Society

Deep sorrow persists 2 years after arson attack on Osaka clinic

OSAKA, Dec 18 (NHK) - Sunday marks two years since a deadly arson attack on a medical clinic in the city of Osaka, western Japan. Bereaved families and former patients are still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

The attack occurred on December 17, 2021, at a mental health clinic in Kita Ward. Twenty-six people died, including patients, the clinic's doctor and members of the staff.

The suspect, Tanimoto Morio, then aged 61, later died due to carbon monoxide poisoning during the fire. Police sent papers to prosecutors on suspicion of arson and murder, but the case was dropped.

The building remains closed off. Where the clinic was located on the fourth floor, broken windows are boarded over and the signboard has been left hanging.

Some bereaved families are feeling their sorrow and anxiety grow with time. They are unable to sort out their feelings, as it is not possible to uncover the truth in court or hold the suspect responsible.

The doctor who ran the clinic, Nishizawa Kotaro, was adored by many of his former patients. ...continue reading

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