A Sister's Unyielding Love: The Fight for Justice Beyond 56 Years

After over half a century of struggle, Iwao Hakamata was acquitted of a crime he did not commit, highlighting systemic flaws within Japan's death penalty regime. His sister, Hideko, dedicated her life to his fight for justice, only to see the toll it took on his mental health.

In an extraordinary tale of familial love and endurance, 91-year-old Hideko Hakamata has devoted her life to exonerating her brother, Iwao Hakamata, who endured an unprecedented 56 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. In September of 2024, against all odds, a Japanese court finally declared him innocent, marking the end of the world's longest-serving death row case and bringing relief to a family that had borne the weight of injustice for decades.

From her home in Hamamatsu, Hideko recalled the moment the verdict was announced. "When I told him he was acquitted, he just stared at me, silent," she said, signifying the emotional toll their prolonged struggle had inflicted on both of them. Iwao, who had been convicted of the 1966 quadruple murder of a Shizuoka family, had always maintained his innocence. His ordeal began when he was accused of the crime, leading to a coerced confession following grueling interrogations.

The case against Iwao was built on shaky grounds, particularly around evidence that was later proven to be fabricated. However, life on death row in Japan took a severe psychological toll on him. Hideko witnessed years of mental decline in Iwao, who transformed from a lively, ambitious boxer into a withdrawn shell of his former self. The so-called "hostage justice" system in Japan, which keeps condemned prisoners in the dark about their fate, only exacerbated the brutality of their situation, fostering mental illness among many inmates.

Despite enduring immense heartbreak, Hideko emerged as her brother's steadfast advocate, tirelessly campaigning for a retrial after he had been granted one in 2014. Key evidence finally surfaced, suggesting the prosecution had tampered with critical forensic data. As a result, the presiding judge determined the case against Iwao was based on falsified claims, ultimately leading to his exoneration.

After the verdict was announced, Judge Koshi Kunii offered his apologies to Hideko for the protracted injustice, a rare acknowledgment in a legal system known for its 99% conviction rate. In a symbolic gesture of remorse, even the chief of police bowed before her, expressing his regret for the undue suffering they imposed over the years.

Despite the relief brought on by Iwao’s vindication, the scars of their past are evident. Hideko, who can often be found caring for her brother in their bright pink home—a symbol of her hope for brighter days—still grapples with the memories of their shared suffering. "I don't want to think about the past," she insists. "I just want Iwao to live a peaceful life."

The long-fought battle for Iwao's freedom reflects not only a personal history of love and resilience but also raises critical questions regarding systemic issues in Japan’s legal framework. As Hideko continues to care for her brother, she chooses to focus on the present, hopeful for the future while cherishing their invaluable bond.