Senior Tokyo police and prosecutors have formally apologised at the grave of Shizuo Aishima, a man wrongfully arrested and indicted who died before his name was cleared. The apology took place on 25 August at Aishima's grave in Yokohama, with family members present.
Aishima, a former adviser to machinery maker Ohkawara Kakohki, was detained in 2020 on suspicion of exporting sensitive equipment. He maintained his innocence, filing eight unsuccessful bail requests, and was only released late in his illness for medical treatment. He died of stomach cancer in February 2021 at age 72.
An internal report released earlier this month acknowledged a breakdown in the investigative chain of command. The Tokyo High Court later ruled the arrests and indictments of Aishima and two others unlawful, ordering the state and metropolitan government to pay 166 million yen in damages.
At the graveside, Deputy Superintendent General Tetsuro Kamata said: “We are sorry for the illegal investigation and arrest.” Hiroshi Ichikawa of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor’s Office added: “We sincerely apologise for the serious human rights violation … and for depriving Aishima of opportunities for medical treatment.”
Aishima’s wife, attending with their two sons, responded: “I accept the apology, but I will never forgive” the illegal arrest and indictment. Her words marked the first time a bereaved family had agreed to receive an apology in connection with the case.
