Japan Executes 'Twitter Killer' for Murdering Nine Victims
Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the 'Twitter killer,' was executed in Japan for the murder and dismemberment of nine victims he met on social media.
Overview
- Takahiro Shiraishi, dubbed the 'Twitter killer,' was executed in Japan for murdering nine people he met online.
- His victims included eight teenage girls and women, and one man, whose remains were found in his apartment.
- Shiraishi was sentenced to death in 2020 after pleading guilty to the heinous crimes committed in 2017.
- Japan's Justice Ministry authorized the execution, marking the first capital punishment in nearly three years.
- This case has raised concerns about Japan's high suicide rate and the impact of social media on vulnerable individuals.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the execution of Takahiro Shiraishi with a focus on the gruesome nature of his crimes and the societal implications of his actions, particularly regarding mental health and social media. They convey a sense of justice served while highlighting the complexities of victim vulnerability and the motivations behind the killings.
A man convicted of murdering and dismembering nine people in his Tokyo apartment was executed by Japan's Justice Ministry on Friday.
He was convicted of sexually abusing multiple female victims.
In 2017, police arrested him after discovering the bodies of eight females and one male in cold-storage cases in his apartment.
Shiraishi approached victims on Twitter, offering to help with their suicidal wishes, according to investigators.
Takahiro Shiraishi, the 'Twitter killer,' was sentenced to death in 2020 for murdering and dismembering nine people he met on social media in 2017.
Japan's justice minister authorized the execution of Shiraishi after determining that his crimes were motivated by selfish desires, causing shock and unrest in society.
Shiraishi was executed by hanging at the Tokyo Detention House under strict secrecy.
Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world.
Despite having a low crime rate, Japan has experienced a few notable mass killings in recent years.
Articles (7)
Center (4)
"…The execution of Takahiro Shiraishi marks a significant moment in Japan's capital punishment history, reflecting the government's stance on violent crime."
NBC News·17d·"…The execution was carried out as calls grow to abolish capital punishment in Japan since the acquittal of the world's longest-serving death-row inmate Iwao Hakamada last year."
NPR·18d·"…The serial killings by Takahiro Shiraishi, dubbed the "Twitter killer", had shocked the country and triggered debate over how suicide was discussed online."
BBC News·18d·"…The case caused the extremely serious outcomes and dealt a major shockwave and unease to the society."
Associated Press·18d·FAQ
Takahiro Shiraishi committed the crimes of murder, robbery, rape, and corpse mutilation. He targeted victims by contacting people who posted about suicidal thoughts on Twitter, offering to assist them in their plans or die alongside them.
The execution of Takahiro Shiraishi has reignited debate over Japan's secretive death penalty system. While there is strong public support for capital punishment, the case has raised concerns about the handling of vulnerable individuals and the impact of social media.
There are no specific reports of changes in social media regulation following Shiraishi's case, but it has highlighted the need for better support systems for vulnerable individuals and potentially more stringent oversight of online interactions.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.