The Mine Rehabilitation Program Center was established in April 2007
as the first penal institution in Japan to be operated through joint cooperation
between the public and private sectors using the PFI (Private Finance Initiative).
Facility Outline
The inmates to be housed in this institution are those who do not have severe physical or mental problems
and who are able to adapt to communal life selected out of those inmates who do not have advanced criminal
tendencies and are first-time offenders. Moreover, for male inmates, selection is limited to those who fulfill
necessary conditions such as having had a stable job in society and the availability of a supportive
environment following release.
Using the latest technologies such as ICT, we will provide education and vocational training that is unique in public-private cooperation.
From the second phase of the project (from April 2025), we are experimenting with new education and vocational training using ICT.
In vocational training, we have newly launched the "XR Skills Course", in which students at the Center acquire 3DCG skills, and create a metaverse space (world) in the course of training, thereby providing job skills in line with current trends.
In education, We are providing SST etc. utilizing VR. We support students a smooth re-entry to society after release from prison by providing such trainings that simulate real-life situations in the real world and workplace.
Practicing Community-based and Contribution Oriented Vocational Training
Center students are defined as 'Mine-Citizen’ while they stay at the Center. In order for the Center to coexist with the local community, the Center provides numerous opportunities for students themselves to contribute to solving local issues as members of the community. In particular, the Center creates opportunities for students to hear directly from local people so that they gain experience in contributing to solving local problems, such as the 'Sales Strategy Course' where they use posters to express the appeal of Mine City's specialties, thereby fostering a sense of contribution to the local community and achieving recidivism prevention as well as living in harmony with the community.
Housing inmates who are considered to have a high chance of rehabilitation
Mine Rehabilitation Program Center primarily houses younger inmates who have committed their first offence and are considered to have low criminal tendencies.
We are aiming that by supporting the inmates that this prison time for them be the last one and that they reintegrate into society as smooth as possible, the world in which no new victims are created can be made.
To achieve this, in addition to providing education and vocational training to the Center students, we work daily to ensure the stable operation of the penal institutions.
Supporting inmates to reintegrate into society on their own initiative
In order to provide flexible, individualized treatment in conjunction with the implementation of custodial sentences, from the early stages of their stay, the Center encourages students to think proactively about how they will live their lives after their release, and to use their time in the Center working towards achieving this goal.
By providing regular opportunities for Center students to proactively reflect on their own views of life and the challenges they face, to confront themselves and rethink their plans, we aim to facilitate their smooth reintegration into society after release from prison, which can be difficult in many ways.
Supporting inmates to reintegrate into society on their own initiative
All visitors to the Center (inmates, prison officers, civilian staff, visitors, etc.) are fitted with a radio tag to monitor their location in real time. For inmates, a biometric identification device is used to confirm the radio tag and the individual's location. The system helps inmates to walk independently in the Center, reduces the workload of prison officers and ensures efficient and effective operation of security services.
When transporting inmates to hospitals or other facilities, location information systems equipped with GPS and communication functions are utilized to prevent security incidents such as escapes.
Prison without high walls
The Center uses high-tech technology, including various sensors, CCTV cameras, electric locks and a system to locate inmates within the facility, while trained staff take every precaution to ensure security. In addition, the Center is surrounded by multiple fences and is equipped with a full range of security sensors to enhance security, while the outer fence is covered with ivy to prevent overlooking from the outside and to blend in with the environment.