crime

47-year-old man arrested after body parts of missing 6-year-old Kobe girl found

145 Comments

Police in Kobe on Wednesday arrested an unemployed 47-year-old man over the death of a 6-year-old girl whose body parts were found in a bag in a wooded area in Nagata Ward, Kobe, on Tuesday afternoon.

DNA tests identified the remains as those of Mirei Ikuta who went missing on Sept 11, police said Wednesday morning.

Police said the suspect, identified as Yasuhiro Kimino, lives in an apartment near Ikuta's house, TBS reported. His hospital registration card and cigarette butts were found in one of the bags, police said. DNA on the butts matched that of Kimino.

Police said Kimino, who has refused to answer any questions, has so far only been charged with abandoning a body.

The wooded area, where the girl's remains were found, is about 150 meters from where the missing girl, Mirei Ikuta, lived. It is only accessible by steps. Police said they searched the area early last week.

According to police, the bag was discovered at around 4 p.m. There were five smaller bags inside it, containing the victim's head, the upper torso with arms, and the legs. A police spokesman said some body parts had yet to be found, including the pelvic area of the body.

Police said the one-piece dress and sandals that Ikuta was wearing when she disappeared was found with the body, but not her knapsack, TBS reported.

Ikuta left school in Nagata Ward at around 2:45 p.m. on Sept 11. She dropped in to see her grandmother who lives near the school and left her school bag there. She then went home. Street surveillance camera footage showed Mirei walking past a convenience store 400 meters from her home at 3:15 p.m.

After returning home, Ikuta then went out again, but her mother told police she had no idea why her daughter would have gone out again. She was last seen walking by an athletics ground of a high school at around 5:30 p.m., going in the opposite direction from her house, 700 meters away, and carrying her knapsack.

After her disappearance, about 200 police officers searched parks, canals and bushland in the vicinity, but found no clues.

© Japan Today

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


145 Comments
Login to comment

How utterly appalling... What a horrible, horrible crime - very inhumane. I hope the family can slowly find comfort in their lives again one day. Somebody should have rung alarm bells about this man long ago.

I accidentally found his Facebook, and one of his only updates says "I want friends"...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Apparently Kimino used to work at a bar, and Kimino forced a woman associated with the bar into the trunk of his car and took her to the mountains. She escaped, and told the bar owner, who fired Kimino.

Wow. That is frightening, too. I can't understand any reason why the owner would not have reported to the police or supported the woman in doing so.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Apparently Kimino used to work at a bar, and Kimino forced a woman associated with the bar into the trunk of his car and took her to the mountains. She escaped, and told the bar owner, who fired Kimino. The bar owner has expressed regret that he didn't report the crime to the police, because it might have saved Mirei chan.

This fact sheds more light on Kimino's mental disability, that it includes a plotting and hyperactive sexually violent component. Wouldn't be surprised if more such background appeared, or if it turned out he was abused as a child.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So far the evidence found squarely places this man as the one that did this to the poor child. Seems they have enough evidence, and should he be found guilty without a doubt, I'm very glad Japan still has the death penalty. I wonder if criminals in the Japanese penal system have the unspoken rule of intolerance of child murderers and pedophiles.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

only understood parts of this when i watched it on the news but I understood enough to know that it wasn't good at all :(

0 ( +0 / -0 )

We let our kids play outside alone here in Tokyo, but we had the iron rule that we wanted to know at all times where they were. If they went somewhere else, they had to either to call or to come back and tell us.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Everyday my son walks back alone. He's 7. If someone touched my daughter or sons, I'd never ever forgive that person... never. In my son's school, 2 times this almost happened in 2 years.

Well walk home with them, or make sure they have an adult to walk them home and you wont have to worry about it. You dont have to resign yourself to hoping it doesnt happen, or worrying. You can do something about it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How is he identified in the convenience store video? (Is the video public?) It's summer and hot, so it should be possible to identify the clothes and possibly even shoes he is wearing in the video. Were the clothes located in his apartment or on his person?

It would be useful to know more about his background, what age he was diagnosed as mentally disabled, and whether it was a case of low IQ, or a case of intelligent/clever /psychopathy/schizophrenia. Only circumstantial evidence but so far all the evidence is circumstantial.

Hopefully all of his questioning by the police is recorded on video - not only to prevent a the temptation of a forced confession - but also to leave a record for later study of a (possibly) criminal mind.

Hopefully the murder weapon, tools, stained murder clothes and/or other blood stains will turn up shortly providing definitive evidence.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Talking of prevention here in japan they have mobile phones for kids with a panic button and even apps so you know where your kid is.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

RIP Mirei. My daughter has the same name (I have 3 kids). We live in Tokyo and know how much you hope it doesn't happen to your child. Everyday my son walks back alone. He's 7. If someone touched my daughter or sons, I'd never ever forgive that person... never. In my son's school, 2 times this almost happened in 2 years. Every time the parents get informed. Times have changed so much.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Police "failed to examine the grass."

September 24, 2014 (Mainichi Japan):

Jobless man arrested after girl's body found in Kobe

... Hyogo Prefectural Police searched vacant houses and other locations at the foot of stairs leading to the grassy area on Sept. 17 and 20, but failed to examine the grass. An investigator who noticed a strange odor on Sept. 23 went up the stairs to find a plastic bag. Upon tearing the bag open, a hand became visible, police said. ...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japanese news reports that she may have gone to see a guy who lived in the same apartment as the accused. This guy had lots of cats and she used to often go and play with them. the accused is also thought to have gotten a cat from this guy. maybe that's how they met. anyway, i don't know how or why her parents let her go out on her own.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Strength to to her family and friends. May they receive all the support necessary.

To all the people who say that the mother and grandparents should have been more vigilant or escorted her around, get real!. That child has probably walked around her neighborhood countless times in her young life. Not once did they have a concern for psychopaths. I am a parent of 3. My oldest will turn 6 next month and I we not be glued to his side 24/7, its not physically possible. Yes it makes me worried that this sickos exit but the sad thing is that this case could have happened anywhere in the world. Its not a 'Japan Thing' . Times have not changed, psychopaths have always been around.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I am still feeling disturbed and saddened by this terrible news. My family's hearts and thoughts are with Mirei and her family. We all need to watch out for children more in this world no matter where or when. I am strongly of the view though however that given the number of child abductions recently a six year old girl should not be walking the streets alone.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Afaic, I am not dreaming of medieval punishment here. That would not bring the child back. For me, this is simply a demonstration why society needs the death penalty: To remove this scum from society permanently, without any chance of second thoughts, escape escapades, or judicialy flipflops.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

More info coming up. If this guy is murderer he was looting small girl with his cat pet. She went there several times according to morning bird TV news. One time even with her mother. Police found bags 30M from his house after longer then week even he was prime suspect. The guy was seen drinking on street and taking off his shirt on bus station. Police intercepted him according to TV. Now the police, and parents... I don't know but looks too slow to me. Many people mentioning god here. He was absent for this young girl. As father I will closely watch this case. It is huge tragedy.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

this man deserves the death sentence, this sick monster has no place in a society of any sort! this is a horrific crime, he is beyond reproach, i will be following this mans fate closely.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Assuming this guy did it, he really is up there with the worst of the worst. When reading that the victim's pelvic area is still missing, I just cringed. To look at a kid and have some desire to chop him or her up is about as sick as one can get. Did he think she was like a doll that could be pulled apart? It beggars belief. The fact that she went home and left her bag there and then went out again is strange. As against the death penalty as I am, it is hard not to wish the perpetrator dead. But we can lock him away until he dies because killing him really is too easy and he probably hopes to be executed. Why give him what he wants?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@sam

Likewise. ; )

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@luca. Fair enough. THanks for the debate.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

He left his ID card and evidence on the spot. There is something more to it

Yes, the fact that he has a mental disorder as I previously suspected. Not only the ID, but it was too obvious of a spot where he left the body - the only wooded area around there I think. If the body was there the whole time, then I have no clue how the police took a week to find it. Correct me if I'm wrong, as information changes quickly, but the articles I have read so far didn't clarify if the body was indeed there from the beginning. The body was decaying, however, so the crime wasn't committed too recently and its possible it was there the whole time. Also, with police "combing" the area, its hard to believe the killer would have placed the remains there after the fact, as mentally challenged as he is.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@sam

I appreciate your point of view, 100 per cent. It just sees to me that any 47-year old who goes out and kills a six-year old is clearly mentally deficient. Normal, functioning people just wouldn't do that.

And I find it hard to work up any anger against a clearly sick guy.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

OK, for all you liberals claiming, 'Oh, he's sick, he needs help!' OK give him help, then let him come and stay at your place for a few months until he gets back on his feet. Become his best buddy! Let him take your kids for walks in the park. Do your part!

Get real! If not the death penalty, he needs to be put in a strait jacket, pumped full of Thorazine, locked away, never to see the light of day again, ever. And no privileges either, no TV, no exercise, no visitors......zilch!

1 ( +6 / -5 )

@luca. You're correct. I should have written "family" insread of "victims." Harboring fantasies of revenge may in fact make the family unhappy although I think having their daughter found in pieces may be more of a contributing factor. Either way I will look it up. Will you do the same about my statement about the increase in violent crime and the apparent lack of mental illness? Are you willing to directly contribute to the rehabilitation of this "mentally ill" person (I can't find his "mental illness" in the article) or is your plea for help just rhetoric?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Oh... no. I never understand this man's behavior. I think you mustn't forgive him his offenses.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@sam

Assume you mean "family", not "victims".

Yes, in that case. They need to be told that harbouring fantasies of revenge will only make them unhappy. That's not some weirdo opinion, it's scientific fact. Look it up.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

"Are people still unable, in the 21st century, to comprehend the reality of genuine, horrifying mental illness?" Violent crimes against women and children have steadily increased in the last 20years. 2011 saw a 18% increase alone. Was there no mental illness 20 years ago?

"He's insane beyond any doubt and in need of help." Lead by example and take him in.

"Studies have shown conclusively that people who seek revenge for horrendous crimes against loved ones are massively unhappier than those who try to forgive." So what? Common observations say that drunk people are usually happier than sober people. Seriously, we you say this to the vicitims of the little girl?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@DaDude

Forget Christianity, that's just my personal point of view.

Scientifically, people who try to forgive end up happier than those bent on revenge.

Thankfully, the courts in all civilised societies these days recognise mental incapacity as grounds to acquit. That might not satisfy the "Kill the pervert!" Neanderthals, but that's no bad thing in my book.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

He left his ID card and evidence on the spot. There is something more to it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If it were the parents, I'd understand, but these comments are just vile.

Basically most people commenting are putting themselves in the parents shoes.

You seriously think hanging or burning to death the perpetrator is going to bring this little girl back from the dead?

and helping the killer and turning him Christian will do the trick?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Look everyone... This is life, and life is tragic and sick sometimes. Why must everyone think that in their perfect little lives this couldn't have happened to them? It could have happened to any of us! That's what we need to learn from this story. As parents we have a certain responsibility... Yes of course but that gets thrown out the window when sick people like this man lurking around the next corner are in your area. Don't worry about his sentence or who's fault it really is...just use this story to remind yourselves how fortunate we are compared to the victims. Use this and love your kids that much more each day.... Because it could have been any of our kids. Think about it..

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Man, there are some sick people on this site today. You seriously think hanging or burning to death the perpetrator is going to bring this little girl back from the dead?

If it were the parents, I'd understand, but these comments are just vile.

Are people still unable, in the 21st century, to comprehend the reality of genuine, horrifying mental illness?

He's insane beyond any doubt and in need of help.

Studies have shown conclusively that people who seek revenge for horrendous crimes against loved ones are massively unhappier than those who try to forgive.

It's all in the bible for anyone who claims a speck of Christianity in their moral makeup.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Yoda, tmarie, brainiac, etc - not sure if you live in Japan or not, but in Japan it is not only very common, in fact it is a daily event that 6yr old kids (first grade) go out and about outside on their own. All students are expected to walk to and from school. Ideally they walk in pairs or groups, but it does not always work out that way. From the time I was 5 and on in rural America it was the same. After school not strange at all to go out to play with friends. What is wrong with that? Be vigilant, keep an eye out for little ones and for potential bad people, but don't blame kids or families for not escorting kids everywhere they go. Nobody should have to live in such a messed up world. Encourage neighborhood awareness but let the children look on their neighborhood as a kind gentle place.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I grew up in Detroit in the 1960's and 1970's. Detroit has been and still is one of the most violent cities in the world and yet, like WillieB says, we children played outside from dawn to dusk with no fear of violence and this was before the advent of cell phones, GPS trackers and the like. The message was simple; crimes against children are not tolerated and on the rare occasion it happened, reparations were swift and severe. Every time a piece of garbage like the one who killed poor Mirei commits this kind of atrocious crime the whole of society suffers. This has happened too many times this year alone. We must seriously begin to rethink who is allowed to be part of our society.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

What's the name of that Tom Cruise movie where they arrest criminals before they commit a crime? This is such a hideous and brutal crime. This little girl did nothing to deserve this. The loon they have arrested will ne deemed nuts and not face a full sentence. Facing the hangman will not even be mentioned. The fact he left his health care card with the body shoes he wanted to be caught.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

The sick dog that did this has a special place in hell waiting for him. The fact that people "kidnap" kids is beyond my understanding...but to kill and cut up?? That is just satanic.

The person that did this needs to be sentenced to LIFE in prison. No not 25 years, I'm talking till death. Solitary confinement, 2 meals a day of plain stale bread, with warm water, maybe even add some salt to it. Solid concrete slab to sleep on that is uneven. Cell size 2x2 with no window. This is what that man deserves and nothing more. NO exercise, no music, no reading materials, nothing. This is far more punishable than death. Let him rot in this hole for the rest of his life... Did I mention no AC? No heater or cooler either.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

There are no words.....

0 ( +1 / -1 )

its very sad news. I pray for that kid's soul get peace in heaven. the culprit must get very tough punishment well. hope police will know what really happened. the person who did crime i think he will ill-mental health or fan of child sex pornography.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Feel for her family, everyone. They hurt beyond anything I can imagine.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I cant even bare to read news like this any longer, it is too sickening to even imagine someone can do these things.

If proved this animal did this then it is deserving of merciless final and total punishment

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It's now being reported that the suspect has a 知的障害 or developmental disorder. I've posted before about my observations that there are far too many of these people roaming about without proper supervision, most recently in the case of a blind woman who was physically attacked by an intellectually disabled man. This awful incident is a worst-case scenario that could easily have been prevented, with due diligence.

How sad.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

When I was 6, I was walking to school alone as a matter of course. So was everyone else. And after school, we were running around in packs and having fun, without any hovering parents. We´d come home dirty, tired, and happy.

In Europe, those days are gone. Japan is still a bit like that; we should appreciate that instead of lecturing parents.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

@mirai

So true. When I was 6 years old, I remember I used to play outside with the other neighborhood kids (some older; some younger) until it was dark outside. During the summer, that would be like until 8:30 - 9:00pm. Nowadays, its absolutely unthinkable. My daughter's curfew is 6pm, and now we are having to rethink that because of the shorter days.

That's what I'm talking about. We used to stay out until it got dark in the summer and no one said anything, my dad hardly locked his car. It was a different time for sure. But had that been my kid, I don't think I could live. I constantly looking over my shoulder to find my kid, yes, we can't always protect them forever and stories like this really don't help my paranoia.

The world is full of lunatics who prey on the innocent, and its just unacceptable. Laws need to be stricter and they need to be binding. Japan is so screwed up in this respect. Too much compassion for the perpetrator, and not enough justice for the victim. If its domestic violence/ crime, its almost certain that the perpetrator will not serve more than 5 years for murder which is absurd.

Not to get off the general subject, but had the perpetrator been a foreigner, what do you think would happen, there would be virtually a public lyniching in the sense, protests and a cry to make laws more severe for foreigners and the media would play the videos and show the persons face over and over and over again, the xenophobia would be out of control. Point is, why not take the same kind of overreaction awareness equally regardless of nationality. As I said before, Japan is still by far one of the safest countries, but that image is slowly cracking and many pervertd use that to their advantage and the people want to uphold that image and sweep any negativity under the rug as the main focus, whereas the focus should be to better screen and weed out potential predators and harsher sentencing. You molest a child or have child pornagraphy you should automatically get 10 years, rape-25 to life, counseling and they would have to register like in the US for life so that their whereabouts could be monitored and like in the states rehabilitation ans all that coming from the perpetrators pockets and if he doesn't have that or can't afford it, his property should be seized to pay for the penalties. If this were to happen, I think these people would think twice before harming a child and that would send a strong message. I'm not saying my suggestion is the best solution, but it is an idea that would resonate with these monsters. My concern is for the children and with all the scary things that are happening in our world, the very last thing kids should worry about is, leaving the house and living with the possibility that harm may come to them by some monster. If anyone has a better suggestion, please lay it out.

Moderator: Please repost without the "had the perpetrator been a foreigner" rubbish.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

noypikantoku: I wasn't criticizing your comment, and agree that there is absolutely no need for scenes of children getting raped in comics, incest-porn, glamorizing of children's bodies, etc. Japan is the only nation I know where "lolita" is considered a positive adjective in some circles, and to dress up like a 'lolita' or have the character of a 'lolita' means you are cute and desirable, etc. What I DID say is that I don't think it would matter in a case like this. Would it reduce groping and molestation of minors? I think it might -- or at least help reduce the desensitization to it that some criminals, including police, seem to have.

"by the way I always admire your posts"

Much obliged.

Yoda_Jedi_Master: "And please don't reply with the parents both work or it's unreasonable for them or a grandparent to do this on a daily basis Many do, do this on a daily basis."

What you're saying is that, not many, but ALL must do this or they are negligent -- and Mirai is correct that you are insinuating the parents are at least partially to blame. The fact that you jump in with, "And don't say it's unreasonable..." means you KNOW it is unreasonable, and unrealistic. Do you suppose I ask my parents in Canada or my wife's in Korea to come over and pick up my kid from school? Maybe take a sick day every time my child wants to play, or have my wife quit her job and we move to a shanty somewhere so that one or both of us can always keep an eye on them? There's being overprotective, and then there's just plain absurdity and even borderline abuse (or not borderline).

Now, one thing you CAN point at the finger at to an extent is local government and authorities. While the police themselves may be stretched too thing to extend patrols, there are far too few that I see, and those are usually focused on 'safety week's. The government in my town failed to cut-back on public work's spending as it had promised, but it DID cut back on certain benefits, and fired all the crossing guards or people who were employed part time to see children along in the morning. Now there some seniors who did it for free, bless their hearts, and parents who go on 'patrol' here and there and do their PTA stints at crosswalks, but they are still very few and far between when the government would be making a good investment by hiring people to do this instead of firing them. And I'm sorry, but while it's commendable that you try and take such good care of your children and protect them to your utmost ability, the bottom line is that that ability has limits, and there ARE going to be times, deny it all you like, when your kids are unsupervised and even, wait for it, be CHILDREN and dash away somewhere to play or hide. And sadly, there are sickos who will take advantage, as much as you make efforts to shield them from it. There ARE negligent parents, absolutely. These parents were not, and to suggest otherwise -- that it would have been prevented if the kids were handcuffed to mom or grandpa, is to blame them and takes the focus of the real cause.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

I dislike hearing people refer to such evil humans as ANIMALS as there is no other species on this planet that does to it's own kind and others, that which the HUMAN SPECIES does ! Whomever this wee darling child is, RIP little angel - may you have justice and to the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most tragic time. There is only one sentence suitable for these types of crimes - death -

0 ( +4 / -4 )

SmithinJapan: I am not blaming the entire society but what I thought is maybe it's better to regulate sex objects referring to young girls, or totally eradicate this, every big things start from small beginnings and I think that the monster who did this was highly influenced by these materials, maybe started from simply fantasizing lolita themed magazines until he came up to this horrible crime. I kept on saying this to defend my anti death penalty stance, Death penalty just justifies murder as a solution to problem, so if we put him on death penalty we are just like him who satisfied what his emotions want rather than thinking a better way. Make him suffer for as long as he lives, we will make it easy for him if we kill him. by the way I always admire your posts

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

How can anyone do that?? She's only 6 years old..... RIP...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Horrible tragedy. Every parents fear and nightmare. My j-wife and I always kept tight surveillance on our children but not so obvious to make their lives uncomfortable or confined. Japan is an unusual country in that we feel too safe and comfortable so we easily let the guard down when we really need to not fall prey to a false sense of security that comes with the territory. I hope this villain gets a swift sentence and execution.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Such a tragic loss of life, I wouldn't want to be in the parents shoes. The person to blame is the person who committed the crime. We are all taught right from wrong, this was clearly wrong. Rest in peace little Mirei.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Thinking that a little tiny 6 year old girl can walk around the streets all alone and everything is fine and dandy, sunshine and roses. Gotta shake my head a big NO on that one.

I agree. I mean, would any of you leave a six-year-old child unsupervised and alone at home for three hours?

BTW, Mirei-chan's family had only recently moved to that neighborhood, she didn't know the area well, and she had a history of getting lost there before. Therefore you'd think that her parents would be even more vigilant about checking on her whereabouts. Right?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

RIP to Mirei and prayers to her family.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

A six year old does not know danger unless they are taught it. Even then, allowed to go out with no exchange of information with a parent / guardian? Crazy.

My six year old, with role-playing to prove it, shouts, screams and makes it be known that they are in trouble. Even if someone we know says, 'Come with me' the answer is ''NO, I Have to tell my parents''. This child seemingly wasn't equipped with these essential survival skills. It's without doubt in my mind unreasonable to expect a six year old child to fend for themselves. They can not. Hence, supervision, supervision, supervision. AND the very real and effective teaching of stranger and none-stranger-people danger. ''You go nowhere with someone without telling us first. It's Not YOU we don't trust it's...' 'Other people' comes the reply. Why? BEcuase people who murder children exist. They are around, somewhere, perhaps, perhaps not, living in your community. Maybe next door. Sure, the chances are small, but, why take the risk of not teaching your child to be smart wise and always doing your best to determine their fate and not lazily relying on the 'good fate' of chance. That's not how reality works.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

That murderous lunatic COULDNT have taken her if she had been walking with a responsible adult. He couldnt have hurt her if she had been supervised. Japan's "safety" is a false sense of security. No child of this age is safe outside alone without a parent supervising.

To not supervise is either laziness or willful naivety. I hope that Japanese society will move on to realise that it is not safe any longer to let children go to school without being supervised, to go out and play so young without someone safe to supervise.

Children are too precious to take unnecessary risks with, and walking outside alone at 6, especially at that time of day, is a risk.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

I hope the perp sits and rots in jail with NO benefits! he needs to sit on death row for many years stressing about the end.....then hang him!!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@miraihayashi: "I am saying, the parents didn't need to take that action, and she died because there was a murderous lunatic on the loose"

And that's the /your problem right there. Thinking that a little tiny 6 year old girl can walk around the streets all alone and everything is fine and dandy, sunshine and roses. Gotta shake my head a big NO on that one.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

I said that this tragedy could have been prevented.

^This means that you are blaming the parents. Because her parents did take a particular action, she is dead.

I am saying, the parents didn't need to take that action, and she died because there was a murderous lunatic on the loose

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Why people kill children? So Sad!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan is still a safe country for kids. I've seen kids her age walk around Tokyo alone, and that shouldn't have to change because of one incident. Just teach kids how to yell "fire" or "help," and people will help.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

So sad... so cruel.... why!?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I was hoping this would be a case where the little girl turned up sleeping in a box... but not this. This is just horrible... the worst news.

RIP Mirei...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This story is made worse by seeing this little girls photo .... So sad, Pls hug your kids hard tonight ... don't let them go.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I totally agree with you Yoda. Rest in peace, Mirei.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

@MiraiHiyashi:

I guess I must spell it out for you. Parent / grandparent takes child to school daily. Parent / grandparent picks child up from school daily. Child says' I want to play at friends house.' Parent calls friends house. Friend wants to play. Parent takes child to friends house, picks child up from friends house. Parent makes strict rule that if they want to play outside (at the age of 6 years old, an adult MUST be there to supervise.)

Also, it's always good to know the friend and know the friends parents very well. Lot's of crazies out there as this story proves and ones before it as well.

And please don't reply with the parents both work or it's unreasonable for them or a grandparent to do this on a daily basis Many do, do this on a daily basis. I was one of them. And those who don't do this, at this age, have decided to put something else in front of their own child's welfare. Can't get around that fact.

It worked for me, both kids in college, happy, good kids, and enjoying life and look back glad that I did.

I said the guy who abducted the girl was 100% responsible. I don't blame the parents, I said that this tragedy could have been prevented.

And the gun thing, a quote from the movie True Romance, basically meaning it's better to be over prepared than under prepared in life.

Enough said good luck.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

Rises once more the question why in japsn mental diseases are not treated appropriate.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

noypikantoku: Japan does indeed have a serious problem with the glorification of little girls as sex-objects, but that does not account for monsters like this, and you can't blame society for this type of action -- not this type of horrific murder. Nor can the parents be blamed; as Mirai pointed out, had the little girl asked for permission the outcome likely would have been no different. The blame lies solely with the sick individual responsible, and as many have stated, and I as well, I hope he never sees the light again. I too sometimes wonder about my anti-death penalty stance upon reading about things like this, but I still am against it. That said... the guy deserves a very hard, very horrible life in a tiny cage.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

I just wonder how many "accidents" this guys going to have during his time in the nick, will the guards protect him? or will this guy constantly be clumsy in the shower or trip over or walk into those cell doors. are we bothered? I don't think so!!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

how about abolishing all things that drive these sick men To commit this disgusting acts to young girls? Serious problems with pedophilia and lolita complex and the adult industry has nothing to do with these incidents!?

So, there was no pedophilia in the world until the advent of film and computers?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

IF, its this guy who's dunnit, believe me he's going to get a FREE kicking in prison on a daily basis, I hope this is of some comfort to her parents, there are something that criminals don't like in prison rapeists, peadoes are two of them.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Instead of debating about what to do to perpetratos, can we think first how to avoid this situation? I don’t think death penalty will help to lessen these incidents as it already exists in this country and yet We still hear these kinds of news almost every month, how about abolishing all things that drive these sick men To commit this disgusting acts to young girls? What!? are we going to pretend again that Japan doesn't have Serious problems with pedophilia and lolita complex and the adult industry has nothing to do with these incidents!? It's about time to regulate the adult industry and the media, as these are all the roots of these crazy acts!

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

I stated the fact that if she would have been properly supervised, it would never had happened.

In other words, she is dead because her parents didn't supervise her properly? In essence, you are saying that her parents are at least partially responsible... but they simply are not....not even in the slightest; nor did they raise her incorrectly. Again the only person in the wrong, the only person who is responsible for the girl's death, the only person who should be rightfully villainized and blamed for ANT wrong doing is the murderer...not the girl (even though she didn't tell anyone where she was going), not the parents (for not "supervising" her more carefully), nor the grandparents.....JUST the murderer.

IF she had asked permission before she went out, I doubt the outcome would be any different. That man would have still been waiting for her. Perhaps if her parents were with her every second of every single day as you suggest, this may or may not have happened, but how realistic is that for the parent or the child. The child needs to grow up.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Wow! This is In-humane.... What kind of person can do such a thing! My deepest condolences to her family!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Obviously knowing that he could face capital punishment in Japan didn't stop him

the key word there is "punishment." executing him is his punishment for committing such a horrific act. each society has its own rules on how to punish murderers. the death penalty serves as not only a deterrent but also as an act of retribution for either the family or society. for cases like these, i'm totally for executing the animal.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Excuse me, got to go huge my kids, BRB.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

So sad. Naturally, when it was reported the remains MIGHT be hers, I prayed it was not, but then ultimately that would mean it was someone else, and no less tragic or horrible. Lock this sicko up... Preferably with violent criminals who hurt people like him. But never let him see the light of day again. Poor girl. RIP to the little girl, and condolences to the family.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@miraihayashi:

Firstly I never and will never say that she played a role in her own abduction. I stated the fact that if she would have been properly supervised, it would never had happened. The guy who abducted her is 100% responsible and I hope he fries.

With regards to at what age I let my kids hang out on their own is decided by me, their parent, and not what society dictates or what some psychologist mumbo jumbo says. They can raise their kids according to their beliefs and I mine.

My sole purpose in life once my kids entered it, is for the raising /teaching and the protecting of them until I feel they can take care of themselves and they understand the world around them. And that is a gradually process of letting go, so to speak.

I'd rather my kids feels I am being too overprotective than to know I let them out from under my wing too early and tragedy strikes like with this young girl.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

very sad, if not her then its another little girl that is lost, if it is her then a sad ending and horrible ending to a life that shouldn't have been cut short.

I will pray for the girls soul, and the killer to be brought to a harsh and swift justice

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I hope the perp sits and rots in jail with NO benefits!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@Yoda_Jedi_Master

Where do you draw the line then. At what age would you allow your kids to go out and play with their friends without you hovering around like a helicopter parent? Age 8? Age 10? Age 12? Of course each kid is different and mature differently, but you can't always be attached at the hip all the time. One of my daughter's friends has a parent that ALWAYS hangs around, and the other kids don't really like playing with her because of this. Kids need a certain degree of independence, otherwise they never grow up.

I agree, that you have to be more cautious than you did 20 years ago, but having said this, child abductions and killings have ALWAYS existed, even when we were kids. The only thing that has really changed is in the age of the internet, when we get to hear about every single killing and abduction that happens, whereas in the past we only heard about the high profile cases, and it didn't seem like so many.

Again, the child did nothing wrong (IMO) other than not reporting in (which is really my household rule, and evidence suggests that it was this girl's household rule too)... Yes, she may have deserved a scolding for not telling her parents where she was going, but definitely didn't deserve to be killed. There was absolutely nothing wrong with her going to a friend's house or going outside after school. She should be able to do this; that's a part of being a child. Suggesting that she got herself killed because she did this, is wrong. The person who was really in the wrong and the REAL problem is the person who abducted and killed her...NO ONE ELSE.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Really really put me off my breakfast this morning. I have a nearly 4 yo who has a habit of just taking off in the park and I am forever at her to stay close (and at her father who is a bit lax in terms of watching her)........I feel for the little girl`s parents - finding out she is missing and then having to now find out she has been chopped up by some sick person out there would be too much to take! So so sad and a scary reality of life now not only in the rest of the world but Japan too!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Poor little thing. When I saw people talking about her on the news, about how she loved her little sun umbrella and rarely went out without it, and they showed her little ribbon-bedecked sandals, I thought that she sounded like a little character, really cute. I've been hoping all this time that she was safe. I'm so sad for her and her family.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@Mirai Hayashi said:

6 year olds are not babies, and you cannot supervise them 24/7. You can't follow kids around everywhere they go, because at this age, they are trying to explorer their independence, and hovering around them all of the time will cause relationship issues with the child their friends.

With my 6 year old, we just make sure that she checks in at home before going to a friend's house or going out to play. We also tell her NEVER to play alone, and standard "never talk to or take gift from strangers", and "as soon as her friends go home, she needs to come home" speech. So in that respect, the parents nor did the girl did anything wrong. Can't blame them. ......................

Totally, totally disagree. In days past I would agree. But those days are long gone. And today...no way! Almost every incident I've read on this site about a kid getting abducted, same story...they were out alone, unsupervised.

You can teach a young child, 'Don't talk to strangers', don't get in a strangers cars' etc etc....all good, but if some crazy adult wants to get a very young kid in their car, in most cases it will happen. A 6 year old just doesn't have the mental understanding of the true nature of evil and what the world might possibly hold for them. Hate to say it but, my way, this young girl is still alive. Your way, she's not.

Hope this guy gets what he deserves.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Something about this article is a little strange though. There were 200 cops searching for her for a week, but her body was found only 150m from her home? Of course, there is no indication how long the body had been there, but........

Some people can't resist the opportunity to take a poke at the cops even when it has been widely reported, and mentioned in these comments, that the body was not there when the area was searched.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

capital punsihemnt!? if you kill the perpetrator you've just made it easy for him... let him suffer the consequences of what he's done for as long as he lives. if he lives 90 more years, make those 90 years tough for him! you kill him he will only suffer for few minutes... however I think the police must investigate this further as this smells very fishy to me, leaving his identification inside the bad!? is it really a coinicidence? police should dig more and find out if this is really the right suspect to make sure that no body is out there still waiting for the next victim, as Japan has history of false accusations already.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I know many here feel it's the lack of responsibility of the parents and grandparents but when I was six years old living in America I stayed home alone. My mom couldn't afford a babysitter anymore and she decided to teach me how to take care of myself.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Local Japanese press informs that the guy has registered at online dating site, looking for foreign girlfriend. Just as I thought- that the killer is male, probably living alone, not many friends, if any, not working, have been living in the vicinity for a long time, and the crime wasn't premeditated. He was in a hurry to dispose of the body, and he made a mistake. I have been living with this case since the very beginning. The girl resembles mine so much, and from the description one of her neighbors did, she had the same issues- restless, fearless, overly trustful. I couldn't sleep tonight, learning of the gruesome way they found her. And the guy was preying on foreign girls too. I would so like to go Ramsay Bolton on him...Well, this is how a mother goes paranoid, now.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

So sad. But alas, not unexpected. I hope they have the right guy --- leaving is ID together with the body seems to be stupid beyond comprehension.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

After returning home, Ikuta then went out again, but her mother told police she had no idea why her daughter would have gone out again.

I know this is Japan, and they operate differently, but should a 6 year-old be coming and going as she pleases? I'm sure in a perfect world, this little girl would have the smarts to get around on her own, but there are monsters walking among us. The world's not what it used to be.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

@Yoda_Jedi_Master

Though horrible, this was totally preventable if, as a 6 year old should, was properly supervised by her parent, grandparent etc

6 year olds are not babies, and you cannot supervise them 24/7. You can't follow kids around everywhere they go, because at this age, they are trying to explorer their independence, and hovering around them all of the time will cause relationship issues with the child their friends.

With my 6 year old, we just make sure that she checks in at home before going to a friend's house or going out to play. We also tell her NEVER to play alone, and standard "never talk to or take gift from strangers", and "as soon as her friends go home, she needs to come home" speech. So in that respect, the parents nor did the girl did anything wrong. Can't blame them.

@West coaster

Will this guy be hung? In Australia they just get locked up.

Usually hanging is reserved for serial or mass murderers, or the most hideous of crimes. You'd think that kidnapping a child, killing them, and then dismembering their body (god, I only hope she was dead before he began dismembering her),is enough to get the death sentence, but often times, they just get a few years. Domestic crimes (as in crimes committed on family members) usually gets less time because the twisted Japanese justice system thinks that's enough.

@bass4funk

So true. When I was 6 years old, I remember I used to play outside with the other neighborhood kids (some older; some younger) until it was dark outside. During the summer, that would be like until 8:30 - 9:00pm. Nowadays, its absolutely unthinkable. My daughter's curfew is 6pm, and now we are having to rethink that because of the shorter days.

The world is full of lunatics who prey on the innocent, and its just unacceptable. Laws need to be stricter and they need to be binding. Japan is so screwed up in this respect. Too much compassion for the perpetrator, and not enough justice for the victim. If its domestic violence/ crime, its almost certain that the perpetrator will not serve more than 5 years for murder which is absurd.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

i have a six year old son, and although I dont think of myself as a violent guy, if i found the guy who did that to my child and then dismember there body.....well id do unspeakable horrors to him again and again, a case of "temporary psychotic"

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Whenever I see news like this (a lot), I can't help but feel that we have failed as a society. I hate the world we live in.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Ohhh devastating!!! Why on earth would a person do that to a very young girl!!! Very sick!!!!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

They need to bring back capital punishment in a very serious way and do it in public and show it on TV so that other potential criminals think twice. This is absolutely disgusting.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

Mirai HayashiSep. 24, 2014 - 10:03AM JST Although my opinions on capital punishment was "evolving", its scumbags like this that suck me back into believing that capital punishment is inevitable and necessary.

"Necessary" ? Necessary for what ? Obviously knowing that he could face capital punishment in Japan didn't stop him ...

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Condolences to the family of Mirei. I really really hope that Mirei is resting now in Heaven and has already forgiven the monster who took her precious life.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

As I woke up to this tragic news, I was at a loss! If there was ever a time for the "DEATH PENALTY" it is now! If the police have done their job, and the evidence is clear, it's time to put this indavigual down! We have to send a message to these nut jobs, if you take a life, and especial a child your DONE! This type of behavior is becoming more frequent, and at an alarming rate! The time for action is now!! My condolences to the family.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I will not rest until I hear that his neck is broken at the gallows ...

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I'm afraid this guy will get out of it due to mental illness or something.

Huh? So if you murder and mutilate a child you should be released because you are batshit crazy? That is exactly the reason NOT to be let out.....

0 ( +3 / -3 )

His hospital registration card was found in one of the bags, police said.

I'm afraid this guy will get out of it due to mental illness or something. Must have someone serious issues to kill a kid, leave the body nearby, and leave your ID with it as well.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

If been following this news/girl...prayed & thought she'd be found! Sad indeed! What's wrong with Japanese people? RIP young life! Love you!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Though horrible, this was totally preventable if, as a 6 year old should, was properly supervised by her parent, grandparent etc ... and not allowed to freely run around on her own with zero supervision. Hope this is a wake up call that 'Japan' like other countries, has it's fair share of predators, and we need to be proactive with regards to protecting / around the clock supervision of the very young.

Actually, the real problem is children SHOULD be able to play outside without the fear of someone taking them and hurting them. A long time ago, this was the case in most countries everywhere. Kids should not have to look over their shoulder, the problem is the world has become a much more dangerous place and man has become more devious to the point where you now can't leave you kid anywhere and that's a shame. Society has made life for kids a living hell. You do have some knuckle headed parents out there, but I don't think this was the case at all, I'm not flatting the parents for this. Nowadays, you do have to watch your kids and it's sad that parents have to worry. Even when I was a kid growing up in Los Angeles back in the early 70's in my home town we could go and play pretty much anywhere, but now, NO WAY and that is really a sad thing. I blame this monster that waited for the perfect opportunity to take this child, the guy knew right from wrong, he had a choice and now he should pay either he should be locked up for the rest of his miserable life or he should get the death penalty, if anyone would be more deserving, it's this SOB.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

The hospital ID card is so obvious, that I wonder whether it's a diversion tactic by the real murderer

I was thinking the same thing. How can anyone be that dumb? Makes me wonder if he is trying to frame someone. Probably the reason why his name isn't being released yet...this guy might be the murderer.

Mirai: Japanese prisons and their regimes, believe it, they are in NO way comfortable. I do not believe in the death penalty. One, mistakes in conviction happen. Two, death is a release. It's too easy. The fear and stress of being put to death is endured, terrifies, of course, but is that justice? Once they are dead. They are dead. Seconds, to days, to years, to decades, that's a death penalty. In a cell. Concrete. No sky. Breeze. No ocean to see. No freedom. That's a way to punish.

I agree with you on most parts, namely the part about the mistakes made in conviction, which is mainly why my opinions on the death penalty is evolving. But seeing these ruthless senseless murders from the point of view of the parents', I cannot believe that anything but death is justice for the family and the victim.

She's DEAD, and he gets to live. How just is that? Regardless of the quality of life (or there lack of), he gets to live, he gets fed, and he even gets medical treatment. And since this is Japan, there is a very good chance that he gets out in less than five years or at most, gets under 10 years in prison. Then he is back out again, doing what he was doing before he was imprisoned as if nothing ever happened, and the girl will still be dead, and the family still destroyed. Again,how is that justice?

Yeah, capital punishment may be nothing more than vengeance for the victim and the family of the victim, but you got to remember, not only did he kill an innocent young life, he destroyed the lives of so many other people. One person can have hundreds of relationships with other people, and when that person ceases to exist, it creates a huge hole in those relationships.

Again, I am still on the fence with the death penalty, but in a country where laws are so relaxed when it comes to murders, and the perpetrator is often released in less than 5 to 10 years, I would want much firmer punishment to make absolutely sure that this scum never sees the light of day ever again.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Will this guy be hung? In Australia they just get locked up.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Oh no, oh God.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The hospital ID card is so obvious, that I wonder whether it's a diversion tactic by the real murderer.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Well, that put me off my breakfast. So sad for the parents.

Something about this article is a little strange though. There were 200 cops searching for her for a week, but her body was found only 150m from her home? Of course, there is no indication how long the body had been there, but........

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

This guy just won the Darwin award. Left or dropped his ID card in one of the bags. If he is found to be guilty, he needs to be put down. No mercy.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

Why would a murderer leave a registration card in one of the bags? It seems rather stupid for that to happen which just might fit his mental capacity.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Devastating. Where do we even begin? Incredibly upsetting. Here we're angry, frustrated and sad.

Desperate I know BUT There now must be behavioural scientists who have indicators that can be spotted, actions that suggest the possibility of someone losing touch with their morality and doing these obscene things, can't we prevent people doing this kind of hideous act. CCTV everywhere, potential people interviewed, treated, kept away from communities until better, medication, something. It would completely change our societies, our rights, and it's a frantic, desperate grab at trying to keep children safe, but anything HAS to better than this horror.

I too agree with the posters who are stating that she was too young to be going out and about on her own notably after the slew of kidnappings / murders nationally. It doesn't make sense to rely on a 'natural' flow of fate, make your own. Protect. Supervise. Know.

@Mirai: Japanese prisons and their regimes, believe it, they are in NO way comfortable. I do not believe in the death penalty. One, mistakes in conviction happen. Two, death is a release. It's too easy. The fear and stress of being put to death is endured, terrifies, of course, but is that justice? Once they are dead. They are dead. Seconds, to days, to years, to decades, that's a death penalty. In a cell. Concrete. No sky. Breeze. No ocean to see. No freedom. That's a way to punish.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Really dark.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

very heart breaking. the law enforcers must make sure that the perpetrator is punished severely, though it can't ever match what that rascal did to that little angel. I wish if there were some yakuza guys in the prison with him.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

:-(

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The body has been identified as that of the missing girl.

I saw this news right after I wrote my comments...really sad.

They just arrested a 47 year old neighbour..

I just read this as well. Although my opinions on capital punishment was "evolving", its scumbags like this that suck me back into believing that capital punishment is inevitable and necessary. If I were this girl's parent, i could not live peacefully knowing he is living nice and comfortably in some prison cell getting three meals a day.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

@Yoda I agree. She was too young to be running around on her own. I'm interested to know what made her leave her house once she got home though.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

Though horrible, this was totally preventable if, as a 6 year old should, was properly supervised by her parent, grandparent etc ... and not allowed to freely run around on her own with zero supervision. Hope this is a wake up call that 'Japan' like other countries, has it's fair share of predators, and we need to be proactive with regards to protecting / around the clock supervision of the very young.

-14 ( +6 / -20 )

They just arrested a 47 year old neighbour...

4 ( +4 / -0 )

''Suggest somebody invent this: A choker or necklace with a cellphone attached as pendant. Chain breakable when strongly pulled. Cellphone rests on the body in a way it and the body point to the same direction. Functions: a) Camera. b) GPS. c) Transmits pictures, videos, GPS data (and voice mail) to family's’ cellphone by lightly pulling the cellphone (pendant) downward to turn on cellphone, or, with larger batteries cellphone left on all the time. A small sound indicates the phone is on. In isolated areas look back often, turn on the phone and turn around to face the person approaching. Main purpose is to let the person aware that his (and his car’s) data and the location data are spread and recorded. legal matters should be considered of course.''

Posted in: Man reportedly tries to get 9-year-old girl into his car in Chiba''

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Damn, so close to home, must be someone who saw her often, hope they catch this guy soon. RIP little one :(

2 ( +3 / -1 )

RIP, little Mirei. My condelences to her family and friends.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

The monster thst did this atrocious act MUST be found... I hope all residents band together until the Monster is caught. This is shocking!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

the animal who killed that little girl does not deserve to be on this earth.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

What I was afraid of happened. I am lost for words. Poor poor girl and parents. I hope they find this sob and may he suffer the same fate.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The body has been identified as that of the missing girl.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just to let everyone now, they have yet to positively identify the body. They are still investigating if there is a connection between this incident and the kidnapping case. But in reality, given the evidence found (the clothes and shoes found with the body, and the proximity of the girl's home and the site where they found the body), it's almost 99.9% certain its her

...still very distraught by this, and I just want to go home now, and spend the day with my daughter.

-11 ( +2 / -12 )

Tragic ,heartbreaking. Why don't the police use dogs in this kind of case? They would have found her on the first day because the distance was so close. You never see dogs during searches on TV. People would volunteer to do this or provide dogs.

Even though Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, child predators and rapists know this and take advantage of that fact and because of that, people need to be even more vigilant about the dangers surrounding them. This is beyond sad. You hear about people being chopped up in Mexico all the time, but in Japan, that is very odd. I just hope the little girl didn't suffer too much. As a father, I am always super careful about where my kids are and what they do. My wife thinks I'm overreacting, but better to be overly vigilante than to get a call from the police later. Sad thing is, her parents will always have to live with how she died and if she suffered and that can eat up ANY parent. My heart and deepest condolences goes out to the family.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

May God rest her soul and find the person who would do such a horrible thing to a sweet little child. These terrible things cry out to heaven for vengeance.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

May God comfort the family member's, and hasten the capture/punishment of the one who did this.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@chomskyite

The police did search that area. The body was placed there recently (after the police searched the area), and the area was described as an area where people don't usually go.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Tragic ,heartbreaking. Why don't the police use dogs in this kind of case? They would have found her on the first day because the distance was so close. You never see dogs during searches on TV. People would volunteer to do this or provide dogs.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Ever since I saw this news on TV, I had a bad feeling about it because the longer someone is missing, the less likely it is that they will be found alive. Eerily I even said to myself that I hope they don't find her in a plastic bag somewhere...

I don't care what country you're in - no country is 100% safe. I would never let a child that young go out alone. Not just because someone might kidnap them, but what about all the other dangers? She was only 6 years old. She couldn't protect herself. Truly sad.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

It's very unusual for a 6-year-old girl to come home from school and then go out again by herself. It's almost as if she promised someone she would come out and play with them. I wonder if the killer lives in the neighborhood and lured her off the street into his house, which is why no one saw her after she passed the athletics ground.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

It is truly sad! I say look for the usual suspects. (20-40 year male, part-time or unemployed, around the area at the time)

With the spotlight on the previous kidnapping cases, I am not surprised the criminals are pushing the limits to not get caught.

When cops get better, criminals gets worse.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Horrific. I was really hoping she had fallen or had an accident. Much easier than knowing there is a sick person out there.

I can't help but wonder if she was targeted. It sounds as if this child was left alone regularly based on heading to grandmas, dropping off her bag and making plans with friends to go to a park. Seems like someone who lived nearby could easily figure out when she was alone regularly. I'm not going to blame the parents here but I feel that six years old is far too young to be given as much freedom as this child had on their particular day. I wish she had stated at her grandmother's. Is there any law with regards to what age a child can be left alone? Been too many deaths of small kids no have beeneft alone.

That poor community now has to suffer living in fear of their child's safety.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Wonder if we are looking at another teenage ghoul, like the ones in Kobe in 1997 and Sasebo earlier this year. This would seem to fit the pattern.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Another tragic waste of a young life. I wish certain details of these crimes weren't reported, do we really need to see these details? How many whackos will try to emulate this barbarity? Finding the body of a murdered 6 year old is bad enough.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Horrendous.... Just 6 years old

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This kind of thing just beggars belief. What can you say? I can't imagine how her parents feel.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Very sad news ... may god bless her soul ... my heart is with her mother.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Oh, Jesus, no....

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Very sick and sad. What would drive someone to do this an innocent child? Insanity seems to be the easy answer.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I was literally distraught by this news. I was hoping that they would find the girl alive, and arrest the nut job who abducted her. Truly truly sadden by this.

10 ( +10 / -1 )

Don't let it be her. God, don't let it be her. Or any child for that matter. But obviously it is a child. How do you find the animal that did something like that?

16 ( +16 / -3 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites