In March 2020, Shizuo Aishima, who was accused of illegal export and later passed away during the investigation, was visited by Japanese police at his grave, where flowers were laid and an apology was offered. This event took place on August 25, during a special ceremony. The deceased’s family accepted the apology from the officials, but his wife emphasized that she could not forgive them.
Shizuo Aishima and his three colleagues were accused of illegally exporting drying devices (machines that turn liquids into powder), which could also be used for military purposes. The deceased’s company denied these accusations, claiming that they did not violate export restrictions.
In July 2021, the Japanese prosecution dropped the charges, but Shizuo Aishima passed away from stomach cancer while under investigation. Technically, he was denied eight requests for release on bail.
In September 2021, the court ruled the charges as "illegal" and ordered the state to pay compensation of 166 million yen (approximately 1.12 million dollars). No complaints were filed against the verdict, and it came into effect in June 2024. Prosecutor Hiroshi Ichikawa commented on the situation as follows:
This case has brought changes to Japan's law enforcement system and its judicial practices, marking an important decision not only from a legal perspective but also from a social and moral one for Aishima's family.
The apology and decision offered to Aishima’s family highlight the importance of artificial measures, special reforms, and expanded opportunities for future decision-making, which should help establish a new direction for decision-making in the future.
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