January 29, 2026

Akahata ‘current’ column (excerpts)

Sixty-four years ago, an execution took place in a criminal case in which a man said to have Hansen’s disease (leprosy) had been sentenced to death at a “special court” for a murder that occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture. The special court was held inside a sanatorium for Hansen’s disease patients and court proceedings were not open to the public.

In the belief that the man was falsely accused based on prejudice and discrimination against leprosy patients as well as on the government’s forced segregation policy, former Hansen’s disease patients, lawyers, and concerned citizens had persistently called for a retrial and filed a damage lawsuit against the government. Six years ago, the Kumamoto District Court ruling recognizing the special court proceedings as unconstitutional was finalized. Following the finalization of this ruling, members of the man’s bereaved family filed with the Kumamoto District Court a request for a retrial.

In the court battle for the retrial, the legal team of the man’s bereaved family argued that as the special court decision was recognized as unconstitutional, a retrial decision should be granted. They submitted to the court an expert report which points to contradictions regarding the alleged murder weapon as well as in witnesses’ testimonies. However, the Kumamoto District Court on January 28 issued a ruling rejecting the retrial request. The lawyers plan to make an immediate appeal to a higher court.