18.24. The Conference of Absent Jurors
Location: Former Courthouse, Obihiro
Description:
The courthouse in Obihiro is now used for jurorless trials. The benches are filled with coats, scarves, and empty shoes—props arranged in the posture of civic attendance. Every case is broadcast as radio theater. No verdict is binding. Still, the prosecutors and defense show up, speaking with practiced rhythm. Judai sits in a folding chair marked *Witness Unknown*. Juna transcribes in shorthand a case involving the theft of intention. The judge listens through headphones plugged into a phonograph playing *white noise*. No names are ever spoken. Every sentence ends with: *“If present.”* The transcripts are burned after each session, but the ashes are sorted by tone.
Keywords:
Obihiro absent jury court, theatrical trial broadcast, placeholder jurors, sentence of conditional presence, intention theft hearings
Very Short Story:
Juna read the transcript by lamplight. “He never arrived, so the verdict was delayed indefinitely.” Judai flipped to a blank page: *“Case dismissed by disappearance.”* They had watched the whole trial—acted without actors, judged without judgment. The prosecutor’s shoes were worn; the scarf had real perfume. The defense objected to an accusation no one had made. Juna asked, “Do they believe this is justice?” Judai shrugged. “They believe it’s what remains.” As they exited, the bailiff handed them a matchbook with one word inside: *Attend.* They left it unopened, but carried it with them for miles.
