Living on the Edge No. 40 - Diary of Mr. Yamano

July 30, 2002 (Tuesday)
I received a copy of the New York Times, dated June 30, from Mr. S. The gist of the article was that Japan's system of capital punishment was cruel and barbaric. The criticism from the US is that the freedoms of the death row inmates are completely taken away, that they are shut out from outside contact, locked in, and then suddenly killed one morning without any forewarning. It criticizes this as being inhumane and against human rights. It deplores Japan's capital punishment system for being alone in the world in this regard.

Can we remain indifferent to the inhumanity, heartlessness and cruelty of Japanese bureaucrats who carry out the death penalty system? It is certain that international criticism of Japan's method is mounting.

I know more about the incident I was involved in and my court case than anybody else. On this particular point, I am the ultimate specialist, knowing more than any lawyer. If the members of my support group also confirm this, they will be able to act after carefully listening to my ideas and opinions. This will help to eliminate waste and allow them to act more efficiently.

July 31, 2002 (Wednesday)
It is terribly hot. At about 10 o'clock, Maria came to visit. She said that when she went to the Osaka Bar Association offices with my younger brother, the lawyer at the reception desk said, "You came not for consultation but to be introduced to a lawyer, right?" and refunded the consultation money that they had paid on the previous visit. Attorney S, who was at the reception desk, said "I think you'd like an experienced lawyer," but Maria said, "We'd like somebody young and energetic." Mr. S spent three hours searching, and introduced them to Attorney N. Attorney S deals in both civil and criminal matters, and is a very sincere person. Attorney S is also a former banker, and so I presume he is knowledgeable about checks and real estate dealing.

The National Diet session has come to an end. In September, there should be a reorganization of the Cabinet. I am praying that Justice Minister doesn't affix her seal to any execution orders before that time.

I turned 64 years old today. Of those years, I have spent 21 in Osaka Detention Center. This means I've spent a third of my life behind bars. For these years I have lived in a completely different dimension from the 43 years I spent in the outside world. This has created tremendous difficulties for my family, but I am convinced that they will gain something spiritually from it. I also offer my sincere gratitude to all those who have supported me so faithfully and been so kind to me. I pray that you will all be bountifully blessed with God's light.

As a birthday present, I received as a gift from the Prison Education Department some food that we cannot normally purchase. I get it every year, and am very thankful for it.

August 16, 2002 (Friday)
Our futon mattresses were put out to dry today. Last time, we couldn't because it was raining, and I think it's been about half a year. It's summer, so we don't have a cover. I don't use my mattress, but simply sleep on a sheet laid on the tatami mat. However, I still put the mattress out to dry out the cotton. The weather was a bit hazy. It's never great weather on the days we put out the futon to dry.

At 11 o'clock, I was able to watch a video. I chose a Hollywood movie from the library, "The Truman Show."

At 2 p.m., Attorney N came to see me for the second time. We discussed the formation of a defense team to request my new trial. He made the formation of a team a precondition for accepting to represent me. He said it would be impossible for him to do it alone. This means we have to find one or two more lawyers.

August 19, 2002 (Monday)
I received a code number from the Osaka City Office, in accordance with the so-called Resident Registration Law. It's a system of unified identification numbers. What advantage could this possibly have for the people? I can't understand at all. It must make it easier for the government to control people, but aren't they treating people like robots?

August 22, 2002 (Thursday)
Today is the festival of the Queenship of Maria. I give thanks for the love and wisdom given to us by Saint Mary, our holy mother. We were supposed to get watermelon for dinner tonight, for the last time this year, but it was cancelled, and instead we got shaved ice with flavoring. When shaved ice comes with dinner, we have to eat it before it melts, and as a result the rice is no longer delicious. I really wish they'd give us shaved ice during the hot daytime.

There are now more than 2,000 inmates in the prison (there were roughly 1,200 twenty years ago), and I think it must be overtaxing the resources of the cooking staff.

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