Aussie grandma returns from Japan on prisoner transfer

The Aboriginal community leader reunited with family at Bandyup women's prison in Perth's north, where she will do her remaining time after a Japanese court sentenced her to six years' prison in 2024 for bringing two kilograms of methamphetamine into the country.

"Our beautiful mum is finally home after 1388 days of missing her beautiful smile, her warm hugs, her soothing voice and those mum hugs that are so very rare," her family said in a post on social media.

"We had family visits today and finally got to give mum the biggest hugs followed by some laughs, some cries and some good old gossip.

"Our hearts are so full and we love and appreciate everyone who has supported and made this journey a little bit easier."

Daniel Morrisson, chief executive of Wungening Aboriginal Corporation, said it was great news.

"I'm so happy for Donna and her daughters," he told AAP.

"Donna has been missed dearly by our community.

"So great to have her back home close to family and friends."

Daughter Ashlee Charles said it was a very emotional reunion.

"It was a surreal feeling, long overdue," she told Nine.

"I think I've been holding back a lot of emotions this whole time, trying to stay strong and I think I got to let my guard down today."

Nelson was arrested at Japan's Narita International Airport, near Tokyo, in January 2023 after customs officials found the drugs hidden under a false bottom in a suitcase.

Nelson had told the court she was unaware of the drugs and she was carrying the suitcase for a man she hoped to marry.

The man called Kelly, whom she met online in 2020, told her he was the Nigerian owner of a fashion business. 

In 2023, he paid her to travel to Japan via Laos, and asked her to collect dress samples from an acquaintance in the Southeast Asian country. 

She was supposed to meet him in Japan but he never showed up.

Nelson appealed the verdict but lost in September 2025.