By SERI ISHIKAWA/ Staff Writer
May 30, 2022 at 13:58 JST
A lawyer and a former inmate, foreground, call each other nicknames to create a friendly environment in the radio booth in Fuchu, Tokyo, on May 21. (Seri Ishikawa)
A radio program featuring former prisoners and inmates' family members discusses how former inmates rejoin society and how they plan to make up for their crimes.
“I want to convey various aspects of life in prison that aren't known in society, along with the difficulties I faced after my release from prison,” said a former inmate.
The show is aired on a community broadcasting station in western Tokyo’s Fuchu.
The former inmate, who is in his 40s and served two terms in prison for violating the Stimulant Drugs Control Law, was interviewed in the booth of the FM station Radio Fuchues on May 21.
He shared what he experienced after his release from prison.
“It was difficult for me to find a job and open a bank account because of the prejudice directed against a former inmate, which made it hard to re-enter society,” he said.
A lawyer who also appeared on the program said she often receives consultations from former inmates about the difficulties in opening bank accounts and making contracts with mobile carriers.
“I have visited a bank and opened an account with them. I know they may not always feel comfortable talking to us, but I want them to turn to us, the professionals, for help,” said the lawyer.
Yuko Shiota, 46, a staff member of the Center for Prisoner’s Rights, organized the radio program. The nonprofit organization provides consultations to prisoners and their families through letters and other means.
“It is not well known what kind of difficulties the inmates and their families are facing and what kind of problems they are contending with. I think they can convey something from their stories,” Shiota said.
She added that she hopes many people will listen to the program via the radio, which can be easily accessed, and that it will lead people to reflect.
The program will be broadcast on the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 10 p.m. until June. It can also be listened to through the community FM radio app ListenRadio even outside the reception area of the Radio Fuchues station.
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