Key Facts
• September 14 marks the death anniversary of a man executed in the ‘Kikuchi Case’.
• The man, a former Hansen’s disease patient, was tried in a ‘special court’ and sentenced to death.
• Kumamoto District Court ruled the ‘special court’ proceedings unconstitutional.
• The man’s family has filed for a retrial, with a decision expected by January 2026.
• Around 70 people attended the annual ‘Cosmos Memorial’ gathering in Kumamoto City.
• Lawyer Kei Baba reported on the retrial process during the event.
• Director Setsuo Nakayama shared thoughts on the case through his film ‘The New Thick Wall’.
• A video message from Yasushi Shimura, who passed away in May, was shown.
• Shimura, the last person to meet the executed man, advocated for his innocence.
• Isao Tateyama, Shimura’s successor, called for unity to secure a retrial.
• Lawyer Yasuyuki Tokuda emphasized the importance of achieving a retrial and acquittal.
Summary
The ‘Kikuchi Case,’ involving a former Hansen’s disease patient sentenced to death in a ‘special court,’ was commemorated on September 14, his death anniversary. The unconstitutional nature of the trial has led to a retrial request by the man’s family, with a decision expected by January 2026. Approximately 70 attendees gathered in Kumamoto City for the annual ‘Cosmos Memorial,’ where legal updates and personal reflections were shared. A video message from Yasushi Shimura, the last person to meet the executed man, highlighted the need for justice and retrial. Calls for unity and determination to achieve a retrial and acquittal were echoed by attendees and legal representatives.
