Campaigners argue that Japan's lengthy pretrial detention is excessively permissive, especially when suspects remain silent or refuse to confess.

This detention practice often involves suspects remaining silent or refusing to confess, with initial detention lasting up to 23 days and the possibility of extension through rearrests.

The Justice Ministry defends the system, asserting it is lawful, based on evidence, and conducted fairly, despite widespread criticism.

One plaintiff, Tomoya Asanuma, compared his four-month detention to being kept in a zoo cage, describing it as dehumanizing.

A lawsuit has been filed in Tokyo challenging Japan's practice of prolonged pre-trial detention, known as 'hostage justice,' which critics argue violates human rights and the presumption of innocence.

The trial, now underway in Tokyo, directly contests the constitutionality of the detention system, emphasizing concerns about suspects being detained for extended periods without sufficient cause.

Critics highlight that the system effectively requires confessions for suspects to be released, raising questions about its constitutionality and fairness.

Plaintiffs describe the detention conditions as 'subhuman,' emphasizing that the process disregards the presumption of innocence and subjects suspects to inhumane treatment.

The high conviction rate of over 99% in Japan is often linked to this detention practice, with supporters claiming it reflects precise justice, though critics see it as a consequence of the system's harshness.

The lawsuit also contends that Japanese judges can easily approve detention and deny bail without sufficient cause, resulting in suspects being held continuously under harsh conditions.