After nearly six decades, 10 court decisions and more than 30 years on death row, the Tokyo High Court on Monday ordered a retrial for convicted murderer and former pro-boxer Iwao Hakamata, 87, offering him a glimmer of hope of being exonerated.
The decision has highlighted the lengthy court proceedings required under Japan’s judicial system when seeking a retrial and the overturning of convictions.
“I’ve waited 57 years for this,” said a beaming Hideko Hakamata, 90, the elder sister of Iwao, in front of a crowd of media outlets and supporters outside the Tokyo High Court just after the decision was released. “Thank you very, very much.”