PRESS CONFERENCE
Chiaki Kasai, Documentary Filmmaker
Shosei Nitta, Japan Pro Boxing Association, Chairperson of Iwao Hakamada Support Committee
14:00-15:00 Thursday, September 12, 2024
Language:The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation
*A short trailer of the film will be shown at the beginning of the event.
*14:00-14:15 screening, 14:15-15:00 press conference
Fists and Prayers: The Life of Iwao Hakamada
On 26 September, the Shizuoka District Court will deliver its verdict in the retrial of Iwao Hakamada. His sister Hideko, more than the 20 lawyers and hundreds of supporters are hoping for an acquittal. But for the time being Iwao (88) still risks being condemned to death. He spent 46 years on death row, accused of murdering his former boss and his family in 1966. Released in 2014 pending his retrial, he now lives with Hideko.
Chiaki Kasai's documentary reconstructs how Iwao got here and includes many rare scenes from his life with his sister. The constant terror of imminent execution during his time in prison led Iwao to create an ideal world in his mind, where he sees himself as a god, explains Kasai. She shot hundreds of hours of footage over two decades.
The documentary also shows how boxing has played a major role in Iwao's life and how, thanks to the mobilization of other boxers, the sport is helping him to continue his fight against the justice system in his own country. One of his strongest supporters, the former boxing-champion Shosei Nitta, will also speak during the press conference.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. Doors open 15 minutes before the event. Please sign in and giving your name and contact details at the reception.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
Livestreaming of this event will start from 14:15.
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/tYtTag3PXLypnsDY9
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event.
Professional Activities Committee