Japan faces a growing crisis as poverty drives an increasing number of elderly citizens to seek refuge in its prison system. According to the OECD, around 20% of Japanese citizens over the age of 65 live in poverty, surpassing the average of 14.2% across the OECD's 38 member countries. In Tochigi Women's Prison, one in five inmates is elderly, highlighting the stark reality many older citizens face. The prison has adapted its services to accommodate their aging population, a reflection of broader societal challenges.
The alarming increase in elderly prisoners is not isolated to Tochigi. Nationwide, statistics reveal that more than 80% of elderly female inmates were incarcerated for theft in 2022. The overall number of prisoners aged 65 or older in Japan has nearly quadrupled from 2003 to 2022. This trend underscores the desperation faced by many elderly citizens who turn to crime out of necessity.
Akiyo, an 81-year-old inmate of Tochigi Women's Prison, exemplifies this growing issue. Living on a "very small" pension paid only every two months, she resorted to shoplifting food, leading to her imprisonment. Akiyo expresses mixed emotions about her situation:
“There are very good people in this prison,” – Akiyo
“Perhaps this life is the most stable for me.” – Akiyo
The plight of elderly prisoners like Akiyo highlights the deeper societal issues at play. With Japan requiring an estimated 2.72 million care workers by 2040, the government is exploring various measures to support its aging population. Proposals include expanding housing benefits for elders and testing initiatives across ten municipalities to assist those without close relatives.
In Tochigi Women's Prison, elderly inmates contribute by providing nursing care for fellow prisoners, reflecting the unique challenges within these facilities.
“Now we have to change their diapers, help them bathe, eat,” – Shiranaga
“At this point, it feels more like a nursing home than a prison full of convicted criminals.” – Shiranaga
Yoko, a 51-year-old inmate with a history of drug-related incarcerations, sheds light on another facet of this crisis. Her repeated offenses reflect a lack of support and community outside prison walls.
“(Some people) do bad things on purpose and get caught so that they can come to prison again, if they run out of money,” – Yoko
“Even after they are released and return to normal life, they don’t have anybody to look after them,” – Megumi
The Ministry of Justice has initiated programs aimed at helping female inmates reintegrate into society. These initiatives focus on independent living skills, substance addiction recovery, and navigating family relationships. Still, the challenges persist.
Megumi, another voice from within the prison system, highlights the isolation many face upon release.
“There are also people who have been abandoned by their families after repeatedly committing crimes, they have no place to belong.” – Megumi
Akiyo's candid reflections offer insight into the emotional toll of her situation.
“Being alone is a very difficult thing, and I feel ashamed that I ended up in this situation,” – Akiyo
“I really feel that if I had a stronger will, I could have led a different life, but I’m too old to do anything about it now.” – Akiyo
“I made a poor decision and shoplifted, thinking it would be a minor issue,” – Akiyo
As the government explores solutions, the role of community support becomes increasingly vital. Inmates like Akiyo and Yoko remind us that behind crime statistics are personal stories of survival in a society struggling to meet the needs of its aging population.
Tochigi Women's Prison serves as an unintended refuge for those who find life outside its walls even more challenging. The confinement offers a semblance of stability that many lack in their day-to-day lives.
“There are even people who say they will pay 20,000 or 30,000 yen ($130-190) a month (if they can) live here forever,” – Takayoshi Shiranaga
