Overview

• On August 25, senior officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office, and the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office apologized at a Yokohama cemetery to the family of Shizuo Aijima, who was diagnosed with cancer while detained and died in 2021 after bail was denied.
• The family accepted the apology but said they cannot forgive the authorities, calling the August 7 verification report inadequate and urging a new probe and a review of personnel discipline.
• Deputy Prosecutor General Hiroshi Yamamoto said the prosecution is not considering re‑examination or disciplinary changes at this stage, after a report that admitted failures but imposed no sanctions on those involved.
• Separately, the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office indicted two Osaka police officers on charges of special public officer assault and cruelty for allegedly striking and kicking men during a July 15 search; the prefectural police say they are examining prevention measures.
• In the Kobe stabbing case, investigators say the suspect bought a Shinkansen ticket by late July and, after the attack, likely took a taxi to Shin‑Kobe Station before riding to Tokyo; he was detained in Okutama on August 22, claims he did not know the victim, and partially denies intent.