# Lawsuit over death of Japanese teenager in detention

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lawsuit-over-death-of-japanese-teenager-in-detention
> Updated: 2026-10-24T04:00:15.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

A lawsuit has been filed against the Japanese government and Hyogo Prefecture following the death of a 16-year-old girl, identified as Runa. Her mother is seeking approximately 109 million yen in damages, alleging that the teenager’s arrest and 18-day detention last year were unlawful.

The family claims the arrest, which stemmed from allegations of assault at a disability support facility, was based on false testimony. The mother contends that Runa was actually attempting to protect others from an agitated resident. Following her detention, Runa reportedly developed post-traumatic stress disorder and an eating disorder, leading to a severe weight loss that left her at approximately 20 kilograms before her death five months after her release.

Hyogo Prefecture and the national government have expressed their intent to contest the claims entirely. Officials from the Hyogo Prefectural Police Inspection Office stated they have determined there was “no illegality under the State Redress Act” regarding the investigation or the handling of the detention.

## Claims

- Hyogo Prefectural Police are being sued for unlawful arrest and detention. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Runa was detained for 18 days. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Runa died five months after her release. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Runa weighed approximately 20 kilograms at the time of her death. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The lawsuit seeks 109 million yen in damages. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Runa was never charged with a crime. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Runa was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after her release. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The detention occurred at a care home for people with special needs. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Hyogo Prefectural Police sued over death of 16-year-old detainee

The mother of a 16-year-old Japanese girl is suing Hyogo Prefectural Police for 109 million yen, alleging unlawful detention led to her daughter's death from starvation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hyogo-prefectural-police-sued-over-death-of-16-year-old-detainee

### 2026-10-21: Hyogo Prefecture and Japan contest lawsuit over death of 16-year-old girl

The family of a 16-year-old girl who died after being detained by Hyogo police is suing the state and prefecture for damages, while authorities deny any illegal conduct.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hyogo-prefecture-and-japan-contest-lawsuit-over-death-of-16-year-old-girl

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Cite as: Lawsuit over death of Japanese teenager in detention. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lawsuit-over-death-of-japanese-teenager-in-detention