Hakamata seeks compensation after spending decades in prison for a crime he did not commit. His legal team announced plans to sue both the national and prefectural governments. They will file the claim on September 26, the date his acquittal officially took effect. The lawsuit will demand around ¥600 million for lost income and long-term care costs.
In addition, his lawyers are preparing another case for early September. That separate lawsuit will target a public prosecutor’s statement calling Hakamata a criminal. They say the comment was false and damaging. Therefore, they plan to sue for libel and personal defamation.
Originally, Hakamata was arrested in August 1966. Authorities suspected him of killing a family of four in Shizuoka Prefecture. He received the death penalty in 1980 and spent nearly 48 years in custody. New evidence surfaced in 2014, prompting the court to release him. A retrial confirmed his innocence, and judges acquitted him in 2024.
Earlier this year, a district court awarded him ¥217 million under Japan’s criminal compensation law. That figure covered his time in custody using a fixed daily rate. However, his lawyers criticized the amount as insufficient. They argued it failed to account for psychological trauma and lost life opportunities.
Now, Hakamata seeks compensation that reflects the full damage he suffered. His legal team also wants accountability from the government. They believe this case could push for deeper justice system reforms. The upcoming lawsuits aim to challenge not only the wrongful detention but also public mischaracterization.
His case has already sparked national debate. Critics say Japan’s retrial system is too strict and outdated. They say the justice system moves too slowly, even when it uncovers serious errors. Lawmakers are now reviewing possible legal changes, including better access to retrials and improved evidence disclosure.
Furthermore, Hakamata’s experience has raised concerns about the death penalty. Many people now question how safely the justice system handles life-or-death decisions. His case continues to influence legal discussions in Japan. Ultimately, Hakamata seeks compensation not only for personal redress but also to prevent future injustices. His fight may help transform how Japan handles wrongful convictions.
