The new defense team for former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn say they want to clear their client of charges and win back the trust of Japanese society.

Junichiro Hironaka, who has been heading the team since last month, made the remarks at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Monday.

Ghosn has been indicted for understating his executive compensation in Nissan's securities reports. He is also charged with aggravated breach of trust for inappropriately transferring the company's funds.

Ghosn has been in custody for more than 100 days since his initial arrest in November.

Hironaka said Nissan had been aware of most of Ghosn's dealings. He said it's extremely odd that Nissan brought them to the attention of prosecutors after more than ten years.

Hironaka said common sense tells him the allegations should not be a criminal case.

He added foreign media have reported that if similar incidents occur, foreign executives will opt against working in Japan.

He said his client must be found innocent at an early date for the future of Japanese society.