Hakamada spent more than 45 years on death row, longer than any other prisoner worldwide, believing that each day could be his last after his sentence was finalized in 1980.
His exoneration, after decades of campaigning by his 91-year-old sister, triggered calls in the Japanese media for changes to the lengthy and complicated retrial process.
Government officials point to strong public support for the death penalty, with a 2019 survey showing 80% of respondents believing it was necessary in some cases.
Campaigners have questioned the wording of opinion polls showing support for the death penalty, suggesting that methodology and timing significantly influence public opinion.
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