Japan Today

Japan’s justice system has a conviction rate of 99.9%. Critics say that figure isn’t proof of prosecutorial skill but the result of a system known as “hostage justice” — prolonged detention, repeated interrogations and confessions forced under pressure. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at how hostage justice works, the cases of Carlos Ghosn and Iwao Hakamata, and whether recent reforms are changing the system. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro: Japan’s hostage justice exposed 01:17 The arrest: How hostage justice begins 03:03 Japan’s official defense of hostage justice 04:26 Slow reforms: Lawyers and video recording 05:38 Breaking down suspects inside detention 06:45 Iwao Hakamata: 45 years on death row 08:16 Carlos Ghosn: The daring escape 09:57 The fallout from Ghosn’s escape 11:18 Global criticism of Japan’s justice system 12:23 Outro: Guilty until proven innocent