Saturday May 26, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Doctor jailed for buying kidney from gangsters

Crime Jan. 27, 2012 - 06:45AM JST ( 56 )

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56 Comments

4

gelendestrasseJan. 27, 2012 - 09:17AM JST

I think the bigger problem is that the Yaks forced it from the guy for payment of debts. Sheesh, they used to just break an arm or something.
3

YubaruJan. 27, 2012 - 07:46AM JST

how exactly does low public awareness make organ transplant operations less frequent?

In a nutshell low percentage of donors vs the total population in Japan. Finding a matching donor for major organ transplants is not easy and if more people would volunteer the number of transplants would increase rapidly.
2

miyazawa3Jan. 27, 2012 - 07:46AM JST

@Utrack 3. If a person wants to sell his organ to the doctor then why is it a crime. you may right...

Ok let's see like this.... if you don't like to sell your kidney to me ...?

some how, I will make you to sell your kidney... to me. Even you don't like it happen .
If there is a Law to buy / sell human parts.
2

UtrackJan. 27, 2012 - 08:01AM JST

@ miyazawa3

I got you, your saying the young man was probably coerced into giving up his kidney, like give up or else.
2

tmarieJan. 27, 2012 - 08:41AM JST

Organ donating here is pathetic. My students did a presentation on this very topic last night and it is really, really sad how few people donate. Why? No reason. They thought it was "kimoii" and that perhaps they might recover so would need their organs. When I explained they are dead and no longer need them, they just didn't seem to get it. It isn't a religious thing - like Muslims - they just don't have the education. None of them had an organ donor card or had even seen one. I was at a hospital the other day and asked for one - they had no idea what I was asking for. When they finally figured it out, they had none.

The gist? I can see why this guy paid for one. Wrong? Indeed. However, the system here is wrong. No transplants for kids either!
2

MaboDofuIsSpicyJan. 27, 2012 - 09:17AM JST

MY health insurance card has my signature under tape on the back offering everything. The office staff was in shock when I signed it immediately. However, no one except immediate family would be able to use the parts. I do not get it.
2

Christina O'NeillJan. 27, 2012 - 10:00AM JST

I am hoping the donor of the kidney was the whistle blower, which means he survived. I also hope the mobster involved in this dispicable crime is also brought to justice.Loss of a kidney in repayment of a debt, is just too much interest to pay.
2

Hide SuzukiJan. 27, 2012 - 10:17AM JST

Maybe it's not the point of this article I actually don't see a problem if someone wants to sell his organ(s), as long as they are not threatened and not a minor.

Some people need organ transplant and some need the money, it should be a regular business transaction with some guildlines.

If it's legalized, then there is no room for yakuzas to be involved. They are involved now because it's illegal.

@tmaie I agree, we do need more education about organ transplant. Many people refuse it for no apparent reason.
2

ambrosiaJan. 27, 2012 - 12:08PM JST

It's not true that there are no transplants for kids either. Japan changed their Organ Donation Law in January 2011. It previously said that only kid over 15 could give consent for organ donation, which severely restricted the number of organs available for children. That is no longer the case. Japan definitely has a way to go in terms of organ donation but misinformation doesn't help the situation at all.
2

lucabrasiJan. 27, 2012 - 03:23PM JST

How public awareness plays it roles when you can only received organs from family members?

The family members rule is for live transplants. Big difference
2

NessieJan. 27, 2012 - 04:40PM JST

Good for you, Francesca. We need more people like you, who value life more than some ancient superstition.
1

warallthetimeJan. 27, 2012 - 07:34AM JST

@Utrack Did you read the part where the Doctor purchased the kidney from a gangster? I am willing to bet that the kidney didn't come from a willing donor.
1

whiskeysourJan. 27, 2012 - 07:49AM JST

Dr. Frankenstein I presume, where is the rest of his body parts ?
1

Franchesca Miyara YangJan. 27, 2012 - 09:13AM JST

tmarie I agree with you

I always had this strong urge to donate one of my kidneys for some reason but in all my years in this country I've been unable to. Wanting to save a life is deemed Illegal here which is pathetic and cruel. My husband told me that since no one will probably accept my organ for free I might as well sell it but that comes with a price which goes both ways, I get money and perhaps a small prison sentence too if someone finds out.

Saving a life isn't worth the risk in this prehistoric country.
1

my2senseJan. 27, 2012 - 09:44AM JST

tmarie... that was brilliant.
1

ambrosiaJan. 27, 2012 - 10:42AM JST

While educating your students about organ donations is a very good thing, please don't give them further misinformation by telling them that Muslims can't donate their organs because that's simply not true. The majority of Islamic leaders have come out in favor of organ donation after death and living donation in very limited cases. The same is true for Jews. Yes, there are people on either side who oppose it, as there are with any large, diverse group of people, but the vast majority of leaders have concluded that there is nothing non-Islamic about it. The same is true for Buddhist leaders, which is helpful for Japanese to know because I've had many of them try to convince me it's against Buddhism and is the reason they oppose it.
1

tmarieJan. 27, 2012 - 12:55PM JST

**I completely approve of the Japanese laws governing organ transplants. Makes complete sense. ** YOu agree that they have organs harvesting and donations but no one donates?

**There is a huge trade in illegal organ trafficking around the world. Some really horrible stuff going on. ** Do you have any idea WHY there is a huge trade in it? Because no one donates! Duh! If people donated legally, there would be no illegal trade or very little.

Ambrosia, I didn't bother telling my students about how some Muslims see the issue. They were too busy trying to wrap their heads around the number of transplants by countries compared to Japan. And I am oh so sorry I am not up to date on kid donations. Funny, had it been in the news, I might have heard about it. Hence all the misinformation out there.

Sadly neither my hoken nor my license has a spot that allows me to state I want to donate.
1

NessieJan. 27, 2012 - 03:14PM JST

Tmarie, good post.

I hope all the Japanese who are outraged about this are outraged enough to sign up as donors. I'm registered. I'm pretty sure you don't have to be Japanese.
1

fidaruzkiJan. 27, 2012 - 03:20PM JST

>

Japanese law bans payment for body parts and medical guidelines permit live organ transplants only among family members.

Some 13,000 people are waiting for transplants in Japan, where only about 300 operations are conducted annually, in part due to strict regulations and because of low public awareness about the issue.

How public awareness plays it roles when you can only received organs from family members?
1

lucabrasiJan. 27, 2012 - 04:23PM JST

I suppose us Brits are not allowed to be organ donors in Japan?

No, we're not.
1

as_the_crow_fliesJan. 27, 2012 - 11:57PM JST

I'm not ready to pass judgement on the doctor without knowing more. If you have looked on at dialysis, or you have already gone on dialysis and the life you're living is grim, it's understandable to become desperate. While I don't condone him going to a gangster to negotiate a kidney, desperate situations can blind you to the consequences of what you're getting yourself into. The first deal went sour, he got fleeced by the Yakuza fixer, and lost 10m yen. Maybe the doctor wasn't thinking too clearly, felt he'd gone in too deep, and wasn't asking enough questions about where the kidney was come from. Dialysis doesn't make for clear thinking, serious illness and financial pressure, and the knowledge you've done something illegal could have made it hard for him to back out at that stage.

Sure, he should have asked more questions about the donor, specially once he knew it was a young guy. But the whole thing might have got out of his hands by that stage. I think he wanted to legally "adopt" the donor (you can do that in Japan), but the wife was against it. It was all pretty convoluted.

I would hesitate to call the doctor scum, as I simply don't know enough about what went on. The Yakuza parasites who leach off of peoples' desperation (the donor and the doctor), yes, they are scum. They should get the book thrown at them. Personally I find more abhorrent the many Japanese over the years in the same situation as the doctor, who have gone over to China to buy a kidney harvested from an executed prisoner. That I find hard to stomach.

Personally, not having undergone dialysis, but having seen someone who has, for many years, I would hesitate to pass judgement without knowing more.

And yes, all the posters who say it's the system which is really the problem, are so right. Seems like the doctor will get a heavier punishment than the extortionists. And the lack of public awareness is indeed the cause of the ridiculously high, and growing, waiting list. To the point that if you don't have a live related donor to turn to, you might as well give up on the idea of a kidney transplant in Japan. Don't even waste your time signing up to the list.
1

Kamala Brown-SparksJan. 29, 2012 - 06:34AM JST

Tmarie, Thank you for trying to teach your students about organ donation. As for the things that you stated on here that were incorrect, I say no harm, no foul. And before I'm attacked, I'd just like to say that I've recently had to be the one in charge of deciding if my father's organs and tissue should be donated. Of course, I said yes (I live in the States).if someone else had been in my situation and didn't know how they felt about the issue, you don't have a long time to decide. I know, I am glad that other people are having a chance at life because of my father's death. This situation is incredibly sad, that a 21yr old was so indebt to the Yaks and that a man who has presumably saved/enriched the lives of others, had no other real viable otpions left.
0

7solace9Jan. 27, 2012 - 08:47AM JST

A material contribution to criminal behavior that otherwise just does not happen.
0

YubaruJan. 27, 2012 - 10:09AM JST

None of them had an organ donor card or had even seen one.

Check the back of your drivers license or on many shakai hoken insurance cards, the option is there.
0

tokyokawasakiJan. 27, 2012 - 10:11AM JST

I want to know, who removed the kidney from the 21 year old?
0

ambrosiaJan. 27, 2012 - 10:54AM JST

http://www.jotnw.or.jp/ This is the Organ Donation site for Japan. You should be able to register here as an organ donor.
0

genji17Jan. 27, 2012 - 12:08PM JST

Wonder how much the 21 year old owed....probably quite a bit?
0

ambrosiaJan. 27, 2012 - 01:54PM JST

Funny, as Cleo stated, it was in the news, which is how I heard about it. And you may not have said anything to your students about Muslims and organ donation but you said it here and what you said was incorrect.
0

tokyokawasakiJan. 27, 2012 - 02:41PM JST

I suppose us Brits are not allowed to be organ donors in Japan? Well I know they will not allow us to donate blood. It's a shame really, I have one or two bits that I am sure a person could benefit from when I die..
0

cleoJan. 27, 2012 - 02:46PM JST

I suppose us Brits are not allowed to be organ donors in Japan?

Never thought about that when I signed the card......It doesn't say anything about nationality.
0

YubaruJan. 27, 2012 - 03:44PM JST

My husband is an organ donor by the way.

And what about you?
0

fidaruzkiJan. 27, 2012 - 04:31PM JST

lucabrasi, what I meant was, let say someone who wanted to donate one of his/her kidney to a non family member. or a part of his/her liver.

I supposed from the report, it is ok if a donor to donate his/her organs, provided if they are, um, dead.
0

602mikoJan. 27, 2012 - 08:26PM JST

if someones is willing its not a crime ....
0

ambrosiaJan. 27, 2012 - 08:53PM JST

602miko If only that were true..... There's plenty I'd be willing to do.
0

T_rexmaxytimeJan. 28, 2012 - 02:34AM JST

Wow this is a crazy news if you think about it.

A court has jailed a doctor who paid gangsters for a kidney for himself that had been taken from a man who reportedly owed money to an organized crime gang.

Doing business with gangsters is always always a bad idea even though it might seem that you will likely profit in the short term, in the long term the gangstas will always will try to milk you. The risk outweighs the benefit you have received from using gangster service.

I have friend who used to be the manager of underground casino ran by the Yaks in Tokyo. Well my friend was not a Yak and people were operating the casino were not Yaks. Mr friend told me that people who were operating the casinos made hefty amount of money latter to be extortioned by the Yaks. So in the end they take what they have given you. My friend had to leave the country needless to say.
0

IslandFeverFeb. 05, 2012 - 11:05AM JST

In the states, these yakuza scum would be behind bars. (serving drinks....)
-1

UtrackJan. 27, 2012 - 07:39AM JST

warallthetime,

You mean that 21 year old man may have given his kidney up to pay off a debt or something
-1

gaijinfoJan. 27, 2012 - 07:42AM JST

because of low public awareness about the issue.

how exactly does low public awareness make organ transplant operations less frequent?
-1

IslandFeverJan. 27, 2012 - 09:43AM JST

I think the Japanese laws are right on the money. There is a huge trade in illegal organ trafficking around the world. Some really horrible stuff going on.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8608053.stm

In this case, people were promised small sums, which for them were a fortune, in exchange for their organs, and then the organs were sold at a very high price to rich recipients and the original donors given nothing. Really incredible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qObUs21wl-8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBsAg0v4_ik
-1

Sarcasm321Jan. 27, 2012 - 11:36AM JST

Is there any Hippocratic Oath for Doctors in Japan? They seem like the most amoral bunch I ever met....
-1
tmarieJan. 27, 2012 - 03:46PM JST

Ah Cleo, always looking for an argument! Like I said earlier, I checked at the hospital and they had none!

Amb, plenty of Muslims will not donate because they feel it is in the Koran that thebidy must be whole when laid to rest. Plenty go by that regardless of what a few leaders say. You needn't get do jumpy.

Yes indeed it was in the news if you know about it but was it big news or news that goes under the radar? Big difference. Did jt carry the story because I certainly didn't see it.

The whole topic needs to be discussed more and rules changed. Family only for live donations?! Pathetic.

The issue with foreigner and blood are pretty well up to where you go. I went to a red cross truck years ago and they wouldn't let me donate.
- ModeratorJan. 27, 2012 - 04:10PM JST
  
  All readers back on topic please.
-1

Franchesca Miyara YangJan. 27, 2012 - 04:31PM JST

YubaruJAN. 27, 2012 - 03:44PM JST

My husband is an organ donor by the way.

And what about you?

Of course I am, Yubaru. Everything including corneas, skin, etc. EVERYTHING they can use from my corpse. I'll be cremated anyway so.. :)
-1

ambrosiaJan. 27, 2012 - 05:08PM JST

tmarie: If funny bones ever become available for donation I want first dibs at yours because your sense of humor just slays me.
-1

tmarieJan. 27, 2012 - 06:59PM JST

Like I said, always ready for an argument. The very fact that the hospital staff didn't point it out speaks volumes.

Ambro, I am rather amusing when discussing amusing things. Organ transplants and the lack of them is not amusing to me. Sorry you think this is a topic to joke about. I certainly don't.
-2

some14someJan. 27, 2012 - 07:12AM JST

Making headlines when the case is at District Court Level...long long way to go till this doctor is acquitted or given suspended sentence.
-2

UtrackJan. 27, 2012 - 07:17AM JST

I'm torn on this one, 1 A doctor saves lives so saving his own life may save many lives. 2 He should have just went to India and had it done. 3 If a person wants to sell his organ to the doctor then why is it a crime. 4 Whose fault is it that public awareness of organ donation is low in the cremation capital.
-2

Franchesca Miyara YangJan. 27, 2012 - 09:18AM JST

I forgot! Not only one of my kidneys, but also part of my liver as well, if necessary. I heard some children are in need of liver transplant due to some illness. Wish I had that chance.
-2

Franchesca Miyara YangJan. 27, 2012 - 11:42AM JST

My husband is an organ donor by the way.
-2

Franchesca Miyara YangJan. 27, 2012 - 04:36PM JST

Yes, I am not allowed, by Japanese law, to donate a kidney or part of my liver to a NON family member unless I am dead. How sad.

It means, even if a child is dying and the parents agree, the LAW won't let me donate anyway, apparently. That is only for LIVE transplants of course.
-2
cleoJan. 27, 2012 - 04:55PM JST

Like I said earlier, I checked at the hospital and they had none!

They don't any more because it's on the back of the insurance card. I'm surprised the hospital didn't point that out to you.

it was in the news if you know about it but was it big news or news that goes under the radar? Big difference. Did jt carry the story because I certainly didn't see it.

It was news. Mentioned on the news. Mentioned in the newspapers. I don't use radar when I watch the news, so no idea if it went 'under the radar' or not. Can't remember if it was mentioned on JT - do you rely on JT for your news?? Oh dear.
- ModeratorJan. 27, 2012 - 05:01PM JST
  
  Readers, this story was covered by the Japanese media.
-2

cleoJan. 27, 2012 - 08:34PM JST

Like I said, always ready for an argument.

You're seeing arguments where there are none. Little wonder your students 'just didn't seem to get it' - they were probably afraid of giving their opinion cos Teacher would brand them argumentative! :-)

'The very fact that the hospital staff didn't point it out' doesn't speak volumes so much as raise a question mark. Why would they not answer a direct question from you? Doesn't make sense.
-2

ambrosiaJan. 27, 2012 - 10:38PM JST

"I am rather amusing when discussing amusing ..."

Oh, you have no idea.
-3

IslandFeverJan. 27, 2012 - 09:18AM JST

It's not clear at all what is going on, from the article, so here is some more explanation: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120127a5.html

I completely approve of the Japanese laws governing organ transplants. Makes complete sense. And I think it is great they are going after all of these people. Nothing to complain about here. Justice has been served. Even if he does not do any jail time, his career is ruined. Unbelievable. What a selfish old bastard. Greed all around here and no self respect. I would be ashamed to be any of the characters in this story.
-3

cleoJan. 27, 2012 - 01:09PM JST

There used to be donor cards on hospital reception desks for people to fill out and carry if they wanted to. I understand they also used to have them when you go to get/renew your driving license. Now there is a space on the back of the national health insurance card that you sign or not then cover up with a little privacy sticker so that your doctor doesn't know until you're dead whether he can harvest your organs or not.

I am not up to date on kid donations. Funny, had it been in the news, I might have heard about it.

It was in the news, hence I (and I imagine many others including ambrosia) did hear about it.