Society

Crossbow Killer Says Relatives Deserved to Die

TOKYO, Sep 30 (News On Japan) - A man on trial for fatally shooting relatives with a crossbow in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, claimed in court on September 30th that the victims were "people who deserved to be killed" and added that he wants to be executed as soon as possible.

Prosecutors have charged unemployed Hideaki Nozu with killing his grandmother, mother, and younger brother at his home in 2020, and with attempting to kill his aunt, who suffered serious injuries.

At the opening session last week, Nozu admitted to the charges, while the defense argued that he was in a state of diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime and questioned his criminal responsibility.

In testimony on September 30th, Nozu told the court, "I learned at school that to receive the death penalty you have to kill three or more people, and they were people who deserved to be killed," adding, "I feel like I want to be executed quickly." The court is scheduled to hand down its verdict on October 31st.

Source: YOMIURI

Osaka Suspends New Minpaku Registrations

Osaka City decided on September 30th to suspend new applications for so-called special zone minpaku, a category of private lodging that has seen a sharp rise in disputes with local residents.

North Safari Sapporo Closes After 20 Years Leaving 300 Animals in Limbo

North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in the southern district of Sapporo, closed its doors on September 30th after 20 years of operation, leaving around 300 animals including lions and wolves without a confirmed relocation plan.

Severe Weather Expected Across Eastern and Northern Japan

Tokyo is expected to record a high of 22°C on October 1st, marking the first time in 112 days since June 11th that the temperature has fallen below 25°C, with rainfall cooling the air and bringing an end to the long stretch of summer-like days.

Photos of Asahara Adorn Aleph's Worship Centers

Photos of cult founder Shoko Asahara, whose real name was Chizuo Matsumoto and who was executed for his role in the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, are being displayed alongside childhood pictures of his son in facilities linked to Aleph, the successor group to Aum Shinrikyo, according to findings by the Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA).

Takaichi Tops Poll at 34% for Next LDP President as Koizumi Trails

In a September opinion poll conducted by TV Tokyo and the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, former Minister of State for Economic Security Takaichi was the frontrunner with 34% when respondents were asked who they believed should be the next Liberal Democratic Party president.

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