Getty ImagesHideko Hakamata, 91, spent half of her life fighting for the release of her brother, who was the world’s longest-serving death row inmate. When Iwao Hakamata was declared innocent in September, after being convicted of quadruple murder in 1968, he seemed unable to fully comprehend the moment.
“I told him he was acquitted, and he was silent,” Hideko Hakamata, his 91-year-old sister, tells the BBC at their home in Hamamatsu, Japan. “I couldn’t tell whether he understood or not.”
Hideko had been advocating for her brother’s retrial for decades. Finally, in September 2024, at the age of 88, he was acquitted, bringing an end to Japan’s longest-running legal saga.
Mr. Hakamata’s case sheds light on the systemic brutality of Japan’s justice system, where death row inmates are only notified of their impending execution a few hours in advance. This prolonged uncertainty can have severe mental health consequences, leading to a risk of serious illnesses.
Iwao Hakamata has been living with his sister since his release in 2014. Their daily routine involves outings with a volunteer group that supports them. However, Mr. Hakamata remains anxious around strangers and has been withdrawn for years.
Hideko attributes her brother’s mental health struggles to the more than 40 years he spent in solitary confinement on death row. She describes his experience as being treated like an animal.
The story of Iwao Hakamata’s wrongful conviction dates back to 1966 when he was accused of murdering his boss, the man’s wife, and their two children. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was coerced into giving a confession after enduring beatings and lengthy interrogations.
The retrial in 2014 was a turning point in Mr. Hakamata’s case, as new evidence emerged that challenged the prosecution’s claims. Ultimately, the judge declared him innocent, leading to his release from prison.
The acquittal of Iwao Hakamata highlighted the flaws in Japan’s criminal justice system, characterized by a high conviction rate and practices of “hostage justice.” The case underscored the importance of upholding the rights of the accused and ensuring a fair legal process.
After years of fighting for her brother’s innocence, Hideko Hakamata finally received an apology from the chief of police for the long delay in achieving justice. Despite the hardships they endured, Hideko expressed acceptance of their destiny and a willingness to move forward without bitterness.