The contrasts between constitutional provisions for crime suspects in Japan and their actual treatment are stark, say critics of the system.
"The Constitution provides strong protections, including the right to remain silent," says Omiya Law School Professor Lawrence Repeta. "But in fact, some of the most important of these rights are disregarded."
For instance, Article 34 says that "No person shall be arrested or detained without being at once informed of the charges against him or without the immediate privilege of counsel; nor shall he be detained without adequate cause; and upon demand of any person such cause must be immediately shown in open court in his presence and in the presence of counsel."