Monmouth Vicinage Welcomes Judge Kako Yoshimura of Japan

The Monmouth Vicinage will host Judge Kako Yoshimura of Japan as part of the Judiciary’s Japanese Judge Program.

Judge Yoshimura, who has been touring vicinages across the state, will visit the Monmouth Vicinage from Monday, March 6 to Friday, March 17. Activities scheduled for the visit include observations of trials and other court hearings, meetings with judges and staff, and tours of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office so that she can better understand the roles of those who provide court services. 

The Japanese Judge Program began in 1972 as the result of the efforts of Edward B. McConnell, who was administrative director of the courts at the time, and the Supreme Court of Japan. The program was designed to help Japan’s judges between the ages of 25 and 30 gain broader insight into the administration of justice by studying foreign jurisdictions. The Supreme Court of Japan selects one participant each year.

Judge Yoshimura is the 51st judge to participate in the program. She is from the Tokyo District Court and was appointed to the bench in 2017. Her primary focus is the jury system. Judge Yoshimura has indicated that she is especially interested in learning about the practices of the plea deal, the jury system, and the prevention of recidivism.