Author: Justin McCurry in Tokyo

Japan’s justice system recently acquitted Iwao Hakamada, a former boxer, after spending almost half a century on death row for a crime he did not commit. His exoneration, after years of campaigning by his 91-year-old sister, shed light on the flaws of capital punishment in Japan. Despite strong public support for the death penalty, activists and organizations like Amnesty International are calling for its abolition due to human rights violations. Hakamada’s case revealed the harsh reality of the death penalty in Japan, where inmates face inhumane treatment and are kept in a state of limbo for years or even decades.…

Japan’s political landscape experienced a seismic shift as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his resignation, setting the stage for an unpredictable leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic party. The race to replace Kishida includes a diverse range of potential candidates, from party insiders to younger MPs, and even the possibility of Japan’s first female prime minister. The upcoming LDP election comes at a time of deep uncertainty, with the party facing public trust issues and economic challenges. Amidst a backdrop of scandals and criticisms, the next leader’s ability to regain public confidence and address pressing issues like rising living…