Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the “Twitter Killer,” was executed in Japan for the gruesome murders of nine individuals he met on social media, primarily targeting those expressing suicidal thoughts. Shiraishi’s crimes, which included dismembering and storing the bodies in his apartment near Tokyo, sent shockwaves through Japan and ignited a national conversation about the dark side of social media and the vulnerability of those seeking help online. The execution, carried out in secrecy, has further intensified the debate surrounding capital punishment in Japan, especially considering the country’s history with the death penalty and ongoing discussions about its ethical implications. This case highlights the need for increased awareness of online safety and support for individuals struggling with mental health. As japan grapples with its high suicide rate, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this execution is expected to fuel calls for reconsideration of the country’s criminal justice system.
Japan Executes Takahiro Shiraishi, the ‘twitter Killer,’ for Nine murders
Updated January 26, 2024
TOKYO – Takahiro Shiraishi, the so-called “Twitter Killer,” was executed Friday, according to Japan’s Justice Ministry. Shiraishi was convicted of killing and dismembering nine individuals in his apartment near Tokyo in 2017.
Shiraishi, 30, received a death sentence in 2020 for the murders. Most of his victims had posted about suicidal thoughts on social media.He was also found guilty of sexually assaulting female victims.
the execution occurred amid growing calls to abolish capital punishment in Japan, particularly after Iwao Hakamada, the world’s longest-serving death-row inmate, was acquitted last year.
Shiraishi was hanged in secrecy at the Tokyo Detention House.Details were not disclosed until after the execution.
In 2017, police apprehended Shiraishi after discovering the remains of eight women and one man in cold-storage containers in his apartment.
According to investigators,Shiraishi contacted his victims through Twitter,offering assistance with their suicidal thoughts. He murdered the eight women, some of whom were teenagers, after raping them. He also killed one of the woman’s boyfriends to prevent him from speaking out.
Japan’s suicide rate is among the highest in the world. After a recent decline, the rate has increased again, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Japan has a relatively low crime rate, there have been several high-profile mass killings in recent years.
What’s next
The execution is highly likely to fuel further debate regarding capital punishment in Japan, with advocacy groups expected to increase pressure on the government to consider choice sentencing.
