Iwao Hakamata
Iwao Hakamata is a Japanese man who spent nearly 50 years on death row, making him the world's longest-serving death row inmate, before being acquitted of murder in 2023. Initially found guilty in 1968 for the murders of his boss, his boss's wife, and their two children, Hakamata's conviction was overturned due to concerns about coerced confessions and evidence mishandling. Following a retrial, he was granted a record compensation of 217 million yen for the severe mental and physical suffering he endured during his decades of wrongful imprisonment.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Iwao Hakamata, who spent more than 40 years on death row, was awarded $1.4 million after being acquitted of a quadruple murder he did not commit.
Iwao Hakamada: World’s longest-serving death row prisoner awarded $1.4 million after acquittal – that’s $85 for each day
United States· 2025-03-25
Iwao Hakamata was acquitted last year after spending nearly 50 years on death row for a crime he did not commit.
'Record' payout for world's longest-serving death row inmate
United Kingdom· 2025-03-25
