Living in prison can sometimes be a better option than living alone for many elderly people in Japan. This phenomenon reflects the significant social challenges faced by the world’s fastest aging nation.
Alarming Reality at Tochigi Women’s Prison
Tochigi Women’s Prison, located north of Tokyo, is one of the largest facilities for women in Japan. It currently houses around 500 inmates, many of whom are elderly. The sight of bent-backed elderly women moving slowly along the corridors, some even using walkers, makes the place seem more like a nursing home than a prison.
The walls and fences of Tochigi Women’s Prison, located north of Tokyo (Photo: CNN).
The daily schedule is strictly managed: inmates wake up at 6 AM and lights out at 9 PM. However, what is remarkable is that staff must assist the elderly with basic activities such as bathing, eating, and even diaper changes—tasks typically seen in nursing homes.
Akiyo’s Story: When Prison Becomes a Stable Home
Akiyo, an 81-year-old woman, has been imprisoned twice for theft. She once found herself in despair, relying on meager pension benefits and estranged from her son. Life outside made her feel lonely and purposeless.
“Living in prison gives me a surprising sense of stability. There are many good people here. I think this is probably the most stable life I’ve ever had,” Akiyo shared.
She recounted how, at age 60, she first stole food due to difficult circumstances. After her release, she struggled with loneliness and shame upon returning home. Her 43-year-old son did not want her to live with him, adding to her despair.
“I no longer cared about what happened. Life had no meaning; I just wanted to die,” she said.
Akiyo is one of the 500 women held at Tochigi Prison (Photo: QQ.com).
Root Causes: Aging Population and Poverty
According to statistics from the Japanese government, over 80% of elderly female inmates were imprisoned for theft in 2022. The number of inmates aged 65 and above has nearly quadrupled since 2003. This alarming trend reflects the fact that 20% of Japanese people over 65 live in poverty, higher than the OECD average of 14.2%.
Takayoshi Shiranaga, an officer at Tochigi Prison, commented, “Some elderly people are willing to pay 20,000 to 30,000 yen per month to stay in prison if they can. They come here because it’s cold or they’re hungry.”
Additionally, free medical care in prison is another attraction for the elderly. Upon release, they must pay for their own treatment, which many cannot afford.
Solutions from Government and Community
Recognizing the issue, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has launched programs to support the social reintegration of elderly inmates. Since 2021, those receiving post-release support have shown a lower likelihood of reoffending. Programs guiding independent living, recovery from addiction, and maintaining family relationships have also been implemented.
Meanwhile, the government is considering proposals to help the elderly access housing subsidies more easily. Ten cities across Japan have tested initiatives supporting seniors without family ties.
Women inmates working inside Tochigi Prison (Photo: QQ.com).
Conclusion: Collective Efforts Needed
The phenomenon of elderly individuals deliberately committing crimes to enter prison is not just a personal story but a wake-up call for serious societal issues in Japan. Aging populations, poverty, and lack of family support have pushed many elderly into dire situations. Addressing this problem thoroughly requires close collaboration between the government, community, and social organizations.
Let’s work together to build a more peaceful and supportive society for all generations. You can contribute by participating in volunteer activities or supporting programs that assist the elderly in your community.
