This Man Escaped Prison FOUR Times

Summary

The video recounts the remarkable life of Yoshie Shiratori, a notorious escape artist in post-war Japan. After being sentenced to death for a tragic incident during a theft, Shiratori outsmarts prison guards in multiple daring escapes. Despite his criminal past, his story highlights the complexity of human nature and the impact of circumstances on life choices. Eventually, he serves time in a more lenient prison, leading to his parole. Shiratori’s life reflects a journey of survival, resilience, and the quest for redemption, ending with his peaceful passing near Mount Fuji.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yoshie Shiratori escaped from prison multiple times, showcasing his cleverness and determination.
• 🏙️ After escaping from Aomori Prison, Shiratori found himself struggling to adapt to a changed post-war Japan.
• 🚓 Shiratori's encounter with a gardener resulted in an unintended death, leading to his arrest and a death sentence.
• 🔒 Sapporo Prison underestimated Shiratori's abilities, believing he would not escape again due to tight security.
• 🛠️ Shiratori ingeniously crafted a makeshift saw from a toilet metal hoop to dig his way to freedom.
• 🏔️ Following his fourth escape, Shiratori lived in the mountains for over nine months before being recaptured.
• 💔 A small act of kindness from a police officer prompted Shiratori to reveal his true identity as an escaped convict.
• ⚖️ During his trial, the judge recognized Shiratori's actions as self-defense and reduced his sentence to 20 years.
• 🌱 Shiratori experienced a positive prison environment at Fuchu Prison, engaging in gardening and sports.
• 🕊️ After 10 years, Shiratori was finally paroled and lived his remaining years as a free man until his death in 1979.

Q & A

Who is Yoshie Shiratori, and what is notable about his life?

Yoshie Shiratori was a Japanese man known for his remarkable ability to escape from prison multiple times during the early to mid-20th century. His life story is notable for its complexity, including themes of survival, crime, and eventual redemption.

What significant historical event does Shiratori learn about upon escaping the mountains?

Upon escaping the mountains, Shiratori learns about the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japanese cities, signifying Japan's defeat in World War II. This information highlights the broader context of his struggles.

What led to Shiratori's arrest after he decided to head towards Sapporo?

Shiratori was arrested after a confrontation with a gardener, who mistook him for a thief plundering his vegetable garden. During the altercation, the gardener sustained a fatal injury, leading to Shiratori's arrest.

What was Shiratori's original sentence after his trial following the gardener's death?

Shiratori was originally sentenced to death following his trial for the gardener's death, despite claiming self-defense.

How did Shiratori manage to escape from Sapporo Prison for the fourth time?

Shiratori escaped from Sapporo Prison by sawing through a wooden floorboard in his cell and using a metal hoop fashioned into a saw. His ingenuity allowed him to dig his way to freedom without being detected by the guards.

What changed in the judicial proceedings during Shiratori's final trial?

During Shiratori's final trial, the judge recognized the incident with the gardener as self-defense and revoked the death penalty, instead sentencing him to 20 years in prison.

How did the approach of the prison guards change when Shiratori was transferred to Fuchu Prison?

At Fuchu Prison, the guards adopted a softer approach towards Shiratori, allowing him to work in the prison gardens and participate in sports, which contributed to a more positive prison environment.

What was Shiratori's attitude towards escaping after his time at Fuchu Prison?

After his time at Fuchu Prison, Shiratori expressed a lack of motivation to escape, stating, 'I'm tired.' He had escaped multiple times and felt that it was no longer a game he wanted to play.

What life did Shiratori lead after his release from prison?

After his release on December 21, 1961, Shiratori lived his final years in Tokyo, working as a laborer and leading a peaceful life, demonstrating his transformation from a fugitive.

What broader message does Shiratori's story convey about crime and redemption?

Shiratori's story highlights the complexities of human behavior and the circumstances that lead individuals into crime. It suggests that people are not defined solely by their past actions and emphasizes the possibility of redemption and change.