The first oral argument in the [Ohkawara Kakohki Case] Lawsuit Seeking Judges' Liability for Hostage Justice will be held on Monday, June 29, at 11:00 a.m. In this case, the bereaved family of Mr. Shizuo Aishima — who passed away from cancer while repeatedly denied bail — has filed suit against the state, alleging that the decisions of 37 judges who issued arrest and detention warrants and rejected bail were unlawful.

At this hearing, the plaintiffs — Mr. Aishima's wife, eldest son, and second son — will deliver statements before the court, and lead counsel Takashi Takano will present an oral argument. A post-hearing report event featuring a talk session with journalist Osamu Aoki will follow at the Hibiya Library & Museum. We warmly invite your participation.

[Ohkawara Kakohki Case] Lawsuit Seeking Judges' Liability for Hostage Justice — First Oral Argument

◼️ Date & Time: Monday, June 29, 2026, 11:00–11:30 a.m.

◼️ Venue: Tokyo District Court, Courtroom No. 103

◼️ Overview: The plaintiffs — Mr. Aishima's wife, eldest son, and second son — will deliver statements before the court. Lead counsel Takashi Takano will also present oral argument.

※ Given the high level of public interest anticipated, admission to the courtroom will be determined by lottery via numbered admission tickets. Should a lottery be conducted, please collect your ticket by approximately 30 minutes prior to the commencement of proceedings. Please refer to the Tokyo District Court website for further details.

※ The post-hearing event venue will open at 11:00 a.m. Attendees who are not selected in the lottery are welcome to proceed directly to the event venue.

Post-Hearing Report Event

◼️ Date & Time: Monday, June 29, 2026, 12:15–1:30 p.m. | Doors open at 11:00 a.m.

◼️ Venue: Hibiya Library & Museum Convention Hall (Google Map)

◼️ Overview: Part 1 will feature a talk session with journalist Osamu Aoki, who has reported extensively on the Ohkawara Kakohki Case, examining the structural problems of "hostage justice" and the broader significance of this litigation. Part 2 will feature the plaintiffs and lead counsel Takashi Takano, who will speak to the messages behind their courtroom statements and share their outlook on the case ahead.

※ Free admission — advance registration recommended

About the [Ohkawara Kakohki Case] Lawsuit Seeking Judges' Liability for Hostage Justice

In the Ohkawara Kakohki Case, Mr. Shizuo Aishima, a former company adviser, was wrongfully arrested and detained for nearly eleven months — never granted bail, his detention never lifted — and passed away while still subject to a detention order. The unlawfulness of the investigation was later acknowledged, yet the judges who issued the arrest and detention warrants and repeatedly denied bail have never been held to account. This lawsuit challenges the decisions of 37 judges involved, with the goal of restoring the rule of law to Japan's criminal justice system and ending the practice of "hostage justice."