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かつて東洋一と言われた「黒羽刑務所」最後の日…　51年の歴史に幕(2022年6月28日)

ANNnewsCH・14 minutes read

Kurobane Prison, once a prestigious facility, faced overcrowding and challenges leading to its closure after 51 years, with staff and inmates being relocated. The closure marked the end of an era, prompting adjustments in rehabilitation efforts and highlighting issues like recidivism among elderly prisoners.

Insights

  • Overcrowding at Kurobane Prison in 2007 led to issues like limited bathing time and conflicts among inmates, showcasing the challenges faced within the prison system due to capacity constraints and their impact on inmate well-being.
  • The closure of Kurobane Prison in 2022 marked the end of its 51-year legacy, transitioning into a collection center for national facilities, reflecting broader changes in penal institutions and the need for adaptation in response to evolving societal needs and priorities.

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Recent questions

  • Why did Kurobane Prison close?

    Overcrowding, recidivism, and transformation into a collection center.

  • What activities were available to inmates at Kurobane Prison?

    Exercise, factory work, and origami, with a focus on elderly inmates.

  • How did the closure of Kurobane Prison impact the community?

    Signaled the end of an era and a shift towards positive social dynamics.

  • What led to the overcrowding at Kurobane Prison?

    Housing more inmates than its intended capacity.

  • What were the main challenges faced by elderly inmates at Kurobane Prison?

    Age-related issues, homelessness, and recidivism.

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Summary

00:00

Closure of Kurobane Prison after 51 years.

  • Kurobane Prison in Tochigi Prefecture was once considered the best prison in the East, with a 51-year history.
  • Opened in 1971 alongside Utsunomiya Prison and Cosmetics Prison, it was known for its modern construction and advanced equipment.
  • Approximately 500 inmates from Utsunomiya Prison were transferred to Kurobane Prison with a large operation involving police vehicles.
  • Mr. Satoshi, a 59-year-old prison officer, had worked at Kurobane Prison for 41 years before learning about its impending closure.
  • In 2007, Kurobane Prison faced overcrowding, housing 2,382 inmates out of a capacity of 11,782, leading to issues like limited bathing time and conflicts among inmates.
  • The kitchen staff, known as Minakami, prepared meals for over 1,000 prisoners using large cooking appliances that eventually fell into disuse.
  • Inmates at Kurobane Prison engaged in various activities, including exercise, factory work, and origami, with a focus on elderly inmates who faced challenges due to age-related issues.
  • A 70-year-old inmate shared his story of homelessness and reoffending due to financial struggles, highlighting the high rate of recidivism among elderly prisoners.
  • Another inmate, Sakling, recounted his crime of murder, driven by family troubles and caregiving stress, showcasing a common trend of violent crimes among the elderly.
  • Kurobane Prison closed its doors on March 31st, 2022, after Chief Hayashi announced its transformation into a collection center for national facilities, marking the end of its 51-year legacy.

20:37

Closure of Kurobane Prison Signals Community Unity

  • The prison population initially peaked at 60,000 individuals but gradually decreased to around 47,000 over three years, prompting the need to adjust rehabilitation efforts accordingly. With the impending closure of the prison, all staff members will be relocated, each receiving a formal letter of appointment. Notably, veteran correctional officer Satoshi Imachi Tokiwa was tasked with transferring 10 individuals to another penal institution in Tochigi Prefecture, marking the end of Kurobane Prison's 51-year history. Despite facing challenges, the community rallied together, signaling the end of an era and a shift towards a positive direction in social dynamics.
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