In Japan, criminal defendants who are yet to be proven guilty are routinely held in pretrial detention. This practice—widely condemned as a serious human rights violation—is known as hostage justice. While rare globally, it remains grossly overlooked in Japan. Through the “End Hostage Justice!” Lawsuit, LEDGE is supporting a constitutional challenge against the Code of Criminal Procedure that enables this system.

The first court hearing will take place on Wednesday, July 9, at 1:30 PM, and will include a statement from the lead plaintiff (court speech) as well as oral arguments by lead counsel, Takashi Takano.

Following the hearing, we will host a debriefing session at 2:30 PM at the Convention Hall (B1F) of the Hibiya Library & Museum. In addition to reporting on the day’s proceedings, the event will feature a panel discussion with Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, the plaintiff in the “Kadokawa Hostage Justice Lawsuit”, and others working on the same issue.

We invite you to join us in court and at the debriefing session as we take the first step in this crucial legal fight to end hostage justice in Japan.

First Hearing of “End Hostage Justice!” Lawsuit

[Date] Wed. 9 July, 1:30 pm (about 30 min.)
[Venue] Tokyo District Court, Room No. 626

Debriefing Session and Panel Discussion

[Date] Wed. 9 July, 2:30 pm
[Venue] Hibiya Library & Museum, B1F Convention Hall
[Program]
1st half: Debriefing session by the plaintiff and the legal team of “End Hostage Justice!” Lawsuit
2nd half: Panel discussion
[Panelists (scheduled)]
Tsuguhiko Kadokawa (Plaintiff of “Kadokawa Hostage Justice Lawsuit”)
Takashi Takano (lead attorney of the “End Hostage Justice!” Lawsuit)
Moderator: Kanae Doi (Attorney and Japan Director of the International NGO “Human Rights Watch”)
and others