Japan Today
crime

Mother dies after jumping from 8th floor with 3-year-old son

38 Comments

A 32-year-old woman died after jumping with her 3-year-old son from the balcony of her 8th floor apartment in Tokyo's Arakawa Ward, police said Monday. The child suffered heavy injuries but survived the incident which police said was a probably murder-suicide attempt, Sankei Shimbun reported.

At around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, police received a call reporting that a woman and a child were lying on the grounds of a condo in the Nishi-nippori area. The woman and her son were taken to hospital where she was confirmed dead. The boy had broken ribs and was in a stable condition on Monday.

Police said the mother grabbed her son and jumped from the balcony while her husband was cooking in the kitchen. No suicide note or any other clue to her motive were found, police said.

© Japan Today

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

38 Comments
Login to comment

...the husband was cooking in the kitchen. Mmmmmm. Sounds like something is wrong with this story.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Strangerland: "Please share with us the inside information you both have to know that this woman wasn't mentally ill."

Who said she wasn't? The fact is, I don't care -- she's still selfish and stupid. Mentally ill or not, you don't murder others and get my sympathy. She shouldn't get anyone else's, either. If someone reaches the very sad point where they need to take their own life -- and I hope they do not -- then it is a horrible shame, but you do NOT take others with you -- especially not children who love and depend on you and are completely innocent.

You want to feel sorry for her, then by all means. I just feel sorry for the child and the woman's family. Fortunately her selfishness only killed herself this time, though. The child will survive, and I'm pretty sure no one is really going to explain the mom's actions to the kid and try to justify it in any way.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If you want to kill yourself, please do it alone.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Please show us the evidence otherwise.

There is no evidence either way, as I stated here:

we don't know whether this woman was unbalanced or not. As such, it's not right to pass judgement either way.

However, you were claiming I feel compassion for a mentally sound murderer. So I asked you to back up your claim that she was mentally sound.

Personally attacking others for their viewpoints, calling us "internet bullies" and un-Christian (even though Im not a Christian) is getting ridiculous.

1) I haven't attacked anyone personally.

2) I only call internet bullies internet bullies.

3) I didn't say you were unchristian. To review what was said

Compassion for attempted murderer of a child?

Maybe you don't feel compassion for someone who has a broken mind, and that's your right. But others of us do. I hope you're not Christian though, as that would go against Christian principles

As you can see, I said that I hope that you are not Christian, as if you were, you would be going against your principles. Since you are not, it's a non-issue.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Readers, that ends the bickering on this thread.

Please show us the evidence that proves this woman was mentally sound.

Please show us the evidence otherwise.

Personally attacking others for their viewpoints, calling us "internet bullies" and un-Christian (even though Im not a Christian) is getting ridiculous.

What track record? What other incidents has this woman been involved in?

Not this woman, but many others. Incidents as in child murder / record high child abuse in this country. Next week we will have another news article just like this one.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I would say that anyone who doesn't have compassion for a mentally unbalanced woman who commits such an act lacks humanity.

I agree. But that said, we don't know whether this woman was unbalanced or not. As such, it's not right to pass judgement either way.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

I would say that anyone who doesn't have compassion for a mentally unbalanced woman who commits such an act lacks humanity and basic decency. I feel both compassion and sadness that she felt she had no recourse but to commit such a horrific act.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Maybe you feel compassion for a mentally sound murderer

No, I don't. Mentally sound murderers almost always deserve absolute condemnation.

Please show us the evidence that proves this woman was mentally sound.

We can play this back and forth everytime an article like this comes out.

As we do, every time.

there will be many more judging by the track record thus far.

What track record? What other incidents has this woman been involved in?

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Compassion for someone who is so sick they are unable to tell the difference between right and wrong, to the point that in their insanity they think the right thing to do is kill their child. Maybe you don't feel compassion for someone who has a broken mind, and that's your right. But others of us do. I hope you're not Christian though, as that would go against Christian principles (note that I'm not Christian).

Maybe you feel compassion for a mentally sound murderer, and that's your right. But others of us don't. We can play this back and forth everytime an article like this comes out. Let's be honest, there will be many more judging by the track record thus far.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

while her husband was cooking in the kitchen. No suicide note or any other clue

So no witness ? How can they be sure it's a suicide ?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Compassion for attempted murderer of a child?

Compassion for someone who is so sick they are unable to tell the difference between right and wrong, to the point that in their insanity they think the right thing to do is kill their child. Maybe you don't feel compassion for someone who has a broken mind, and that's your right. But others of us do. I hope you're not Christian though, as that would go against Christian principles (note that I'm not Christian).

So now you are making assumptions yourself. Look, it's simple. If this woman just wanted to kill herself, fine. The second she took her son with her, that's being selfish, by default.

First, I'm not making any assumptions. I have no idea of this woman was insane or not. But none of us do. Not knowing, it's irresponsible to condemn her. And if she was unable to differentiate between right and wrong, then her actions would not be self-serving, but rather doing what she thought was right in the midst of her insanity.

you should consider following your three points above yourself. You don't know the facts yourself but still feel comfortable implying that I and others are "internet bullies" for having hearts and compassion for children lost to murder from their own parents

There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling compassion for the child - I sure do. This will likely affect the child's entirely life. That's not what I'm calling internet bullying. Calling this woman selfish without enough information to know whether she was or not is internet bullying.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

It's the difference between feeling compassion for this woman, and hatred towards her.

Compassion for attempted murderer of a child? Just like compassion for other women who murder their children here? That's quite the position you are proud of taking.

Someone in the throes of mental illness is unable to differentiate right from wrong.

So now you are making assumptions yourself. Look, it's simple. If this woman just wanted to kill herself, fine. The second she took her son with her, that's being selfish, by default.

Additonally, you should consider following your three points above yourself. You don't know the facts yourself but still feel comfortable implying that I and others are "internet bullies" for having hearts and compassion for children lost to murder from their own parents (the only FACT known in these cases).

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@ myhumbletake

Too many broken children in adults bodies.

A very insightful and true comment.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

What make mother to suicide and take her child life? No one can't argue about mother must have suffering mental illness. That's why Japanese Government should fund more money for Mental Health awareness and prevention service. She must have been suffering severe mental illness for long time and her husband was not aware of his wife mental health condition. There's poor education for mental illness in Japanese society. Most of peoples think mental illness is crazy or mad disease. It was like taboo for openly discussion about his or her own mental health with Doctor or Psychologist. If she was received treatment for her severe depression and then she will be alive today and child will not suffer like that. Japanese Government must support more 24/7 phone lines and online counseling service.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

you are incorrect. Not being able to differentiate between right and wrong is one definition of insanity, not mental illness. People can be mentally ill and still know the difference between right and wrong.

You make a good point. I've been using the wrong word all along. I should be using 'insanity' when I've been using the word(s) 'mental illness'.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

No more bickering, please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Someone in the throes of mental illness is unable to differentiate right from wrong

you are incorrect. Not being able to differentiate between right and wrong is one definition of insanity, not mental illness. People can be mentally ill and still know the difference between right and wrong.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Mental illness?

How do you know it wasn't? Are you privy to some inside information the rest of us don't have?

Once again STANGERLAND is trying to defend a narrowly defendable position

If you have an issue with my position, show where it is incorrect.

simply because STRANGERLAND is merely looking to pick an argument with someone like he does every single day!

I simply point out positions that are unjustified or incorrect. Same as people do to me.

Every post I can find of you is beefing with someone‥…… mental illness?

Nope - I know the difference between right and wrong. But as far as my 'beefing' with someone, if there was nothing for me to 'beef' with (about?), I wouldn't be able to do it. If people don't want me 'beefing', then they should ensure:

1) That what they say is true/accurate

2) That what they say is justified

3) That what they say isn't internet bullying against someone

Follow those three things, and you'll find I never 'beef' with you.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Thank God kids bones are made of rubber!

Yes, this weak, pathetic woman chose the lowest common denominator to deal with her problems.

Mental illness? Once again STANGERLAND is trying to defend a narrowly defendable position simply because STRANGERLAND is merely looking to pick an argument with someone like he does every single day ! Every post I can find of you is beefing with someone‥…… mental illness?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Too many broken children in adults bodies. Rip.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

As awful as this was, it could've been worse.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So she magically becomes mentally ill when her son is 3 years old, not, you know, before she decided to get pregnant?

Mental illness isn't magical, it's an actual thing. And if she was mentally ill, who knows when it happened? It may have been recent, or maybe something she was dealing with for years.

Furthermore, does it matter?

Yes, it most definitely does. Someone in the throes of mental illness is unable to differentiate right from wrong. Selfishness is someone who is able to differentiate, but doesn't care as they prioritize themselves above others. The first is tragic, the second is pathetic. It's the difference between feeling compassion for this woman, and hatred towards her.

This defense of "we don't know all the facts" and "she was probably mentally ill"

We don't know all the facts. And I at least have not claimed she was probably mentally ill (I didn't go back to see if anyone else claimed that).

doesn't address the fact (fact, mind you) that she is selfish - plain and simple - for trying to murder a child as opposed to simply taking her own life.

Now we get back to your question about whether or not it matters if she was mentally ill - if she was, it wouldn't be selfishness.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Please share with us the inside information you both have to know that this woman wasn't mentally ill.

So she magically becomes mentally ill when her son is 3 years old, not, you know, before she decided to get pregnant?

Furthermore, does it matter? This defense of "we don't know all the facts" and "she was probably mentally ill" that is constantly brought up doesn't address the fact (fact, mind you) that she is selfish - plain and simple - for trying to murder a child as opposed to simply taking her own life.

It amazes me how people are more concerned about "internet bullies" of murderers rather than the innocent lives that usually (thankfully not this time) are lost for selfish reasons.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

I can only conclude its a very selfish and childish act done by very emotionally immature people. It's not a mental illness.

And:

Another selfish, stupid woman decides her life is not worth living and feels the 'need' to take others with her.

Please share with us the inside information you both have to know that this woman wasn't mentally ill. Do you have her medical records or something? Was she evaluated for mental illness, and the media somehow never got this information? Or are you guys trying to say that Japanese women do not get mental illness due to some genetic reason?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@ Smith At least we can agree on these types of issues

the incident which police said was a probably murder-suicide attempt

Gee, ya think?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Its really scary that a country the size of California has a nearly daily occurrence of mom killing their kids

Japan has roughly three or four times as many people as California.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Its really scary that a country the size of California has a nearly daily occurrence of mom killing their kids..yes Japan is safe when compared to some other countries, but it seems like you have your own family members to be afraid of instead.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

@Sense

Are they the proverbial canary in the mine?

Yes, I do think you are correct.

It seems that the deterioration of society, not just here but elsewhere in the world is increasing at an ever faster pace.

I fear that we are all part of one huge John B. Calhoun experiment, and it's at the tipping point.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Another selfish, stupid woman decides her life is not worth living and feels the 'need' to take others with her. All I can say is, glad she did not succeed with the child.

Disillusioned: "I can only conclude its a very selfish and childish act done by very emotionally immature people."

Exactly. And it's sickening. There definitely needs to be more help in Japan for people who have emotional trouble and DEFINITELY for the mental ill, but you see a LOT of people suffer from stress and other illness that affects their lives to the breaking point, and they don't kill their kids. So why do these selfish women and men do it? and why does society then pity them?

1 ( +9 / -8 )

No words will suffice when I want to talk about this witch

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Has there been a recent spike in murders/murder suicides?

Are they the proverbial canary in the mine?

How do we get beyond this phase?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Another sad piece of news what happens behind close doors nobody knows and ever will.RIP Mum and hope the little one makes a full recovery.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

You have to wonder why so many people do this. Why kill your kids as well? At the risk of many thumbs down, I can only conclude its a very selfish and childish act done by very emotionally immature people. It's not a mental illness. It's an emotional illness. I feel sorry for the husband, but nobody knows how much he contributed to her emotional state. Hope the kid recovers and is young enough to not remember his mother trying to kill him.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

This sort of mindset is really quite frightening and I think quite prevalent among the populace, that if things get too tough they can just kill themselves

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Unfortunately that is how most of problems get to an and here in Japan. Not just marital problems but hundread of light situations walk to the same path. Daily news are full of cases like that.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Good Lord the child survived. No marital problem can be solved in just killing yourself (is supposed if it's a marital problem) but rest in peace.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Was his cooking that horrible? But seriously, I am glad the child survived that terrible incident, and in stable condition now.

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

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