Inside Japan's Fuchu Prison: A Glimpse into Strict Detention Conditions
Fuchu Prison, located on the outskirts of Tokyo, stands as Japan's largest correctional facility, housing around 1,700 men, including 350 foreigners. This modern institution, often mistaken for a corporate headquarters, reveals a stark reality behind its facade. Recently, a rare visit by foreign journalists, permitted by Japanese judicial authorities, shed light on the stringent conditions faced by inmates within its walls.
The daily routine at Fuchu is characterized by a rigid schedule. Prisoners wake up at 6:45 AM and partake in breakfast in silence. By 8 AM, they are engaged in various workshops, including sewing, printing, and leatherwork, where conversation is strictly prohibited until noon. After a silent lunch, they return to work for another four hours in oppressive heat, as air conditioning is limited due to budget constraints. The prison director, Yashiro Hiroyuki, expressed regret about the lack of cooling but reassured that inmates are provided with regular water breaks.
Inmates are granted only a brief window of freedom, with a mere 30 minutes allocated for conversation and exercise on the sports field before dinner at 5 PM. The facilities provide individual cells measuring 10 square meters, equipped with basic amenities including a bed, toilet, and a small television. Despite the harsh conditions, Hiroyuki emphasized that foreign detainees do not receive special treatment, although they may enjoy certain material comforts.
Work is deemed a crucial part of the rehabilitation process, with inmates earning a monthly allowance of 4,000 yen (approximately 30 euros) for their labor, which is described as part of their punishment rather than a salary. Good behavior can lead to privileges like family visits, while misconduct is met with immediate consequences. The prison maintains a strict no-tolerance policy for mobile phones and other contraband, resulting in a remarkable zero escape rate. However, human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees, particularly regarding the conditions in other facilities across Japan.
