Why is this case receiving so much attention in
Japan?
The Mark Kirk Case is remarkably similar to the
Higashi-Sumiyoshi Case a wrongful conviction which occurred
in Osaka in 1995. Both cases involve accidental fires,
deaths, violent interrogations, false confessions, and
wrongful convictions. Mark Kirk and Tatsuhiro Boku,
codefendant in the Higashi-Sumiyoshi case, have been
exchanging letters and are now close friends.
English Materials about the Case
The Higashi Sumiyoshi Case: A Case of
Voluntary Confession
(magazine article)
Two Countries, Two
Spontaneous Fires, Two Forced Confessions, Two
Wrongful Convictions: Too Many Similarities??
(Outline of a presentation given at the Law and Society
Association's Annual Meeting)
Japanese Website: www.jca.apc.org/~hs_enzai/