Hakamata Awarded ¥217 Million for Wrongful Conviction in Landmark Ruling
Iwao Hakamata, wrongfully convicted in 1966, was awarded ¥217 million in compensation by the Shizuoka District Court. This amount is the highest for wrongful conviction in Japan, reflecting the severe mental and physical suffering he experienced over nearly 48 years of imprisonment, including 33 years on death row.
On March 26, 2025, the Shizuoka District Court awarded Iwao Hakamata ¥217 million in compensation for his wrongful conviction. This amount is considered to be the highest ever awarded in Japan for a case of wrongful conviction. Hakamata, now 89, was wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 48 years for a crime he did not commit, specifically the 1966 murders of four individuals in Shizuoka Prefecture.
The compensation amount was calculated according to the Criminal Compensation Law, which allows for ¥12,500 for each day of wrongful custody. Hakamata spent a substantial part of his imprisonment, approximately 33 years, awaiting execution, leading the court to recognize the severe mental and physical anguish he endured during this time.
In its ruling, the court noted the length of Hakamata’s detention, stating that the compensation amount was justified given the inhumane conditions he faced, including coerced interrogations. Furthermore, it highlighted that critical evidence, specifically five pieces of clothing used to convict him, had been fabricated by the prosecutors. This ruling serves as a landmark decision in acknowledging the injustices faced by wrongfully convicted individuals in Japan.
The Shizuoka District Court’s decision to award Iwao Hakamata ¥217 million represents a significant milestone in Japan’s legal system regarding wrongful convictions. This landmark compensation underscores the severe repercussions of false imprisonment and the need for accountability within the judicial process, as it acknowledges the extreme suffering endured by Hakamata during his lengthy incarceration.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
