Overview
- Yamaguchi prefectural police arrested two men on Sunday, charging them with robbery and murder over the Aug. 27–28 attack at a confectionery store that doubled as the victims’ home.
- Police say the suspects allegedly beat the 80‑year‑old owner with a blunt instrument, left his 78‑year‑old wife with serious head injuries, and stole a safe from the property.
- The two suspects, identified in reports as men in their mid‑20s, were taken into custody but have not publicly given formal statements as prosecutors and police continue evidence work.
- Separately, organizers of the Yokohama International Horticultural Exposition face leadership changes and weak ticket sales of about 2.9 million, raising urgent planning and publicity challenges ahead of the March opening.
- Local culture and sports storylines also drew attention this weekend, with Hakodate Commercial High marking its 140th anniversary with a new TERU‑penned song, Nakai Ami winning a second straight Grand Prix in France, Oda Masaya setting a meet record in the 400m hurdles, and Jubilo Iwaki drawing 1–1 with a red card issued to a veteran player.