Daiyo Kangoku (substitute detention) reform debate
2019
Japan's daiyo kangoku system allows police to hold suspects in police cells (rather than in remand prisons) for up to 23 days before charge, with limited access to defence counsel. Human-rights bodies — including the UN Human Rights Committee and CAT — have repeatedly called for abolition.
Outcomes
No structural change since 2019, but the Carlos Ghosn case in 2019-2020 sharply increased international scrutiny. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations continues to campaign for replacement of daiyo kangoku with judicial-supervised remand.
Organisations involved
- Amnesty International
Global human-rights movement campaigning against torture, the death penalty, and unjust imprisonment.
- Fair Trials
International NGO working for fair and effective criminal justice systems.
Sources
Last verified 21 May 2026. This is editorial; we hand-curate this section. Spotted an error? Submit a correction.