News On Japan

Osaka Man Arrested During Stop-and-Frisk Released Without Charge

OSAKA, Jan 20 (News On Japan) - The Osaka District Public Prosecutor's Office has decided not to indict a 38-year-old man who was arrested last year for brandishing a wooden sword and attempting to seize a handgun from police officers during a stop-and-frisk in Osaka.

The man was apprehended on suspicion of obstructing officers in the performance of their duties in August last year, when he swung a wooden sword and tried to take a gun from two officers who attempted to question him on the street in Higashiyodogawa Ward. During the incident, a police officer fired his weapon, resulting in the man sustaining an injury to his leg. The Osaka District Public Prosecutor's Office had conducted a psychiatric evaluation by experts to determine the man's criminal responsibility, and on Friday, they concluded not to prosecute him. The prosecution stated that the decision was made "after considering the evidence."

The incident, which involved the use of a firearm by police and the aggressive behavior of the suspect, had drawn public attention. The decision not to indict is often made when the prosecution believes that the evidence does not sufficiently support a criminal charge or when there are extenuating circumstances, such as questions regarding the mental capacity of the accused. In this case, the results of the psychiatric evaluation likely played a significant role in the decision not to proceed with charges.

The matter of police use of firearms and the procedures followed during stop-and-frisk operations remain topics of concern and debate in Japan, where such incidents are relatively rare compared to other countries. This case will likely continue to be referenced in discussions about law enforcement and the treatment of individuals with potential mental health issues within the criminal justice system.

Source: NHK

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Cherry blossoms began blooming in Nagoya on March 26th, according to an announcement by the Nagoya District Meteorological Observatory, two days later than the average year but two days earlier than last year.

In an appeal case challenging the government's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage, the Osaka High Court ruled on March 25th that the current legal framework is unconstitutional, overturning a previous lower court decision.

The Tokyo District Court on March 25th ordered the dissolution of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, formerly known as the Unification Church, following a request from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

In a striking finding from one of the world's longest-living nations, dementia has overtaken all other causes of death in Japan.

Weather officials in Japan say yellow sand from China's desert regions has reached the Japanese archipelago. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A painting purchased for approximately 67 million yen by a museum in Tokushima Prefecture has been revealed to be a forgery—despite being on display for 27 years.

A state banquet hosted by the Emperor and Empress was held at the Imperial Palace for the first time in six years, with their daughter Princess Aiko attending for the first time.

Gaza authorities announced on March 24th that two journalists were killed in an Israeli military strike.

In a striking finding from one of the world's longest-living nations, dementia has overtaken all other causes of death in Japan.

A civic group in Usa City, Oita Prefecture, that collects and analyzes materials from the Pacific War has released twelve pieces of footage showing U.S. air raids and kamikaze attacks.

Police uniforms in Japan will undergo their first major redesign in 31 years, with changes including the abolition of skirts for female officers and the introduction of polo shirts to help cope with rising temperatures.

Japan ranked 55th in the latest World Happiness Report, released on March 20th to coincide with the International Day of Happiness. Finland secured the top position for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark and Iceland, with Nordic countries dominating the upper ranks due to strong welfare and education systems.

Today marks 30 years since the Tokyo subway sarin attack carried out by Aum Shinrikyo. Newly discovered photographs believed to be among the earliest taken after Chizuo Matsumoto, also known as Shoko Asahara, was found in a concealed space have come to light.