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yesterday

Japan Hangs 'Twitter Killer' in First Execution Since 2022

Keisuke Suzuki authorized the hanging of Takahiro Shiraishi for the 2017 murders of nine people lured via social media, highlighting renewed scrutiny of Japan’s use of the death penalty.

Image
Takahiro Shiraishi leaves a police station in Hachioji, suburbs of Tokyo, in November 2017.
(FILES) This file photo taken on November 1, 2017 shows suspect Takahiro Shiraishi covering his face with his hands as he is transported to the prosecutor's office from a police station in Tokyo.

Overview

  • Takahiro Shiraishi was hanged at Tokyo Detention House on June 27 after Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki issued the execution order following his 2020 death sentence.
  • Shiraishi was convicted of murdering, raping and dismembering nine victims aged 15 to 26 whom he contacted through Twitter after they posted suicidal thoughts.
  • Investigators discovered the victims’ dismembered remains stored in coolers and containers in Shiraishi’s Zama apartment in October 2017.
  • The execution is Japan’s first since July 2022, underscoring its retention of capital punishment alongside the United States among G7 nations.
  • The case prompted X to strengthen rules on suicide-related content and has spurred renewed calls for greater transparency in Japan’s execution procedures.