This article tells the story of Teruko Nakazawa, an unpaid parole officer in Japan who dedicated decades to helping former convicts reintegrate into society. It explores the role of volunteer probation officers in Japan's low crime rate and the challenges they face in attracting younger volunteers.
Teruko Nakazawa, an 83-year-old retired unpaid parole officer, dedicated decades to supervising and helping rehabilitate convicted criminals on parole in Japan . Her work, often involving intervening in volatile situations and providing emotional support, took place under a little-known state scheme that some attribute to the nation's famously low crime rate .
Nakazawa's efforts exemplify the dedication of Japan's army of volunteer probation officers, who risk their own safety and well-being to offer second chances to those who have served their time. Nakazawa's unwavering commitment to her former charges is evident in their stories. One former parolee described her as a 'grandma' figure, someone he wouldn't dare disappoint. She intervened in a knife fight between an ex-offender and their mother, and once saved a boy surrounded by a mob of potentially dangerous individuals.Nakazawa's story highlights the crucial role played by these unpaid parole officers. Their selfless work, often driven by a deep sense of compassion and a belief in second chances, contributes significantly to the well-being of both individuals and society. However, the scheme faces challenges in attracting younger volunteers due to low pay and a yearly registration fee, raising concerns about the future sustainability of this vital support system.The picture shows Ueko, a parolee recovering from drug addiction, doing weight lifting workout at a drug rehab centre in Sakai city of Osaka Prefecture. — AFP picNakazawa believes that if society shuns ex-offenders, they will only proliferate and commit even more heinous crimes. She sees her work as a way to help individuals reintegrate into society and break the cycle of crime. Similarly, Mieko Kami, a 74-year-old flower arrangement teacher, joined the scheme with no prior experience with criminals. Her work has exposed her to the realities of their past and the challenges they face in reintegrating into society. Kami believes that these individuals often crave reassurance and acceptance, and she strives to provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.She notes that learning about their upbringing sometimes makes her think it's inevitable they turned out this way, acknowledging the complex societal factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Ueko, currently on parole in Osaka, shared his story of struggling with drug addiction and the desire to escape a painful life trying to fit in as a gay person in Japan. Nakazawa's unwavering commitment to her former charges is evident in their stories. One former parolee described her as a 'grandma' figure, someone he wouldn't dare disappoint. She intervened in a knife fight between an ex-offender and their mother, and once saved a boy surrounded by a mob of potentially dangerous individuals.Nakazawa's story highlights the crucial role played by these unpaid parole officers. Their selfless work, often driven by a deep sense of compassion and a belief in second chances, contributes significantly to the well-being of both individuals and society. However, the scheme faces challenges in attracting younger volunteers due to low pay and a yearly registration fee, raising concerns about the future sustainability of this vital support system
Japan Parole Probation Volunteer Unpaid Crime Rate Rehabilitation Second Chances Social Support Justice System
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