In early
August I (Michael Fox) visited Masumi Hayashi, condemned to
death by two courts for allegedly killing four people. The
prosecution alleges Hayashi put arsenic into a curry served
at a summer festival. The cases hinges on circumstantial
evidence and media frenzy. This was my first visit with a
condemned death row prisoner. After the visit, Hayashi sent
me the following letter. (Translated from the Japanese).
2007 August 22
Professor Michael Fox
Thank you so much for coming to see me, despite your busy
schedule, in the midst of the hot season on August 6th.
Seeing you in a vibrant red shirt and wearing a bracelet
and necklace on your first visit really brought an
invigorated "Hope" and a "Smile" to my 9 year birdcage
existence. It was a very happy visit for me. Sensei, please
lend me your strength. Please let your students know about
the Wakayama Curry Incident, Masumi Hayashi, and the truth
of this trial.
August 13
I received your letter and the article "The Attorney Yasuda
Arrest: Criminal and Political Considerations" which you
sent on the 9th. Thanks so much.
August 27
Seeing you will be in America, please do send me a picture
or a postcard.
Living in this 2~3 tatami sized birdcage, whenever I
receive something with scenery from the outside, a picture
with flowers or a postcard, I feel very "Happy."
In regard to the High Court's decision (confirming my death
sentence), Mori Sanjusaburo, 91 year old scholar of law and
advisor to the Japan Constitutional Association has written
a brief. His opinion will be carried in the newsletter.
As you know, my Support Association will be holding a
symposium in Wakayama in December. I hope you and your
students can attend.
I will continue to fight on with "Hope" and a "Smiles."
I hope to lose some weight by the next time we meet.
Masumi Hayashi.