We gained unprecedented filming access to two Japanese prisons to find out if accusations that the system is inhumane are true.

What we witnessed was staggering. Inmates must march to their worksites attached by a cord; they are not allowed to look the guards in the eye; outside of scheduled leisure hours, they must maintain absolute silence, unless they have obtained prior permission to speak.

The treatment of suspects in custody pushes many to confess to crimes which they did not commit, as was the case with one man who spent 46 years on death row. He was finally exonerated six years ago, but was left broken.

We try to explain why a country which operates on strict principles of balance and order might choose such a repressive system, and see if this may explain Japan having one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

-------

Bear witness to monumental moments in human history, and human's most terrible crimes. Java Witness is home to incredible stories of good and evil, from fascinating stories of old, to chilling documents of heinous murders and modern-day mafias and gangs.

From dinosaurs to medieval feasts, ancient wars and battles, through Kings and Queens, World Wars and critical world events, watch some of the best history documentary series, world history specials and more, all for FREE!

Hit SUBSCRIBE and enable the bell notifications to know first about all new documentaries on the channel! At least 2 FULL documentaries available to watch FREE online every week!

Subscribe to our Discover channel for more documentaries:    / javafilms