Maki Kimura's inexhaustible energy in seeking justice in the Yokohama Incident — a still ongoing case of repression of free speech dating back over 60 years — is a reflection of the strong bond she built with her husband during their six years of marriage.

The 59-year-old Kimura's husband, Toru, was among 30 people convicted from 1942 to 1945 of promoting communism in violation of a notorious wartime law aimed at stamping out elements opposed to Japanese militarism.

He had been seeking a retrial since 1986, arguing the defendants were tortured into falsely confessing that they had plotted to foment communism, counter to the now-defunct Peace Preservation Law.