Remarkable Prison Escapes: The Story of Yoshie Shiratori

Yoshie Shiratori, known as the most notorious ‘man that no prison could hold,’ has earned a place in history for his daring and innovative escape attempts from Japanese prisons. This article explores Shiratori’s remarkable escapes and what made him different from other inmates.

Yoshie Shiratori’s Notorious Career

No other man in history has so consistently defied incarceration as Yoshie Shiratori, Japan's most famous escapee. Dubbed the “man that no prison could hold,” Shiratori has gained infamy for his repeated escapes out of Japanese prisons. He was incarcerated four times, each time finding an ingenious way to break free from custody.

The Great Escape Artist

Shiratori’s first prison was Aomori prison, where he served a sentence for murder and robbery. Remarkably, he escaped by using a short wire found in a wooden bathing bucket to pick the locks on his handcuffs after only three years. The police recaptured him after three days, but this didn’t end his rebellious streak.

By 1942, Shiratori was transferred to Akita prison. Here, he demonstrated his remarkable ingenuity. He managed to escape by climbing the smooth walls of his cell to reach the air vent, eventually unhinging it and freeing himself. This feat earned him respect and notoriety in the penal world.

The Miso Soup Act

Shiratori’s second escape in 1944, from the remote Abashiri Prison, was perhaps his most ingenious. Located in a harsh environment in Northern Hokkaido, Abashiri was a penal colony reserved for the worst criminals. Shiratori used miso soup, a common dish, to weaken the door frames of his cell. During a wartime blackout, he squeezed through a small opening, escaping in the nude. This escape was documented and publicized, much to the authorities' chagrin.

The Final Escape and Resolution

Shiratori was once again tried for escaping and was sentenced to death. He was then moved to Sapporo prison and kept under close surveillance. Despite stringent measures, he used a similar strategy as before, unbolted the wooden floorboards of his cell and dug his way out, given him a year of freedom. He later requested to be turned in, explaining that he felt guilty for his escapes. This compassion moved the police to treat him kindly, leading to a lighter sentence of 20 years in prison.

Shiratori spent the final years of his life working odd jobs and telling the story of his life. He died in 1979 from a heart attack, but his story lives on, making him an intriguing character in the annals of prison escapes. His life and escapes have even inspired a movie in 2017, keeping his legacy alive.

Conclusion

The story of Yoshie Shiratori serves as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of a man who refused to be contained. His escapes continue to fascinate and captivate, making Shiratori a true prison escape hero.