# Japan retrial law reform

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-retrial-law-reform
> Updated: 2026-08-02T09:21:35.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

In late June 2026 Japan’s upper house reviewed a bill to tighten prosecutors’ evidence‑disclosure obligations in retrial petitions. Expert witnesses warned that limiting disclosures to material directly tied to a retrial request could block evidence that proves innocence, citing the long‑running cases of Iwao Hakamada and Hiroshi Sakahara. 

The draft also sought to restrict prosecutors’ ability to appeal retrial decisions, allowing appeals only on “sufficient grounds,” and introduced penalties for misuse of disclosed evidence. 

Earlier, on 15 May, the cabinet formally approved the revision after three rounds of amendment by the Ministry of Justice, and the proposal moved to the Diet where opposition parties (CDP, DPFP, JCP) submitted alternative measures. Lawmakers continued to scrutinise the changes in the parliamentary session that followed. 

By mid‑July the Diet passed the revised retrial law, expanding the scope of evidence disclosure, limiting most prosecutor appeals, and mandating a five‑year system review. Families of the exonerated and legal scholars welcomed the broader disclosures but argued that further reforms are needed to ensure swift exonerations and protect wrongful‑conviction victims.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Japan's Cabinet Approves Revised Retrial Law

Japan’s cabinet approved a revised retrial law on 15 May after multiple amendments, sending it to the Diet where opposition parties have offered alternatives.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-cabinet-approves-revised-retrial-law

### 2026-07-17: Japan passes revised retrial law amid criticism from exonerated prisoners

Japan's revised Criminal Procedure Act, passed on July 17, tightens retrial rules, bans most prosecutor appeals and adds evidence‑disclosure limits, but families of exonerated inmates say the changes fall short

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-passes-revised-retrial-law-amid-criticism-from-exonerated-prisoners

### 2026-06-25: Japan's retrial law overhaul draws expert criticism over evidence limits

Japan's parliament debates a retrial reform bill that narrows evidence disclosure, prompting opposition experts to demand broader access to prevent wrongful convictions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-retrial-law-overhaul-draws-expert-criticism-over-evidence-limits

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Cite as: Japan retrial law reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-retrial-law-reform