On an early morning in June 2026, Nami, a mother from Japan's Hyogo region, was informed by police that her 16-year-old daughter, Runa, was being taken into custody. Nami told police she would arrive within 30 minutes and asked them to wait, but by the time she reached the scene, her daughter had already been taken away.
Runa was detained for 18 days, during which her family alleges she was unlawfully held and subjected to conditions that caused severe trauma. They claim she lost nearly 10 kilograms and developed an eating disorder while in a police cell. When released, Runa was described by her mother as emaciated and "unrecognisable". She was briefly hospitalized before being returned to custody.
Within five months of her detention, Runa died. Her family has since initiated court action, alleging she was a victim of Japan's so-called "hostage justice" system—a practice criticized for prolonged detention aimed at extracting confessions.
This case adds to a series of high-profile allegations against Japan's justice system, including those involving former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Australian grandmother Donna Nelson, and former boxer Hakamata Iwao, who was acquitted in 2024 after spending 50 years on death row and awarded a substantial payout.
In response to criticism, Japanese authorities stated in an online Q&A that "there are strict requirements and procedures stipulated in law with regard to holding suspects and defendants in custody, with due consideration given to the guarantee of human rights."
The police officer involved acknowledged understanding Nami's request but confirmed that Runa had already been taken by the time Nami arrived.
This tragic case has intensified scrutiny of Japan's detention practices and renewed calls for reform of the justice system.
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