On Friday, Japan executed 34-year-old Takahiro Shiraishi, infamously known as the “Twitter killer,” marking the country’s first use of the death penalty since 2022. Shiraishi was convicted of murdering and dismembering nine individuals, primarily women, whom he connected with on the social media platform now known as X. His victims were typically those who had expressed suicidal feelings, with Shiraishi promising to assist them in their plans. Shiraishi’s heinous crimes occurred in 2017, where he lured young women to his home under false pretenses.
Once there, he subjected them to rape before killing them. In one instance, he murdered a boyfriend to eliminate any potential witnesses. Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki described the gruesome method Shiraishi used to dispose of the bodies, which were hidden in coolers and toolboxes, some buried under cat litter. The details of these acts generated widespread horror and concern within society.
Despite his lawyers arguing that Shiraishi’s victims consented to die due to their suicidal states, the court dismissed this defense, labeling his actions as “cunning and cruel.” The judge emphasized that he preyed on vulnerable individuals, trampling on their dignity. The police discovered the crimes while investigating the disappearance of a 23-year-old woman who had tweeted her suicidal thoughts, leading to the grim findings in Shiraishi’s apartment. In Japan, executions are conducted by hanging, and around 100 prisoners await execution.
The system operates with little transparency, as inmates often remain unaware of their fate until the day of the execution. Shiraishi’s execution marked a notable moment under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, with prior executions dating back to 2022. As debates surrounding the death penalty continue, Japan remains one of the few G7 countries to maintain this practice amid significant public support.