Japanese “Hostage Justice”: Kadokawa Challenges Detention System

Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, former chairman of Kadokawa Corporation, has filed a civil lawsuit against the Japanese government, challenging the country’s controversial “hostage justice” detention system. Indicted on bribery charges linked to the Tokyo Olympics, Kadokawa spent over seven months in detention before being granted bail.

The lawsuit, citing illegal detention and harsh interrogation practices, highlights criticisms echoed by human rights advocates and contrasts Japan’s legal system with international standards. Kadokawa alleges he was pressured to confess and subjected to inhumane treatment during his detention, a practice he claims violates fundamental human rights. This legal challenge underscores ongoing scrutiny of Japan’s judicial procedures amid global comparisons and internal criticisms of its handling of high-profile cases.