[@bltzcstrnx]

​​@@schizo0223 last time I read UAE is number one. Are they already toppled? Still the comment true though, UAE, Japan and Singapore have harsh justice system.

[@vehx9316]

This issue also compounds other matters as well, because Japan will only seriously investigate a crime that they are usually 99 per cent sure that they can get a conviction. A lot of other crimes like stalking and domestic abuse that are difficult to resolve gets swept under the rug, local authorities do not like having a list of unresolved case and/or unrest to blight their score card. So alot of times lesser crimes are reclassified as "domestic disturbances" and victims are advised to take "self-help" measures instead. No one likes to see that a local area has a high rate of crime and unrest but these are important indicators of social decay and unrest.

[@vehx9316]

@@AA-ok5jz Does this change or refute what I stated ? This is whataboutism.

[@vehx9316]

@@AA-ok5jz Prosecution is different from an investigation. Investigation is an acknowledgement that a crime happen, prosecution on the other hand is finding someone responsible for the crime. If there is in sufficient evidence to convict someone or if the prosecution declines to prosecute, that does not mean a crime cease to exists or did not happened.

[@fjhkerwoiero00]

99% sure to get conviction through coercion?? Just say they focus on what is serious crimes according to their standards!!

[@falseaccusationjapan5640]

Not true about stalking, DV, so called sexual assault, etc. police are very anxious to rest detain interrogate and try and prosecute those charges, at least against foreigners in Japan

[@banagan4604]

Visited Japan twice, found out about their North Korean justice system afterwards. I wouldn't return and advise people to stay away. Even small crimes can have you held hostage for a year or more.

[@gordonbgraham]

I've lived in Japan for more than 30 years. My son was caught stealing motorcycles when he was 15. Instead of charging him the police met with us then set up a meeting with the local gang that recruited him and 2 of his friends. They told the gang to leave the kids alone and rather than prosecute my son and his friends, they confiscated their phones so the gang had no contact with them and they made the kids come and report to the police station once a week for a couple of months. In my experience, the police have been more than fair.

[@madeinjapan3333]

@@gordonbgrahamMaybe because you are White i doubt for the rest of the standard of Race

[@PropaneWP]

It surprises me how those defending this legal system aren't asked harder questions. Such as; "how is it possible to have a 99.99% conviction rate?". Only some authoritarian countries with unjust legal systems have that kind of conviction rate.

[@gordonbgraham]

Or countries in which the police don't lay a charge unless certain of guilt.

[@KH-of2rb]

Why is this biased reporting only on Japan? Japan's conviction rate is high, but so is Canada's. Canada's conviction rate is 98%, 99% if you include Quebec. As a matter of fact, both Canada and Japan do not prosecute without solid evidence. The prosecution rate is 40%. A country with a low conviction rate means that prosecutors are prosecuting and trying cases without evidence.

[@HGCapital-vp2zo]

I was arrested and jailed for 3 days in Japan for littering!!! seriously! handcuffed and jailed!

[@babsie-annhartell5729]

Shocking that abuses like this still happening today. Insightful story... @ VICE please change font size and color (very small and difficult to follow when it's white on white) when translating

[@OneDayAtATime365]

Phenomenal.

[@ronelz999]

Vice can you please change the color of the subtitles or just do anything about it, everytime a white background shows up i cant read anything.

[@xixi1x34]

Interesting

[@JMalikZ]

Japan is run by relatively old people who value public perception. Once this old generation goes to the grave and new young people emerge to run the government establishments, things will change. Japanese old generation is stubborn as hell. An example is the former prosecutor at 19:16. Look at how deluded he sounds.

[@SwitchMaxFX]

I dont think it will become that easy. I read a lot of young people in japan don't really care that much about politics in general. Im not sure if that amount of people has gotten bigger or smaller nowadays tho.

[@yutgorpotungyun]

Damn, fd got attacked by some other foreigners due to geo-political conflicts. They reported the assault but the police insists it’s their fault to bring up the issue and attract the attackers. They even imply they could charge my fd instead with instigating violence or sth like that. Fd has to drop the case and the attackers walk free. It’s like a reverse situation but either way (99% conviction rate/forcing victim to drop charges ) is bad…

[@SWERIC1]

Does anyone have the link to the full song by Sakurai?

[@robertraymond348]

Japan's silly justice system was the reason why Ace Attorney exist

[@varkanmigaris9556]

The Tokyo Vice series by HBO is a really interesting portrayal of how the police and media in Japan prioritize on getting conviction versus the actual justice.

[@inigobantok1579]

The book freakonomics also elaborated it on how corruption resides in all countries with the incentives that come with it.

[@gordonbgraham]

Jake "the fake" Adelstein

[@falseaccusationjapan5640]

I want to see that guy at 20:00 arrested and go through the interrogation process to prove his innocence about falsely convicting people or discrimination. Although in Japan discrimination is not a crime, so as he knows he’s very safe to be as discriminatory as he wants.

[@TheAustinJapan]

When an innocent person- either Japanese or a foreigner, is put in Jail - is acting like a criminal organization for being tortured and detained under an innocent condition.

[@hanchiman]

So basically real life Ace Attorney?

[@ineslopes5230]

Thank you so much VICE for showing us this immensely sad reality and it is indeed important to show this to the world so that people are aware of this injustice and that something can be changed… I feel so sorry for the victims and their families and for the time and energy they had to put into this horrible system injustice.

[@kenan4370]

I've heard an indonesian guy who had family in japan and one day after fishing trip with his son the police suspect something suspicious in his car then they found a knife which he used as cuting bait and explain it to the officers. But he get arrested infront of his son but he freed after one night with compensation money

[@shanizaniz]

That former prosecutor said that it is a critique of discrimination against Asia because the critique was made by western people. But even in Malaysia, you have 3 days to detain a person without any charge for the police to do all the investigations. They can apply additional days only up to 7 days, IF allowed by the Magistrate. After that, if the police have enough evidence to charge the person, that person will be charged with the crime. But still, that person is considered innocent, until he is proven guilty after a trial which has the prosecution and defence stage, including the involvement of lawyer at the early stage. We have even a system where a pro bono lawyer will be provided if that person is not able to pay for the lawyer fees to defend them. If after 7 days, the evidences collected are not enough, the person must be released immediately. So it is not a critique discrimination against Asia, but a critique of the Japanese system. I believe many if not most or all other Asian countries do not adhere/practice the system like Japan.

[@vehx9316]

The 3 day thing is more of a administrative loop hole, while on paper Malaysia police can only detain you for 24 hours. They might time the arrest so that it happens on a Friday night when the courts are closed. So you will have to wait until Monday to get an audience with the Magistrate.

[@Jonastice]

I'm currently here in Japan Osaka while watching this. Holy shit

[@terrorismno]

This explains why the ace attorney games are insane

[@youtubecommenter2527]

This just feels like a band-aid of "we got the culprit, please forget about this incident quickly" type of "justice". Where results are more important than finding out the truth. Edit: confessions require NO corroborating evidence. This system is corrupt to the core.

[@ariavega520]

Watched the drama 99.9% who tackled this issue

[@Rico-xv9rd]

Do they get compensation for wrongly imprisoned?

[@youthinasia4103]

I can prolly guess it’s a big fat “NO” n prolly not even an apology unless very impersonal n forced!

[@YOSSHI_MK2]

Yes

[@SlayerGodOfDeath]

then what happen if they get the wrong guy after that wrong guy get killed by law and few days latter you found the real criminal will thse guys ever say sorry for their action ?

[@lukaszwojcik4068]

I was also detained three times on false accusations. And once interrogated so fiercely that I made false confession upon the promise that I’ll only pay fine. The law system in Japan is oppressive .

[@Seanpfree]

Why are you reuploading old content??

[@-Raylight]

So Ace Attorney wasn't kidding about the prosecutors and justice system huh...

[@calitaliarepublic6753]

The American criminal court system actually has a similar conviction rate to Japan, they just have different horrible mechanisms for getting that number. America and Japan are two of the most backwards developed countries in terms of their legal systems.

[@andysux1]

Don't forget Australia

[@calitaliarepublic6753]

@@andysux1 Ooh, I’m curious about how Australia managed to end up like that, because I don’t think they have plea bargains. In America they use plea bargains, which are effectively forced confessions, because they make the defendant choose to take a lighter punishment and admit to a crime they may or may not have committed, or else go to trial and risk a much heavier punishment if found guilty. To make themselves look better, the American authorities compare their guilty conviction rate only for cases that actually go to trial, while the Japanese actually uses the figure for all cases that get prosecuted. However, the percentage of defendants punished for prosecuted crimes with or without evidence is about the same.

[@tonybutcher4762]

@@calitaliarepublic6753 Eggy has no idea what he is talking about, too much Murdoch propaganda.

[@banagan4604]

At least you're not kidnapped for 23 days without a lawyer in The US.

[@calitaliarepublic6753]

@@banagan4604 All the lawyer does in America more than 90% of the time is help you get a plea bargain for a reduced sentence. In Japan you get a reduced sentence by writing a letter apologizing for the crime of which you stand accused. In terms of the end results for defendants, the American and Japanese systems are not very different. There was even an academic study done to show that Carlos Ghosn was likely to have a similar outcome in America, based on statistics of prosecuted cases.

[@thlee3]

does anyone know what in japanese history/culture made it so that the legal system turned into this?

[@titiwa5768]

I’d say originated from the Edo period. Absolute Govt coercion on its citizens for control…

[@CmdrEsteban]

The Prussian legal system after the Meiji restoration (from 1868 onward). The Prussian parliamentary system was also modelled in Japan, called the Diet (pronounced Dee-et). This is why when referred to in languages other than Japanese, their parliament is called the Diet. Interestingly, for any weeby otaku anime fans out there, the sailor-style school uniforms worn by Japanese children today are traditional Prussian uniforms from that era. So yeah - this is not “Asian” style justice at all (whatever that means), rather the Japanese brutal criminal justice system operates based on that of a country so outdated it doesn’t even exist anymore. Old Prussia now forms part of modern day Germany and Poland, and those countries have long since abandoned this barbaric and ineffectual method of solving investigations and bringing perpetrators to justice.

[@CrowbarOfJustice]

its hard to read white text in a white background please make it easier to read

[@user-wx5ks2mp4n]

As a Japanese, I think we mustn’t forget our low crime rate is the result of extremely crucial judicial system. It’s even possible to be compared with El Salvador.

[@gorotv5826]

As a Japanese, I am saddened to hear that most foreigners condemn Japan without any understanding of the Japanese criminal justice system. Since the prosecution rate in formal trials in Japan is only 8%, it is not surprising that the conviction rate is so high. Japanese prosecutors will not prosecute a case unless there is a certainty of conviction, so 60% of the cases they accept are deferred, and most suspects are released without even a trial. As a result, prosecutors rarely coerce suspects into making false confessions. In addition, 30% of the cases accepted by prosecutors end up in summary trials without formal charges. This is a judicial procedure used in cases where the suspect admits guilt and the fine is a misdemeanor of 1 million yen or less.

[@KH-of2rb]

A little mistake. The prosecution rate is 40%. Actually, the same is true for Canada.

[@madness3369]

Yeah, that is what prosecutors say about what prosecutors do. They would say that though, wouldn't they? The biggest issue is that saying someone is innocent is tantamount to saying the government is wrong, or that other prosecutors are wrong, etc. Not exactly a welcome thing in Japanese culture.

[@arkodeepmukherjee3359]

Absolutely horrific..Looks like I dont need to go to japan to get a decent ramen ...

[@cc45hav]

Is this a reupload?

[@Agencetourix]

Yeah, they've uploaded this before.

[@sophiaisabelle0227]

I don't know how the justice system works in every single country, however I'm always all for fighting for justice when it is deemed appropriate and necessary to do so. It's often tough to guarantee that an individual is 99.9% guilty in court. Chances are they could potentially disguise themselves as the victim(s) of the crime. It's interesting to see documentaries like this. It's something utterly relevant yet doesn't fail to lack any depth.

[@fjhkerwoiero00]

I think you misunderstood the 99.9%! It doesn't refers to the level of guilty of the individual but the Japanese conviction rate "success"!!

[@gordonbgraham]

@@fjhkerwoiero00 The high conviction rate has a lot to do with the police not making a charge without a thorough investigation and absolute certainty that they have the culprit. Yes, unfortunate incidents like the two above occur. I would hazard a guess that wrongful convictions are at a much higher rate in other countries.

[@ReizePrimus]

28:59 "Allowing this to go on forever is making us the laughingstock of the world." Words of truth, but an understatement. Japan's been the butt of jokes in far more aspects than just a culture of judicial malpractice for decades.

[@JoeNaJoes]

So this is the reason why japan had low crime rate, kinda sad.

[@kissmyassdickhead9346]

This is an act of abuse with false evidence and bullying. They should be investigating the internal affair of corruption.

[@melelconquistador]

Investigated by who?

[@kissmyassdickhead9346]

@@melelconquistador international independent investigator without Japanese authority.

[@keanuuchihasan]

That one guy saying that the west despise the asia should be wrongly accused and see if he still support the Japanese justice system. Other Asian countries despise Japan as well for their cruel justice system.

[@KH-of2rb]

Unlike your country, Japan is a developed country with high intelligence. Don't compare us with your country where there are only barbarian monkey policemen. In your country, if you don't like someone, you shoot him dead.

[@kinw5548]

Poor human justice. Passport is worthlessness.

[@rebuz1996]

The notion of justice simply doesn't exist there.

[@eliasnate2346]

became cop in japan is like became "god" can elimiate anyone with legal way

[@alanhu4214]

Sounds like the mentality of 99.999999% of cops in the US of A...

[@YOSSHI_MK2]

As a Japanese, I would like the Japanese police to have more authority. They cannot even fire a shot without permission.

[@SunaAoimori]

日本語字幕もつければいいのに

[@phyarth8082]

3:56 biggest difference between east and west is mot loose face in Asia. For example Sony engineer calls to Funai engineer and requires to produce specific part to his product only on agreement of word through telephone is required. RCA engineer calls to GE and requires 600 pages lawyers approved contract because every man in west ins individualist idealisms, dedication, honesty, love to his craft in west don't exist word agreement don't exits in west, when Japan firm makes business with USA firm USA firm has 7 corporate lawyers and 6000 pages written rules because he knows that USA bossiness when deals with over westerner. For Japan not loosing the face is more important that 6000 pages contract and 6 high paid lawyers hiring firm.

[@bkh1324]

In this hostage justice situation none of the real criminals are ever brought to justice. They just convict innocent people and let the others go. It's just terrible.

[@lmaoxd7993]

They got sibyl system?

[@hansolo8225]

Why is Japan so safe for law abiding citizens?

[@costanzawallet7428]

8:44 ain't that the theme for blacked?

[@ikko4107]

皮肉なことに犯罪率が我が国は低いため、捜査機関の改革は僅かです…冤罪者が万が一にも出ないように改革をしないといけませんね。

[@Yamada1970]

🙏❣️❣️❣️

[@poo81]

Vice Asia > other Vice

[@junacebedo888]

Japan has a caveman justice system

[@n3gi_]

Caveman probably had a better justice system, "Trial by fight" or something. At least your chances of winning were far better than 99.9%.

[@Doomsquad99]

So this is why that dude had himself smuggled out in a amp case

[@Dah2291]

Thats why Carlos Ghosn escaped .

[@harahorehirehare1]

Nobuo Gohara agreed to cancel the retrial of the Hakamada case. In other words, he is the man who is going to kill Mr. Iwao Hakamada.

[@kierangan7944]

It’s a dark world we live in, injustice exists if you r not rich or well connected. Or rather should I say that the justice systems and laws around the world have never been about fairness and r built by the powerful for the sole purpose to control normal folks like u and I.

[@n3gi_]

It seems to me that public prosecutor is probably the easiest job in Japan.

[@dsedh23]

This is how Vice making the prejudices against Japan.

[@j562gee0hdeewestsdegethemuLa]

That's not just Japan most places your guilty until proven innocent which is why some people get locked up without bail. If it really was' innocent until proven guilty ' then you wouldn't be treated like a prisoner until that innocent or guilty judgment was made