"I Cannot Take Off My Straw Sandals"

"Waraji" (straw sandals) are a symbol of our campaign, and "not taking off one's straw sandals" signifies a firm resolution to never abandon the fight.

■ APPEAL / CALL FOR ACTION:

We earnestly ask for your support by signing this petition to back our 65-year-long retrial campaign.

We are planning the following initiatives moving forward: (October 2026)

1. The "Fukuoka Incident" is a global and universal human rights issue that questions the fundamental nature of state power and the judicial system across eras. In addition to legally establishing the historical truth behind this wrongful conviction, we will undertake all necessary activities—such as sharing information with the UN and international human rights organizations, publishing books, and building a memorial center—to carve this case into the global history of wrongful convictions and human rights.
2. Activities aimed at securing a retrial to restore the honor and clear the names of the wrongfully convicted death row inmate, Mr. Takeo Nishi, and others involved (including advocating for legal reforms in Japan).
3. Efforts to reform the Japanese judicial system and abolish the death penalty, ensuring that the ultimate human rights violation—the execution of wrongfully convicted individuals on death row—and similar tragedies are never repeated.
4. A lifelong campaign for a retrial (a human rights struggle) to uphold the dignity of life and fundamental human rights, which is currently on the verge of fading away in Japan. We will raise our voices beyond national borders to reach the global community.
5. Other related activities.

If you support these efforts and objectives, we kindly ask for your signature. (The signatures collected will be submitted to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights).

 

■ INTENDED SUBMISSION DESTINATION FOR SIGNATURES:
To the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Special Rapporteurs

Main Content of Information Provided to the United Nations:
【The Historical Truth of the "Fukuoka Incident" Unrevealed by the Courts and the 65-Year History of the Retrial Campaign】

1.  Suspicions of a Miscarriage of Justice (Wrongful Conviction): In the "Fukuoka Incident," a miscarriage of justice is suspected to have occurred as a result of violations of the right to a fair trial and improper interrogations involving torture and coercion.
2. The Execution of Mr. Nishi in Severe Violation of Human Rights: Regarding the execution of Mr. Nishi, which was carried out in blatant disregard for human rights.
3. Ongoing Human Rights Violations Due to Flaws in the Japanese Judicial System: We argue that due to various structural issues within the Japanese judiciary, human rights violations remain an ongoing problem with significant societal implications.
4. Others (History and Progress of the Retrial Campaign, etc.):

 

■ GOAL AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CAMPAIGN:

By leveraging support through signatures from around the world, we aim to encourage the United Nations to issue recommendations (advisories) that it typically cannot issue to Japan due to Japan's non-ratification of the Individual Communication Procedures. Furthermore, by maintaining continuous international pressure demonstrating that "the world will not tolerate injustice," the government will no longer be able to ignore the "Fukuoka Incident."

Ultimately, through the realization of a retrial, we aim to restore the honor of Mr. Nishi and others involved, drive judicial reform, and catalyze a fundamental review of the death penalty system in Japan.