An 81-year-old Japanese woman named Akiyo has drawn attention to Japan’s aging population crisis after deliberately committing crimes to secure a place in prison, where she finds stability and support. Akiyo, who has been jailed twice for theft, first stole food in her 60s and repeated the crime later due to financial struggles caused by her meager pension, which was paid only every two months.
Akiyo’s Story: Why She Chose Prison Over Life Outside
“I made a poor decision and shoplifted, thinking it would be a minor issue. If I had been financially stable and had a comfortable lifestyle, I definitely would not have done it,” Akiyo explained.
Before her imprisonment, Akiyo lived with her 43-year-old son, who often wished for her to leave, deepening her feelings of isolation and despair. “I felt like I did not care what happened anymore. I thought, ‘There is no point in me living,’ and ‘I just want to die,’” she admitted.
After serving her sentence, Akiyo was released in October 2024 but struggled with feelings of shame and fear of judgment from her son. “I am afraid of how he might perceive me. Being alone is a very difficult thing, and I feel ashamed that I ended up in this situation. I really feel that if I had a stronger will, I could have led a different life, but I am too old to do anything about it now,” she said.
Japan’s Aging Population and Its Impact on Elderly Inmates
Akiyo’s case underscores Japan’s growing aging population crisis. According to 2022 government statistics, more than 80% of elderly female inmates in Japan were incarcerated for theft. Additionally, the number of inmates aged 65 and older has nearly quadrupled since 2003. Tochigi Women’s Prison, Japan’s largest women’s prison, houses around 500 inmates, with one in five being elderly. The prison provides assistance with daily activities, making it resemble a nursing home in many ways.
“For many elderly inmates, prison is preferable to dying alone outside,” said Takayoshi Shiranaga, an officer at Tochigi Women’s Prison. He added that some elderly individuals would be willing to pay 20,000 to 30,000 yen (approximately Rs 11,216 to Rs 16,824) per month to stay in prison, as it offers more security and support than living outside.
Online Debate on Akiyo’s Story and Japan’s Aging Crisis
Akiyo’s story, shared by CNN and reposted on Chinese social media, has sparked heated debates. One netizen remarked, “How selfish must a person be to tell his own mother: ‘I wish you could leave?’ This is heartbreaking.” Others compared it to a real-life version of the classic O. Henry stories, while a third user pointed out, “This is what an aging society looks like. Whether you have children or not does not make much difference. The main issue is not having enough money or the ability to take care of yourself.”
The Growing Challenge of Japan’s Aging Population
Japan faces significant challenges due to its aging population. As the number of elderly people continues to rise, the country is grappling with issues of elderly care, financial instability, and a lack of social support for the elderly. Akiyo’s case is just one example of how older individuals in Japan may feel forced to resort to crime to secure a place where they feel cared for.
Conclusion: A Call for Change in Elderly Care in Japan
Akiyo’s story highlights the urgent need for better support systems for the elderly in Japan. With an increasing number of older individuals experiencing financial hardship and social isolation, there is a growing call for reform in elderly care and social services. As Japan continues to face the realities of an aging population, it’s crucial to address the needs of its elderly citizens to ensure they can live with dignity, support, and stability, both inside and outside of prison.
This heart-wrenching story raises important questions about how societies around the world care for their elderly populations, particularly in countries like Japan, where the aging population is growing rapidly.
