Overview

• The Kanagawa prefectural police released an internal report acknowledging improper handling that missed chances to secure the victim’s safety and outlined new command and case‑management posts for stalking and DV cases.
• National Police Agency chief Yoshinobu Kusunoki said guidance to prefectural forces will be strengthened so effective prevention measures are implemented under each headquarters’ leadership.
• In Nagano, the trial opened for the 2023 killings of four people including two police officers, with defendant Masanori Aoki stating he would remain silent as the defense contests criminal responsibility ahead of a verdict scheduled for October 14.
• In Gifu, two suspects previously held over corpse disposal were re‑arrested on September 3 on suspicion of murdering Keiko Tatsuno by neck compression, and both are reported to deny the allegation as the probe continues.
• Separately in Gifu, police identified a body found in the Kiso River as a 34‑year‑old local company employee and said the cause of death was drowning.