Monmouth Vicinage to Welcome Judge Yuki Akase of Japan

The Monmouth Vicinage will host Judge Yuki Akase of Japan as part of the Judiciary’s Japanese Judge Visitation Program.

Judge Akase, who has been touring the vicinages across the state, will visit the Monmouth Vicinage from Monday, March 9 to Tuesday, March 24. 

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 Akase is the 54th judge to participate in the program. She is from the Naha District Court and the Naha Family Court and was appointed to the bench in 2021.  Her primary focus is civil and criminal jury proceedings. Judge Akase has indicated that she is especially interested in jury service, discovery, and digitalization. Judge Akase also is interested in criminal justice policies with a focus on correctional institutions and offender rehabilitation.