“Can you watch ‘Shaken Justice’ for free?” This hard-hitting documentary tackles the society-shaking theme of “Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)” and will be released starting September 20, 2025. In this article, we thoroughly explain the free viewing options, streaming plans, and theater information for “Shaken Justice.” If there’s no free streaming, we’ll also introduce ultra-cheap subscription services. Don’t miss this socially significant film—check the latest information now.
Before streaming even begins, the film is already generating buzz. Which services will offer it and when? Let’s lock that down in advance.
What is “Shaken Justice”?
“Shaken Justice” is a social-issue documentary scheduled for nationwide, staggered release from Saturday, September 20, 2025. Produced by Kansai TV and directed by Daisuke Ueda, the film examines the medical practice of diagnosing infant brain injuries as “abuse by shaking” and the potential for resulting wrongful convictions. Its theme is “Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)”. By portraying a direct clash between the “justice” of preventing child abuse and the “justice” of eliminating wrongful convictions, the film poses urgent questions to society.
The film is based on a 2023 TV special and has been re-edited with long-term reporting and additional footage. The theatrical version features deeper testimony and data. By interweaving court records, expert medical opinions, and family testimonies, it carefully unravels complex facts.
Release schedule and theaters
Initial screenings will begin at Pole Pole Higashinakano (Tokyo) and Theatre Seven (Osaka), followed by a nationwide rollout. Additional theaters may be announced, so we recommend checking the official site and the distributor (Tofu) for updates.
Film data
- Title: Shaken Justice
- Genre: Social-issue documentary
- Director: Daisuke Ueda
- Production: Kansai TV
- Release date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
- Distributor: Tofoo
- Runtime: approx. 110 minutes
“Shaken Justice” explores the clash between two forms of “justice”: SBS and wrongful convictions. Look for persuasive filmmaking grounded in meticulous reporting by the director and production team.
Synopsis & details of “Shaken Justice”
“Shaken Justice” follows cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), in which an infant’s head injury is diagnosed as “abuse by shaking.” The story begins with testimony from families who were suddenly suspected as “perpetrators.” Physicians making the diagnoses, attorneys scrutinizing the facts, and families proclaiming innocence—all act from their belief in “justice”, and their paths intersect.
In court, medical knowledge and legal judgment often collide, revealing the difficulty of discovering the truth. Over several years, the reporting team tracked multiple cases and collected vast amounts of material: testimony, documents, and verdicts. In doing so, the film shows that while certain judgments may be necessary from the perspective of preventing abuse, they can, in some instances, risk producing wrongful convictions.
Main subjects and interviewees
- Families claiming wrongful conviction
- Medical experts (pediatricians, forensic specialists)
- Lawyers and judicial officials
- Police personnel
- Journalists and researchers
Visual style and approach
The direction avoids inflaming emotions, adhering instead to a calm, fact-based structure. Building on Kansai TV’s reporting footage, the film adds new testimony and international research data. Through a mix of narration and interviews, it invites viewers to think for themselves.
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Shaken Justice |
| Genre | Social-issue documentary |
| Theme | Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and wrongful conviction |
| Director | Daisuke Ueda |
| Production | Kansai TV |
| Runtime | Approx. 110 minutes |
| Distributor | Tofoo |
Through verification of facts and testimony, the film asks the audience, “What is justice?” Its cool-headed presentation enables a multifaceted grasp of a complex issue.
Highlights to know before watching
“Shaken Justice” isn’t just a case-based documentary; its greatest strength is that it portrays a theme confronting society as a whole. Here are key points to note before you watch.
1. Two forms of “justice” collide head-on
Swift judgment is essential to prevent abuse. At the same time, misdiagnoses or mistaken assumptions that lead to prosecuting the innocent undermine the foundation of the law. This clash between “prevention” and “preventing wrongful convictions” forms the core of the work.
2. Extensive reporting and verification
Over years, the team followed multiple cases and rigorously analyzed court records, medical reports, and overseas research. The experts featured hold diverse views, helping viewers approach the problem from multiple angles rather than just one.
3. An international perspective
Standards for diagnosing SBS and the handling of cases differ by country and region. By presenting overseas examples and studies, the film highlights issues in Japan’s current situation through comparison.
4. Editing that prompts viewers to think
Instead of imposing a conclusion, the film lays out facts and leaves the judgment to viewers. This fosters deeper discussion and reflection after screenings.
5. Potential for social impact
Past documentaries by Kansai TV have influenced systems and case law after broadcast. This film, too, may spark significant debate about society and legal frameworks.
After watching, you’ll inevitably ask yourself, “What would I decide?” Take in the diverse opinions on screen and try to find your own answer.
Subscription services likely to stream “Shaken Justice”
“Shaken Justice” is slated for theatrical release on September 20, 2025, and streaming availability has not been confirmed at release. However, based on patterns for Kansai TV productions distributed by Tofoo, it’s likely to stream within 3–12 months of release.
Below is a table summarizing services likely to carry it, estimated start windows, prices, and ways to watch for free.
| Service | Estimated start | Price | How to watch for free |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | March 2026 | ¥2,189/month (tax incl.) | Watch via the 31-day free trial |
| Amazon Prime Video | June 2026 | ¥600/month (tax incl.) | Watch via the 30-day free trial |
| Hulu | April 2026 | ¥1,026/month (tax incl.) | Watch via the 14-day free trial |
| Disney+ | May 2026 | ¥990/month (tax incl.) | No free trial (bundles may discount) |
TSUTAYA DISCAS | January 2026 | Flat-rate rental ¥2,052/month (tax incl.) | Watch via the 30-day free trial |
The estimates reference the time-to-stream for similar documentaries. Depending on attendance and buzz after release, streaming could start sooner.
There’s a strong chance of streaming within six months to one year of release. To avoid missing it, plan to use U-NEXT or Amazon Prime Video free trials at the right time.
FAQs about watching “Shaken Justice”
Here are common questions about screenings and streaming for “Shaken Justice”, with answers. This will help first-time viewers and those weighing viewing options.
Q1. Can I watch “Shaken Justice” for free?
As of August 2025, there is no official way to watch for free before release. After the theatrical run, it may stream on U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc. Using their free trial periods could let you watch at effectively no extra cost.
Q2. How long will it be in theaters?
The end date varies by theater and region, but documentaries typically run for 2–4 weeks. Some theaters may extend runs depending on audience numbers and buzz.
Q3. When will streaming begin?
For past Kansai TV/Tofoo titles, streaming often starts within six months to one year of release. This film is likewise expected to begin streaming in the first half of 2026.
Q4. Will there be DVD or Blu-ray?
Undecided at present, but past works by the same team have been released on DVD, so a few months after release is possible.
Q5. Who is this recommended for?
Viewers interested in social issues, wrongful convictions, and the intersection of medicine and law. It’s also valuable material for educational institutions, law faculties, and medical professionals.
If seeing it in theaters is difficult, aim for the streaming or DVD release timing. By using free trials and promotions, you can keep costs down.
Director and production team: related works
As a documentary, “Shaken Justice” doesn’t have traditional lead actors. The central figures are the witnesses, experts, and the creators behind the film. Here are works by director Daisuke Ueda and related Kansai TV productions.
Selected works by Director Daisuke Ueda
- “Verification: Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)” (Kansai TV news special)
- “Hearing the Voice of Death Row Inmates — The Road to Retrial in the Hakamada Case”
- “Wrongful Convictions — What Would You Do Then?”
- “The Document” series (Kansai TV)
Representative Kansai TV documentaries
- “Residents Left Behind in Decontamination”
- “The Vanished Truth — Osaka Special Investigation Department Evidence Tampering Case”
- “The Amagasaki Case — Chains of Control”
- “Verification: The Hakamada Case”
About the director and production team
Director Ueda and the Kansai TV reporting team are known for depicting complex, sensitive social issues with a calm, fact-based perspective. They emphasize long-term on-site reporting and primary-source collection, building films through rigorous examination of court records and testimony.
Daisuke Ueda is a leading voice in portraying wrongful convictions and systemic issues. Watching past works deepens your understanding of “Shaken Justice.”
Recommended similar and related works
If “Shaken Justice” interests you, consider documentaries and films on wrongful convictions and the interplay of medicine and law. Social-issue works not only deepen awareness but also provide new insights from different cases and viewpoints.
Works on wrongful convictions and the justice system
- “I Just Didn’t Do It” (2007, Japan) — A social drama about a false accusation of groping, highlighting issues in Japan’s criminal justice system.
- “The Hakamada Case — In the Space Between Dreams” (Documentary) — A long-term investigation into one of Japan’s most notorious wrongful conviction cases.
- “Making a Murderer” (Netflix) — A series on a U.S. homicide case and the wrongful conviction doubts surrounding it.
Where medicine and law intersect
- “The Price of Life” (NHK Special) — A documentary on medical accidents and the structure of litigation.
- “The Bleeding Edge” (Netflix) — A probing look at medical device safety and regulation.
Related reporting by Kansai TV
- “Verification: Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)” series — The journalistic origin of this film.
- “Wrongful Convictions — What Would You Do Then?” — Portraying people claiming innocence and the systemic flaws behind their cases.
By watching these together, you can gain a deeper understanding of “Shaken Justice”. Your perspective on social issues will broaden and help you form your own views.
Comparing similar works makes the social backdrop and challenges in “Shaken Justice” more three-dimensional. Many are available on streaming—try a comparative viewing.
Check the buzz on social media!
“Shaken Justice” has been drawing attention on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and other platforms even before release. Documentary fans and those interested in social issues, in particular, are voicing high expectations.
Common feedback trends
- Comments that the weight of the topic “requires mental readiness” to watch
- High expectations based on praise for director Daisuke Ueda’s past works
- Viewers of the TV special anticipating “even deeper exploration” in the theatrical cut
- Positive opinions from medical professionals that it could “spark calm, constructive debate”
- Messages of support from people involved in wrongful conviction cases and their advocates
Five-parameter rating
| Category | Score (out of 20) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Thematic weight | 19 | Highly significant social theme that prompts debate. |
| Visual expression | 17 | In the vein of news reporting—cool and objective. |
| Information density | 18 | Rich testimony and materials from long-term reporting. |
| Buzzworthiness | 16 | Gaining attention on social media pre-release. |
| Rewatch appeal | 15 | Given the heavy theme, not for frequent rewatches—but essential at least once. |
Total score
85/100
As a social-issue documentary, it’s expected to deliver a highly meaningful viewing experience for many.
Overall social media sentiment is positive, especially on the importance of the theme. Reviewing related information beforehand will deepen your understanding.
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