Japanese True Crime

The Shibuya Station Shooting Incident occurred on June 23, 2004, when Tokuhisa Kumagai shot a station employee at Tokyo Metro’s Shibuya Station during a robbery attempt. Prior to this, he had committed several violent crimes, including arson at Tokyo Station and the fatal shooting of a Chinese restaurant owner in Yokohama. Kumagai, with a long history of criminal behavior dating back to his youth, was arrested on June 26, 2004. In 2011, the Supreme Court upheld a death sentence for him, emphasizing the planned nature and danger of his crimes, despite there being only one murder victim—an exceptional decision under Japanese law. Kumagai was executed in 2013. Born in 1940 (or 1938 under another identity), he had a troubled upbringing as a war orphan, eventually turning to crime. His criminal record included theft, gambling, assault, and armed robbery. His later offenses were driven by financial desperation to start a business.https://bit.ly/4j4uTjdCC BY-SA 4.0

​In December 1980, in Nagoya, Japan, 22-year-old university student A was abducted and murdered by 30-year-old sushi shop employee Shuji Kimura. Kimura lured A under the pretense of an English tutoring job, then kidnapped and strangled her. He disposed of her body by throwing it into the Kiso River from the Kiso River Bridge on the Tōmei Hanshin Expressway. Subsequently, Kimura contacted A's family multiple times, demanding a ransom of 30 million yen. He was arrested in January 1981, convicted of kidnapping for ransom, murder, and corpse abandonment, and sentenced to death in 1987. Kimura was executed in December 1995. This case, the 106th ransom kidnapping in post-war Japan, garnered significant public attention due to the victim's status as a student at a prestigious local women's university and the extensive media coverage.https://bit.ly/42pd6fhCC BY-SA 4.0

​"Moraiko Satsujin," or "adopted child murder," was a historical practice in Japan where individuals accepted unwanted newborns under the guise of providing care but subsequently killed them after receiving compensation from the biological parents. This practice emerged due to societal stigmas against illegitimate births and economic hardships that made it difficult for families to raise additional children. The lack of legal avenues for abortion and minimal oversight allowed such acts to persist, often unnoticed, especially given the high infant mortality rates of the time. Similar practices, known as "baby farming," occurred in other countries, including Britain, Australia, and the United States. The decline of "Moraiko Satsujin" in Japan coincided with legal reforms, the legalization of abortion, improved social welfare systems, and stricter regulations on child adoption and welfare. These changes collectively contributed to the eradication of this tragic practice.https://bit.ly/3E3obLdCC BY-SA 4.0

​Shigeru Katsumi, born Seiya Tsumura on December 25, 1937, in Miyazaki City, Japan, was a prominent Japanese singer known for his contributions to the rockabilly and pop genres. He gained fame in the early 1960s with Japanese covers of popular Western songs, notably his 1961 debut with "Johnny Remember Me," which sold 40,000 copies. Katsumi also performed the theme song for the 1963 television anime "Eightman" and achieved significant success with his 1964 hit "Sasurai," selling 60,000 copies. ​Despite his musical achievements, Katsumi's career declined in the early 1970s. Facing financial difficulties and personal turmoil, he became involved in a scandal that culminated in the murder of his mistress in 1976. Subsequently, he was convicted and sentenced to prison. After serving his sentence, Katsumi lived a relatively quiet life until his death on February 27, 2013. https://bit.ly/4j2weH4CC BY-SA 4.0

Satoshi Uematsu, born in 1990, is a Japanese man sentenced to death for the 2016 mass murder at Tsukui Yamayuri Garden, a facility for disabled individuals in Sagamihara. A former employee, his motive was his belief that severely disabled, non-communicative people are a burden and that their euthanasia would bring world peace. He was convicted in 2020 and is on death row, having filed for a retrial in 2022.Raised near the facility, Uematsu showed early prejudice against disabled individuals. While academically capable and a basketball player in junior high, he also exhibited delinquent behavior and violence towards a disabled classmate. He transferred high schools and later graduated from Teikyo University with a teaching license but did not become a teacher. During university, he used drugs and associated with questionable groups. Before the incident, he lived alone after his parents moved.Uematsu worked at Tsukui Yamayuri Garden from 2012 to 2016. Initially positive about the job, his views shifted after feeling unappreciated for helping a resident. He developed behavioral issues at work and became involved with tattoos and potentially drugs, leading to his dismissal from a tattoo apprenticeship due to disturbing statements about killing disabled people. He was also involved in an assault incident in 2015.In February 2016, Uematsu wrote about his "New Japan Order" plan, including the murder of disabled individuals. He sent a threatening letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and another to Prime Minister Abe, outlining his attack plan on two facilities, aiming to kill 260 people. He demanded specific conditions upon arrest, including being declared innocent and financial support.Despite the House reporting the letter to the police, the Tsukui Yamayuri Garden was slow to react. Uematsu further expressed his harmful ideology to colleagues, leading to his compulsory psychiatric hospitalization in February 2016. Diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis and personality disorders, he was discharged within weeks. He received unemployment and welfare benefits, the latter fraudulently.Driven by a distorted sense of being targeted by the yakuza due to his pro-marijuana stance, Uematsu expedited his planned attack. He prepared by buying tools and on July 26, 2016, broke into Tsukui Yamayuri Garden, committing the mass murder. He tweeted a disturbing message before turning himself in. Post-arrest, he apologized to the victims' families but not the victims themselves, maintaining his prejudiced views. He tested positive for cannabis.In custody, Uematsu expressed a belief in his immunity and that society should agree with him, bizarrely citing the Kyoto Animation arson as horrific. He consistently dehumanized disabled individuals in interviews, justifying his actions based on perceived societal burdens and citing influences like Donald Trump and ISIS. He later acknowledged his sanity but hoped for a lenient sentence, initially claiming his victims weren't human before finally offering a limited apology for the method of killing. While stating he deserved the death penalty but didn't want it, he ultimately did not intend to appeal his sentence.https://bit.ly/4jrPHkwCC BY-SA 4.0

​The Suzugamori Ohara Murder Incident, a wrongful conviction case from the Taisho era, occurred on April 30, 1915, at the former Suzugamori execution grounds. The victim's lover was arrested but later exonerated when the true perpetrator confessed.The Suzugamori Ohari Murder Case, which occurred on April 30, 1915, at the site of the former Suzugamori execution grounds in Tokyo, Japan, is a notable example of a wrongful conviction from the Taisho era. The victim, Ohari, was a 26-year-old woman employed at a sand bath inn adjacent to the Onigami Shrine. Her body was discovered on the shrine's premises, showing signs of strangulation and post-mortem mutilation.Initially, the police focused on K, one of Ohari's lovers, as the prime suspect. K, despite being married with children, had been involved with Ohari for several years. Their relationship recently ended after a dispute over a separation payment. Under intense interrogation, K confessed to the crime, detailing how a confrontation with Ohari led to her accidental death, followed by attempts to conceal the body. However, the investigation failed to find physical evidence, such as the alleged murder weapon, and K's account had inconsistencies.The case took a dramatic turn when Ishii Toji, a 44-year-old man with prior convictions, confessed to the murder while in custody for another crime. Ishii claimed that he encountered Ohari alone at night, attempted to assault her, and, when she resisted, strangled her. To mislead the investigation, he claimed to have staged the scene to suggest a crime of passion. His detailed knowledge of the crime scene and the discovery of a woman's wallet matching Ohari's personal items lent credibility to his confession. Consequently, K was released, and Ishii was charged with the murder.During the trial, Ishii admitted his guilt and even requested the death penalty, expressing remorse for his actions. Initially, the Tokyo District Court acquitted him due to insufficient evidence, a decision that surprised both the prosecution and defense. Both parties appealed, and in March 1918, the Tokyo High Court convicted Ishii, sentencing him to death. He was executed on August 17, 1918.This case highlights the complexities of criminal investigations and the potential for miscarriages of justice. It underscores the importance of corroborating confessions with physical evidence and ensuring that legal proceedings uphold the principles of fairness and accuracy.https://bit.ly/4lrwr8ECC BY-SA 4.0

Sada Abe (May 28, 1905 - death date unknown) gained notoriety in Japan for killing her lover and removing his genitals in May 1936, an incident that shocked the nation and became a cultural phenomenon.Born in Tokyo to a prosperous tatami shop owner, Sada was the youngest of eight children. She had developmental difficulties, unable to speak until age four, and later became known for her temperamental nature. As the much younger sibling in her family, she was indulged by her parents who prioritized her artistic education in shamisen and traditional music over academic studies.At age 15, Sada was sexually assaulted by a university student, an event that profoundly altered her path. Following this trauma, she became rebellious, eventually leading her family to sell her into the geisha profession at 17. Working under various names including "Miyako," she moved between establishments in Yokohama and other cities.Sada later transitioned to prostitution, working in high-class brothels across Osaka, Hyogo, and Nagoya. In 1930, she fled her final brothel, abandoning substantial debt. After various relationships and jobs, in 1936, she began working at a restaurant in Tokyo where she started an affair with the married owner, Yoshizo Ishida.On May 18, 1936, at a teahouse in Tokyo, Sada strangled Ishida to death and severed his genitals, which she carried with her. She was arrested two days later, found wearing some of Ishida's clothing.The case captivated Japan. Psychological evaluation diagnosed her with sadism and fetishism but determined she was legally responsible. In December 1936, she received a six-year prison sentence. During her incarceration, she was transferred between multiple facilities due to her mental condition and the publicity surrounding her case. She reportedly received thousands of letters and marriage proposals while imprisoned.The "Sada Abe Incident" remains one of Japan's most infamous crimes of the early 20th century, inspiring numerous artistic works and continuing to fascinate cultural historians.https://bit.ly/4jpmGpECC BY-SA 4.0

Hirai Gonpachi (1655 – December 5, 1679) was a samurai from Tottori Prefecture, Japan, known for his tragic life and criminal activities. Born into a low-ranking samurai family, Gonpachi gained a reputation for his good looks, bravery, and swordsmanship. At the age of 16, he killed a fellow clansman during a dispute and fled to Edo (now Tokyo) to escape punishment.In Edo, Gonpachi encountered a 15-year-old beauty named Komurasaki, who was being held captive by a group of gangsters. After learning of a plot to kill him for his sword, Gonpachi killed the gang members and rescued Komurasaki, returning her to her family.However, Gonpachi's life took a darker turn as he became involved in criminal activities, including robbery and murder. He was eventually captured, found guilty, and sentenced to death. On December 5, 1679, Gonpachi was executed by beheading at the age of 25. The tragic love story of Gonpachi and Komurasaki has been romanticized in Japanese culture, inspiring various songs, plays, and prints. In these adaptations, Gonpachi's family name was often changed from Hirai to Shirai to avoid censorship. https://bit.ly/3FZDl4GCC BY-SA 4.0

This Wikipedia entry details the life and crimes of Kiyoshi Okubo, a Japanese serial killer who murdered eight women in 1971. It outlines his early life, including prior offenses of rape and robbery, leading up to the brief but horrific period of his consecutive murders. The article covers his arrest, confession obtained through psychological tactics, trial where he was uncooperative, and the eventual death sentence and execution. Furthermore, it discusses his personality, comparisons to other criminals, and adaptations of his case in media.https://bit.ly/4jfJt76CC BY-SA 4.0

The provided text, primarily excerpts from a Japanese Wikipedia page on the Norio Nagayama serial murders, details the series of four fatal shootings committed by the then-19-year-old Nagayama in 1968 across four Japanese prefectures. The entries meticulously recount the events of each crime, the subsequent investigation and arrest of Nagayama, and the protracted legal proceedings that followed. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the criminal trial, spanning from the initial hearings through multiple appeals to the Supreme Court, ultimately resulting in a death sentence and its eventual execution. The overview also touches upon the motivations behind the crimes, the intense legal battles surrounding Nagayama's mental state and the applicability of the death penalty for a minor, and the lasting "Nagayama Standard" established for capital punishment decisions in Japan.https://bit.ly/4cj4go2CC BY-SA 4.0

Shoko Asahara: Cult Leader and TerroristShoko Asahara (born Chizuo Matsumoto, 1955-2018) founded the infamous Aum Shinrikyo cult. Despite partial blindness, he was ambitious, exploring religion after early business ventures and an arrest for selling unlicensed drugs. His charismatic leadership and apocalyptic teachings attracted followers, evolving into radical ideologies justifying violence to establish a new order.Under Asahara's control, Aum Shinrikyo committed horrific crimes, including the Sakamoto family murder (1989), the Matsumoto sarin attack (1994), and the deadly Tokyo subway sarin attack (1995). Arrested in 1995 as the mastermind, Asahara's trial was marked by erratic behavior. He was convicted and sentenced to death for multiple murders and terrorist acts.Increasingly unresponsive in detention, his death sentence was finalized in 2006, and he was executed in 2018. Asahara's rise and the atrocities committed by his cult serve as a stark warning about extremism and the dangers of unchecked authority, raising critical questions about religious freedom and the responsibility of cult leaders. His legacy remains a subject of intense debate.https://bit.ly/4jlVk3DCC BY-SA 4.0

The Zama Serial Murder Case: A Tragic Crime in Modern JapanIn 2017, a disturbing case shocked Japan and the world. In Zama, a city near Tokyo, police discovered the remains of nine people—eight women and one man—in a small apartment. The man who lived there, 27 years old at the time, was arrested and later admitted to killing all nine victims.The case began when police investigated the disappearance of a young woman. Their search led them to the suspect’s apartment. There, they found evidence of multiple murders. The man had used social media—specifically Twitter—to contact people who were struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts. He pretended to be supportive and told them he would die with them. But instead, he lured them to his apartment, where he killed them.The crimes took place over about two months. The suspect later said his real motive was not to die but to take advantage of the victims—some for money, others for control.He was arrested, put on trial, and received the death penalty in 2020. The case led to major changes in how Japan monitors social media and supports people with mental health struggles. It reminded the nation of the importance of kindness, trust, and seeking help.https://bit.ly/3E3cqnSCC BY-SA 4.0

The Niigata Girl Confinement Case: A Story of Survival and AwarenessIn 1990, in a quiet town in Niigata, Japan, a 9-year-old girl disappeared while walking home from school. Despite large search efforts by police and local people, she could not be found. For over nine years, no one knew where she was or what had happened to her.In reality, she had been kidnapped by a man who took her to his home and locked her in a small room on the second floor. The man, who lived with his mother, used threats and violence to keep her from escaping. He was not employed and had been socially isolated for years. His mental health problems, including a fear of germs and aggressive behavior toward his mother, made the situation more dangerous.During the long years of confinement, the girl was rarely allowed to move freely. She was not allowed to go outside, and she could not use the bathroom like normal. Her food was limited, and she became weak and sick. She lost muscle strength and even the ability to walk properly. She was also emotionally abused, and she became mentally detached from the outside world. Despite this, she kept surviving every day.In 2000, when the kidnapper’s mother finally reported her son’s violence to the local health office, a group of social workers came to their house. There, they found the girl wrapped in a blanket on the kidnapper’s bed. She was now 19 years old. She had spent more than 9 years in captivity, without anyone knowing she was alive.The police arrested the man, and he was later sentenced to 14 years in prison. After serving his sentence, he was released but died a few years later due to illness.This case shocked Japan and the world. People were horrified that such a thing could happen in a peaceful country. It raised important questions about how police investigate missing children, how mental illness is handled in families, and how social systems can fail to detect abuse.The girl, after being rescued, received care and support to recover physically and emotionally. Many people admired her strength and courage. Her story became a symbol of survival — and a reminder that children must be protected at all costs.In the years that followed, Japan improved its child protection systems and raised awareness about social isolation and mental health. The Niigata case is still remembered today as one of the most heartbreaking yet important child protection stories in modern Japan.https://bit.ly/42e4HeOCC BY-SA 4.0

​In April 1995, Hideo Murai, a top executive of the Japanese religious group Aum Shinrikyo, was fatally stabbed outside the group's Tokyo headquarters. Murai, known for his scientific expertise, played a significant role in the group's activities. The assailant, Hiroyuki Jo, a member of the Yamaguchi-gumi crime syndicate, attacked Murai in front of numerous reporters and police officers. Jo was immediately apprehended and later sentenced to 12 years in prison. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, leading to various theories about possible connections between organized crime and Aum Shinrikyo. This incident highlighted the complex and secretive nature of the group's operations and its interactions with other entities.https://bit.ly/4hWkftgCC BY-SA 4.0

In November 2009, a tragic event occurred in the city of Matsue, located in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. A 19-year-old female university student was reported missing after failing to return home from her part-time job. Her disappearance led to an extensive search by local authorities and volunteers.Approximately one week later, the search came to a sorrowful conclusion when her dismembered remains were discovered in a mountainous area of Hiroshima Prefecture, which neighbors Shimane. This grim discovery shocked the local communities and garnered national attention due to the severity and unusual nature of the crime.The investigation into this heinous act was complex and spanned several months. In 2010, a significant breakthrough occurred when a 33-year-old man was arrested in connection with the crime. He was charged with kidnapping, murdering, and dismembering the young woman. The man confessed to the charges, and subsequent court proceedings resulted in his conviction. He was sentenced to death, reflecting the gravity of his actions.This tragic case brought to light several critical issues within Japanese society, particularly concerning the safety of young women and the challenges associated with preventing violent crimes. It prompted discussions about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in responding to missing person reports and the importance of community vigilance.For high school students unfamiliar with Japan, it's essential to understand that such violent crimes are relatively rare in the country. Japan is often regarded as one of the safest nations globally, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community responsibility. However, this incident served as a poignant reminder that no society is immune to crime, and continuous efforts are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.In response to the incident, local communities and educational institutions in Japan have emphasized the importance of personal safety, especially for young students. Schools have implemented programs to educate students about potential dangers and encourage them to remain vigilant in their daily lives. Additionally, there has been a push for improved communication between communities and law enforcement to foster a safer environment for everyone.While this case is deeply saddening, it underscores the importance of community solidarity, awareness, and proactive measures in preventing crime and ensuring public safety. It also highlights the resilience of communities in coming together to support one another during challenging times.

In February 2021, a tragic event occurred in Asahikawa, a city in Hokkaido, Japan. A 14-year-old girl was found frozen to death in a public park after going missing during a bitterly cold night. This heartbreaking case shocked many people across Japan and later became a national topic of discussion because of the events that led to her death.The girl had been a student at Hokusei Junior High School. Soon after she entered the school in 2019, she became the target of severe bullying by a group of students. Some of the bullying involved emotional abuse, threats through messaging apps, and even the sharing of inappropriate photos. At one point, she was pressured to send explicit images, which were then spread among students, and she was later forced to do things against her will. One serious incident occurred when she was surrounded by a group of students and pressured to jump into a river. The police were called, but the students claimed the girl was abused by her mother, which caused confusion in the investigation.Over time, the girl’s mental health worsened. She developed symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and had to be hospitalized and stay away from school. Despite moving to another area, she continued to struggle emotionally.On the night of February 13, 2021, in temperatures as low as -17°C, she suddenly left home and didn’t return. Her body was found over a month later. The official cause of death was hypothermia (freezing), likely on the same night she disappeared.This case raised many questions about how schools and local governments handle bullying. Initially, the incident was not reported widely in the media. But after a major news outlet investigated and shared the story, public attention grew. The girl’s family asked the school and city officials for answers, but for a long time, they were not given clear information or access to investigation reports.Later investigations confirmed that the bullying was serious and long-lasting. However, some official reports hesitated to connect the bullying directly to her death. This caused frustration and pain for the family, who believed that the system failed to protect their daughter.In 2024, after years of public pressure and new investigations, a final report officially recognized that the girl had taken her own life due to the severe bullying she endured. The city apologized, and the head of the education board resigned.This tragic case reminds us how important it is to listen to victims, take bullying seriously, and act with care. It also shows how hard families sometimes have to fight to be heard—and how society must keep improving to protect its most vulnerable members.https://bit.ly/43zuJvmCC BY-SA 4.0

In December 1999, a 33-year-old officer of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force visited his family in Tokushima Prefecture, a quiet region in western Japan. On December 25, he suddenly went missing, and two days later, his body was found near a river under a bridge in the nearby city of Anan. The local police quickly concluded that he had died by suicide.However, the officer’s family and some journalists noticed several strange details that didn’t match a typical suicide case. His car had roof damage, but no one could explain how it happened. There were no footprints leading from the car to the bridge, and no fingerprints were found on the bridge railing, even though it was tall enough that someone would likely have to grab it to climb over. An autopsy showed injuries that seemed to have occurred before the fall, including a serious chest injury that wasn’t clearly explained.Witnesses also said they saw a car like his being chased by people with metal pipes on the night he disappeared.Despite these strange clues, police re-investigated twice and still said it was suicide. The officer’s family didn’t give up. They asked a review board to take another look, but the result did not change. Even today, the family is still searching for the truth.This case made many people in Japan think about how difficult it can be to get answers when things don’t add up—and how important it is to ask questions, even when officials say a case is closed.https://bit.ly/42peobnCC BY-SA 4.0

The Mishima Women's Junior College Student Burning Murder Case occurred in January 2002 in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. A 29-year-old man, identified as H, abducted a 19-year-old female junior college student, referred to as A, while she was returning home. He took her to a secluded area where he sexually assaulted her. Subsequently, under the pretext that she was hindering his use of stimulants, he decided to kill her. In the early hours of January 23, H poured kerosene over A and set her on fire while she was still alive, resulting in her death. This case was notable because, following the "Nagayama Standard" established by the Supreme Court in 1983, it was rare for a defendant without prior convictions for murder to receive the death penalty for a single-victim homicide that was not economically motivated. Nonetheless, H was sentenced to death, and the sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court. He was executed on August 3, 2012, at the Tokyo Detention House.https://bit.ly/4l324F8CC BY-SA 4.0

The Hiratsuka Five Bodies Case refers to a shocking crime that came to light in May 2006 in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan. The discovery of five bodies, including those of infants, led to an investigation that uncovered a decades-old mystery. The case was linked to the 1984 disappearance of a six-year-old boy, whose remains were later identified among the deceased. The primary suspect, a woman named O, was initially arrested for the murder of her daughter R. Further inquiries suggested that O may have been responsible for the deaths of all five victims, though legal limitations prevented full prosecution for the older crimes due to Japan’s statute of limitations. The trial revealed complex family dynamics, financial distress, and disturbing details, including forged messages to conceal one victim’s death. In 2007, O was sentenced to 12 years in prison, though she denied the charges. The case remains a chilling example of hidden family tragedies and legal loopholes in criminal prosecution.https://bit.ly/4iOsXemCC BY-SA 4.0

On July 8, 2022, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was tragically shot and killed while giving a speech in Nara, Japan. This happened during a campaign for a parliamentary election.The person who shot him, Tetsuya Yamagami, was arrested at the scene. He used a homemade gun. His stated reason for the attack was a strong grudge against the Unification Church, a religious group. Yamagami believed that Abe had close ties to this church, which his mother had donated large sums of money to, causing financial hardship for his family.Abe was quickly taken to a hospital but sadly passed away later that day. This event was a significant shock in Japan and around the world, as Japan is known for its very strict gun control laws, making such violent incidents extremely rare. The assassination of a former leader in this way was also unprecedented in recent Japanese history.The incident drew international attention and also focused a spotlight on the relationships between Japanese politicians and the Unification Church.https://bit.ly/4caLXRSCC BY-SA 4.0