At Tochigi Women's Prison, Japan's largest women's prison located north of Tokyo, the aging prison population mirrors the challenges faced by the elderly outside. "There are even people who say they will pay 20,000 or 30,000 yen (USD 130-190) a month (if they can) live here forever," said Takayoshi Shiranaga, a prison officer.

The rising level of loneliness among Japan’s ageing population is pushing some elderly women to view life in prison as a better alternative to freedom. At Tochigi Women’s Prison, the largest women’s correctional facility in Japan,

Japan is experiencing a surge in elderly female prisoners, with the number of prisoners aged 65 or older nearly quadrupling from 2003 to 2022. This rise comes as elderly women seek companionship and structure in prison for a chance at a better end to their lives,