Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
We gained unprecedented filming access to two Japanese prisons to find out if accusations that the system is inhumane are true.
What we witnessed was staggering. Inmates must march to their worksites attached by a cord; they are not allowed to look the guards in the eye; outside of scheduled leisure hours, they must maintain absolute silence, unless they have obtained prior permission to speak.
The treatment of suspects in custody pushes many to confess to crimes which they did not commit, as was the case with one man who spent 46 years on death row. He was finally exonerated six years ago, but was left broken.
We try to explain why a country which operates on strict principles of balance and order might choose such a repressive system, and see if this may explain Japan having one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
This documentary was produced by Nova Productions and directed by Marie Linton. It was first released in 2020.
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We gained unprecedented filming access to two Japanese prisons to find out if accusations that the system is inhumane are true.
What we witnessed was staggering. Inmates must march to their worksites attached by a cord; they are not allowed to look the guards in the eye; outside of scheduled leisure hours, they must maintain absolute silence, unless they have obtained prior permission to speak.
The treatment of suspects in custody pushes many to confess to crimes which they did not commit, as was the case with one man who spent 46 years on death row. He was finally exonerated six years ago, but was left broken.
We try to explain why a country which operates on strict principles of balance and order might choose such a repressive system, and see if this may explain Japan having one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
This documentary was produced by Nova Productions and directed by Marie Linton. It was first released in 2020.
---
SUBSCRIBE for more amazing stories, including free FULL documentaries. On Java Discover we have an incredible library of award-winning documentaries: from world-leading investigations to true crime and history, we have something for everyone!
Click the SUBSCRIBE button and make sure to set NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated with all new content!
Follow us on TikTok, Facebook & Instagram: https://linktr.ee/javadiscover
