関東医療少年院

Opened in 1949 as a correctional and medical treatment facility, the Kanto Medical Juvenile Training School has a story to tell. Right here in Fuchu, Tokyo, this institution served a unique purpose. The Kanto Medical Juvenile Training School wasn’t just a detention center. It was one of only two Type 3 Juvenile Training Schools in all of Japan. These specialized facilities focused on the rehabilitation of young people aged 12 to 26, diagnosed with “serious physical or mental disorders”. Imagine the weight of that responsibility. The Kanto Medical Juvenile Training School provided extensive care. They offered medical treatment and correctional education under one roof. The school had a capacity of 124 juveniles. It aimed to equip them with the tools to reintegrate into society. Think of the dedication of the staff. Nine full-time doctors, five part-time doctors, eight nurses, a clinical psychologist, and a pharmacist worked tirelessly. For each juvenile, a team consisting of a primary physician, a nurse, and a correctional officer worked together. Their goal was to create personalized treatment and educational plans. Life inside the Kanto Medical Juvenile Training School followed a strict routine. From morning rituals to meals, medical consultations, and various therapies, every hour was structured. The school implemented methods like occupational therapy, including gardening and woodworking for boys and sewing and gardening for girls. They also used psychotherapy, including psychodrama and group counseling. In 2017, the Kanto Medical Juvenile Training School transitioned to the International Judicial Complex Center in Tatsunoshima, Tokyo. It was renamed the East Japan Juvenile Rehabilitation and Medical Education Center. This move consolidated several facilities, streamlining services for young offenders. However, a dark shadow hangs over the Kanto Medical Juvenile Training School’s history. In October 1997, the infamous “Sakakibara incident” sent shockwaves through Japan. “Boy A,” the 14-year-old perpetrator, was sent to Kanto. This case led to unprecedented efforts in juvenile rehabilitation, including unique therapies and intensive counseling programs at the school.