Why is this case receiving so much attention in Japan? The Mark Kirk Case is remarkably similar to the Higashi-Sumiyoshi Case a wrongful conviction which occurred in Osaka in 1995. Both cases involve accidental fires, deaths, violent interrogations, false confessions, and wrongful convictions. Mark Kirk and Tatsuhiro Boku, codefendant in the Higashi-Sumiyoshi case, have been exchanging letters and are now close friends.

English Materials about the Case

The Higashi Sumiyoshi Case: A Case of Voluntary Confession
(magazine article)

Two Countries, Two Spontaneous Fires, Two Forced Confessions, Two Wrongful Convictions: Too Many Similarities??
(Outline of a presentation given at the Law and Society Association's Annual Meeting)

Japanese Website: www.jca.apc.org/~hs_enzai/