Table of contents:
Video: "Hellhole": Why Japanese prisons are scary even for seasoned yakuza and are considered the most effective in the world
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
In Japanese prisons, it is always quiet and clean, there is not even a hint of unsanitary conditions, riots or violence among prisoners. However, even seasoned yakuza are afraid of the prospect of going to prison, considering this place too scary. At the same time, serving a sentence in a Japanese prison is very effective; hardly anyone wants to go to prison again. How do people who have broken the law live in a Japanese prison and why do they not even like to remember the time spent in captivity?
Hellhole
The life of inmates in a Japanese prison is subject to strict rules that have not changed over the years. Not only the schedule of those serving sentences is regulated, but also their gait, actions, gestures and even looks. The slightest deviation from the norms is severely punished.
Foreigners imprisoned in Japan suffer more than others when faced with a ruthless punishment machine in the Land of the Rising Sun. One of the American prisoners named Terrence, having been in Fuchu prison, later called this place nothing more than a "hell hole".
On the very first day of his stay in a Japanese prison, the prisoner was given a set of rules, consisting of hundreds of points. While in solitary confinement, the prisoner did the most pointless work: smoothing crumpled foil cake stands. After the work was done, the guard entered crumpled all the coasters and forced the prisoner to start all over again.
The rules regulate literally everything in the prison. The prisoner is instructed how to walk and how to sit, how to use the toilet, in what order to arrange personal belongings and how to look. Incorrect marching while walking, looking up at the guard, turning the head while eating are all violations that can lead to the punishment of being in solitary confinement. There, the punished must spend time sitting in a certain position from 7 to 17 hours. The prisoner sits on tucked legs, staring at the wall in front of him. Change of posture is unacceptable, stiff legs do not bother anyone.
Hygienically, shower procedures are acceptable only twice a week. At the same time, in winter, 15 minutes are allotted for them, and in summer, the time increases to 30 minutes. At the same time, in prisons there can be no question of air conditioning in summer or heating in winter.
It is simply life-threatening to get sick here, because you simply cannot wait for qualified medical care here. Not only is a prison doctor an extremely low-profile position, but before contacting him, a prisoner must fill out a questionnaire, and then wait for a doctor's consultation, which may take place in a few days.
READ ALSO: Every day is like the last: an innocent Japanese man spent 46 years in a cell, awaiting execution >>
Regulations and rules
This harshness in Japanese prisons is due to the spirit of the "Prison Law", which was passed back in 1908. In 2006 it was canceled, but the rules remained practically unchanged. A person who transgressed the law, only after going through purification through suffering, can return to life in a normal society and become a worthy member of it.
The prisoners get up at 6:45, and after examining each person and checking the cells, everyone except the punished are sent to work. Those serving sentences work from 8:00 to 17:00. Inspection is also the time for the "cancan odori". During this procedure, the prisoner, stripped naked, must perform certain actions in a strict sequence. He raises his arms, legs, sticks out his tongue and does everything that is provided for by this eerie dance. If the sequence is broken, everything starts over.
The prisoners go to work, marching and looking strictly at the back of each other's heads. You can't even look away. Conversations are strictly prohibited, except for lunch and some free time in the evening. You cannot look the overseer in the eye, only forward. While in a seated position, you can get up only with the permission of the guard.
Half an hour is allotted for lunch. While sitting in front of your portion, you need to close your eyes and wait until they give the command to eat. Violation of this rule is punishable by a punishment cell.
Only after dinner is the prisoner given relatively free time. He can spend it either in the library or in front of the TV. The prisoners go to bed at 21:00. At the same time, during sleep, the guards should see the head and arms of the sleeping person. If the posture is inappropriate, the prisoner will be immediately awakened.
This cruelty is due to the very negative attitude in Japan towards criminals. In this country, it is considered: such a harsh punishment is the best crime prevention in the country.
The beginning of reforms
However, in the Land of the Rising Sun, the first attempt has already been made to reform the punishment system. In 2008, the first private prison was opened here. The company that runs it receives a certain payment from the state for the maintenance of the prisoners.
The rules here are much softer than in a state prison, and the conditions of detention are more comfortable. Only those prisoners whose crimes are very insignificant can get here.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its loose views on many aspects that are illegal in other countries, seems to be choking on crime. But in reality, everything is completely different: Holland is forced to close its prisons because they are empty.
Recommended:
Why the judgment of King Solomon was considered the fairest in the world, and he himself was considered an inveterate sinner
We often hear the phrase - "Solomon's decision", which has become a catch phrase. From time immemorial, the image of King Solomon has come down to us as a character in many legends and parables. In all legends, he acts as the wisest of people and a just judge, famous for his cunning. However, there are still controversies among historians: some believe that the son of David lived in reality, others are sure that a wise ruler is a biblical falsification
Japanese Gangsters: Retro Yakuza Pictures With Scary Tattoos
The traditional Japanese tattoo (irezumi) has appeared among the yakuza since their inception. During the Edo period (1603-1688), the authorities tattooed criminals, which prevented them from returning to normal life and finding work. And only later, tattoo culture developed in Japan as a sign of protest against such a branding. Full body tattooing is traditional for the yakuza culture. Today, many yakuza prefer to refrain from tattooing so as not to be overwhelmed
10 weird and downright wild traditions from around the world that will scare even seasoned travelers
The cultures of different peoples have traditions and customs that have been practiced by these peoples for thousands of years, but at the same time seem completely wild for representatives of other peoples and religions. And what is most interesting, these customs, which, it would seem, have no place in the 21st century, are still alive today
Crisis in Dutch prisons: There are not enough prisoners in local prisons
The Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its loose views on many aspects that are illegal in other countries, seems to be choking on crime. But in reality, everything is completely different: Holland is forced to close prisons, because they are empty
How the Japanese feel about the yakuza, and what the legendary Japanese gangsters are doing today
Despite the fact that the Japanese authorities are fighting criminal groups today, the headquarters of the yakuza are often decorated with neon emblems, and their addresses can be found in directories. The largest clan even publishes its own magazine, and once a year, at the Sanja Matsuri Shinto festival, everyone can contemplate criminal tattoos with symbols of various clans. In popular culture, bandits often act as noble robbers, and this tradition has a long history. Arr