Japan's Elderly Inmates Prefer Prison Life to Isolation Outside

JPJapan|

In Japan, an increasing number of elderly women are finding themselves in prison, where some assert they feel safer and more secure than in their lives outside. The Tochigi Women’s Prison, north of Tokyo, has become a refuge for aging individuals grappling with loneliness and poverty. Many inmates, including 81-year-old Akiyo, confess that the prison offers a more stable existence, complete with regular meals and healthcare, than living alone without support.

The trend of elderly incarceration has risen sharply, with the number of prisoners aged 65 and older nearly quadrupling since 2003. Theft, often motivated by financial hardship, accounts for the majority of crimes committed by these elderly women. Anecdotal evidence suggests some women purposely commit minor thefts to return to prison.

As Japan faces a declining birthrate and an increasing elderly population, support for former inmates remains inadequate. Analysts highlight the need for comprehensive social support systems to prevent reoffending and ensure the elderly are cared for after their release. Government initiatives aiming to expand housing benefits and provide independent living guidance are in place but may not be sufficient to meet the growing need.

Prison staff describe a shift in the nature of incarceration, with duties increasingly resembling eldercare. Authorities are recognizing the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by an aging inmate population, emphasizing the importance of community support upon reentry into society.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Japan

Japan Begins Clinical Trials for Universal Artificial Blood That Could Save Millions

Researchers in Japan have initiated clinical trials for a groundbreaking universal artificial blood product that could be compatible with all blood types. Led by Professor Hiromi Sakai at Nara Medical University, the artificial blood could have a shelf life of up to two years, addressing the critical shortages and compatibility issues associated with traditional blood donations, which typically last only 42 days, according to a report by Newsweek. The creation process involves encasing haemoglobin from expired donor blood in a protective shell, resulting in stable and virus-free artificial red blood cells. In March, the team administered doses ranging from 100 to 400 milliliters of this artificial blood to 16 healthy adult volunteers to assess its safety and efficacy. If successful, widespread clinical use could be expected by 2030, making Japan the first country to employ such a product in medical care. Professor Sakai emphasized the urgent need for artificial blood alternatives, stating, "there is currently no safe substitute for red cells." The potential implications have sparked excitement on social media, with many calling it a transformative endeavor that could revolutionize emergency medicine.
JPJapan

Environmental Factors Can Alter Mammalian Sex Determination, Study Finds

A groundbreaking study by researchers at Osaka University in Japan has revealed that a mother’s iron deficiency can influence the sex of male offspring in mice, possibly reversing their biological gender. Published in the journal *Nature*, the study's principal investigator, Makoto Tachibana, stated, “This is the first demonstration that an environmental factor can influence sex determination in a mammal." The research found that a 60% reduction in cellular iron concentration can deactivate the SRY gene, which is crucial for male sexual differentiation. In experiments, six out of 39 XY male mice developed into females with fully formed ovaries, while another displayed intersex characteristics. The findings suggest that low iron levels impact the enzyme KDM3A, altering epigenetic regulation during critical developmental windows. Experts like Francisco Javier Barrionuevo from the University of Granada emphasized the study's significance, noting that such external factors could lead to unrecognized cases of sex reversal in extreme malnutrition scenarios in humans. The implications pose crucial questions about maternal health and fetal development in mammals.
JPJapan

Revolutionary Robotic Arm Made of Human Tissue Developed in Japan and Spain

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have made significant strides in bioengineering by developing a robotic arm made from human muscle tissue. This innovative arm, measuring 18 centimeters, can mimic natural movements and even contract like real muscles, according to Professor Masaharu Takeuchi of the University of Tokyo. The collaboration aims to create prosthetics that not only function like human limbs but are also capable of regeneration, utilizing the patient’s own cells. The arm relies on cable-driven mechanics and is stimulated electrically to achieve finger movements similar to those of a natural hand. IBEC researchers are enhancing this technology by designing integrated stimulation systems that emulate real muscle responses. Samuel Sánchez, the IBEC director, indicated that the project has evolved from simple shapes to complex, functional muscle structures, advancing possibilities for drug testing and soft robotics. Despite the promising advancements, challenges such as ensuring the long-term viability of tissues and vascularization remain hurdles to be overcome, as emphasized by both teams.
JPJapan
All Japan News ->