Ex-inmate sets up NPO to help other convicts

Ex-inmate sets up NPO to help other convicts

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroshi Igarashi (C), a former inmate who launched the nonprofit organization "Mother House" to assist convicts and those released from prisons, shares a light hearted moment with priest Hideo Kato (L) and friar Hernandez, both of whom he was greatly influenced by, at a church in Tokyo. Igarashi set up the NPO in 2012 after he was released from a prison in late 2011 after a total of some 20 years of detention. (Photo by Toshihiro Ariyoshi)

Foster home children write Xmas, New Year cards for inmates

Foster home children write Xmas, New Year cards for inmates

TOKYO, Japan - Christmas and New Year cards for inmates sent to "Mother House," a nonprofit organization to support convicts and those released from prisons, from children at a foster home in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, in northeastern Japan, is shown at the NPO in Tokyo in 2014. (Photo by Toshihiro Ariyoshi)

Grandson of war-displaced Japanese returns to Japan

Grandson of war-displaced Japanese returns to Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Guan Lingxiang, who first came to Japan nine years ago with his parents and sister, repeatedly asks himself: ''Why am I here? I'm neither Japanese nor Chinese.'' By Toshihiro Ariyoshi

Burmese refugee finds life in Japan a struggle

Burmese refugee finds life in Japan a struggle

TOKYO, Japan - Tin Win (R in back) poses for a photograph with his son Demo (L in back), his wife Tin Nwe Oo (C in back) and his two daughters -- Nay Yi (L in front) and Nay Mar. Tin Win 47, a native from Burma (currently called Myanmar) received refugee status from the Japanese government three years ago. By Toshihiro Ariyoshi

Ex-inmate sets up NPO to help other convicts

Ex-inmate sets up NPO to help other convicts

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroshi Igarashi (C), a former inmate who launched the nonprofit organization "Mother House" to assist convicts and those released from prisons, shares a light hearted moment with priest Hideo Kato (L) and friar Hernandez, both of whom he was greatly influenced by, at a church in Tokyo. Igarashi set up the NPO in 2012 after he was released from a prison in late 2011 after a total of some 20 years of detention. (Photo by Toshihiro Ariyoshi)(Kyodo)