Confessions of an Ex-Radical: Fifty Years after the Asama Sanso Incident

In February 1972, the Asama Sanso incident captured the attention of Japan. The country watched on television as the radical militant United Red Army took a hostage at a mountain lodge and exchanged fire with police. Following the incident, most URA leaders were sentenced to death but Yoshino Masakuni was given life in prison instead. The presiding judge told him to devote the rest of his days atoning for his crimes. NHK has recently gained access to Yoshino's private papers. What was his role in the incident? Why did he join the group? We examine the regret and anguish he has experienced over the course of the past fifty years.

Guest:
Otani Kyoko (Lawyer)