crime

Police arrest 16-year-old boy over knife attacks in Chiba, Saitama

67 Comments

Police in Saitama have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with two knife attacks on young girls in Saitama and Chiba prefectures.

Fuji TV reported Tuesday that the boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, has admitted to slashing a 15-year-old girl in Misato, Saitama Prefecture, on Nov 18, and to also stabbing an 8-year-old girl in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, on Dec 1. The boy admitted to attacking both girls as they walked home from school, Fuji reported.

The boy, a student at a correspondence school, was detained at about 5:15 p.m. on Monday while riding his bike in Misato. Police found a switchblade knife and a cleaver in his bag. The boy was quoted as telling police that he wanted to kill some passersby, Fuji reported.

Police said there had been a report about seeing a boy walking along the street, carrying a knife, in late November. Theboy was identified from surveillance camera footage.

Police on Tuesday afternoon said they found 20 bladed weapons at the boy's home, Fuji reported.

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67 Comments
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Let's see, summing up the brilliant comments from the above posters: a boy with murderous thoughts ought to be executed; the boy had previously abused or killed animals (no doubt cats, right silly girl?); and he was thought to be a "good boy" by parents and teachers because he was quiet and introverted.

The quick to judge know-it-alls on this thread are truly mind-boggling. Would that us mortals were blessed with a mere 10% of their wisdom.

Can't wait to see what other ridiculous stereotypes and moronic comments follow.

12 ( +17 / -6 )

good news that they caught him. but, it seems like he has a serious mental health issue.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

easily predict Mirai? How prescient. And now we further learn from your long background in psychology that the kid's parents, too, are nuts. So not only does the system's predictability confirm the boy's fate, but we also know all the contributing factors leading to his horrible acts. Must be nice to be able to fit this messy thing called Life into your neat little hankie drawer.

6 ( +12 / -5 )

Correct me if I am wrong, and I may very well be, but wasn't the assailant in one of those attacks reported to be older?

5 ( +7 / -2 )

I find it interesting that when the age/sex/status of the stabber was unknown, everyone was ready to burn the pervert at the stake, now that it turns out to be a 16 year old kid the consensus is to get him "help". Why is it so hard for people to accept that sometimes the answer is to lock the nutjob up and toss the key? We can readily accept that not all physical ailments can be cured, but insist that all and any mental illness can be cured by a little quiet time with a shrink.

5 ( +4 / -0 )

He was quoted as telling police that he wanted to kill some passersby, Fuji reported.

Well...that's scary.... Thank God he was arrested even though the fact that he is a minor might be troublesome for the people who demand an appropriate punishment for him.

At least he should be locked up in a mental hospital.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Good job JP police !! Atleast Chiba parents can have some peace of mind now.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@sillygirl

if you look into what short past he has, i am sure there are some animals that were abused/killed.

Just watching NHK now and the report said that the boy had previously brought dead animal parts to school. Also reportedly said in school he would kill someone next time.

@Samantha - I agree it's not a minor crime. However, I would say it's not common if you compare it to other countries. Certainly not as common as the random violence that is an everyday occurrence back in Britain, where knife crime is an escalating problem. Still, that's not to downplay the incident. It really sounds like this boy has mental problems.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I'm glad he was caught before he used that cleaver. What the hell is his problem anyways?

3 ( +4 / -2 )

"Can't wait to see what other ridiculous stereotypes and moronic comments follow."

You do understand the concept of a discussion board then? If you don't like people expressing their opinions don't read them! Putting others down as you did does a disservice to yourself, notice you said nothing related to the story at all.

As usual the article invites speculation due to the lack of relevant information, thus it's all open to speculation. And this is why many of us post, to speculate and share opinions. Good and bad. If you get no joy from this hold your court elsewhere.

Whatever the circumstances behind the actions of this minor, you can be sure it's not pretty be it family or just mental issues. Breaking social norms is such a manner is not normal. Never advocate death myself, treatment in a secure location sure. Can't see "prison" helping, trapped, alone no one to talk to just the voices in your head just can't see that rehabilitating anyone particularly someone with mental issues.

Sorry perhaps another moronic post?

3 ( +11 / -8 )

How much does anyone want to bet that this boy was a quiet, reserved, probably shy, introvert, and thought to be a great student, and "good boy" because of his being all of those things, as he was growing up?

2 ( +5 / -4 )

The quick to judge know-it-alls on this thread are truly mind-boggling. Would that us mortals were blessed with a mere 10% of their wisdom

I agree with some of the over-reaction and the jumps to conclusions, but I think this stems from the fact that the Japanese justice systems is so flawed and corrupt that we can easily predict that this kid is going to be released without as much as a slap on the wrist and a "don't do it again" from the judge. Too much compassion and not enough action goes to people who do heinous crimes...especially the kids.

2 ( +6 / -6 )

I think teenagers have a much higher probability to change than do older people, so although it is very serious and there must be consequences for these crimes, it is irresponsible of us to treat such young people as adults when they do something we do not like and our sensibilities are hurt. We admit they are different and not full and matured members of society in so many ways, yet take the easy way out when they commit crimes and say they must be treated as adults. They are not adults, psychologically, physically or socially, and it is hypocritical of us to demand so when it suits us best. They are not in control of their environments nor do we allow them control, so they deserve the chance to correct themselves. Japan, do not listen to Americans please. They have a horrible justice system with thousands of young people languishing in adult prisons with little or no hope for rehabilitation. Do not listen to Americans.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Partly agree with ThaiGirl. This is a 16-year-old boy who is a child and therefore should be tried as a child. That being said, if he did indeed commit these horrible crimes, he should be put into a juvenile detention center, where he has some chance of being rehabilitated, at least until he is 20. Then transferred to a regular prison for the rest of his sentence.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

He was carrying both a folding knife and a kind of heavy bladed chopper. The cops found 20 knives at his house. The school reported he brought animal parts sometimes. He stabbed the 8 yr old several times and one stab punctured her lung. Minor crime?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I have been told that Yahoo News says he started out with cats and took a cat's head in to school to show to his classmates. A neighbour told police he had been abusing animals. No alarms bells rang as it was only animals and they don't matter. Now doesn't that remind one of the Kobe killer?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

if you look into what short past he has, i am sure there are some animals that were abused/killed. happy that he was caught before graduating to using a cleaver. there are some serious mental health issues that are not being addressed in this country.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Nip the bud, let him hang. He did it it not once but twice and he is planning to do it the third time. He is beyond rehabilitation. He is flipped and a perfect serail killer in the making.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

he doesn't like females

he needs psychiatric care and police monitoring

1 ( +4 / -4 )

He tells police he wanted to kill a Passerby?? Like it is supposed to be okay to do this thing. Insanity. It's a shame he is in this state of mind at such a young age. But maybe all crazy people start being crazy at a young age. IDK

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Well, I just hope theyve got the right guy. Seems very convenient to me - pick up a kid with a knife who is obviously very disturbed, pin everything else on him in the last few weeks, job done. Not saying he DIDNT do it - just hoping he did!

@ben4Short - do you just get a kick out of attacking people speculating on these threads? Actually got anything to contribute yourself, or do you just want to shout everyone else down?

Because - speculative as it may be - comments along the lines of the parents/family having some kind of issue, the kid getting off without a prison sentence, the kid being mentally disturbed and maybe starting off with animal abuse, while not proven here, are absolutely proven in the fields of criminology and psychology and therefore are not entirely outside the realms of sensible suggestion, are they? They may be partly true, they may not be true at all, we dont know, but all people are doing is speculating - is it really necessary to be so facetious to them all?

1 ( +8 / -7 )

i will never be able to understand these types of people. instead of killing others, why don't they just kill themselves?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Rickyvee.

Easy answer. I takes less of the ol "KinTama" to kill someone else than to kill yourself.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Many possibilities here. The cops will be wanting to know for example, if he is confessing to something he didn't actually do. He himself could be the would-be copy-cat.

A poster commented above that the parents are probably mental too. In my experience some children are born with problems, and despite the parents best efforts, it goes deeper than anything that they can do in their anguish.

Allow me to say a good word for the police here. Thank you for being there and doing your best in this instance.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

JesusAndPeter

Luckily these crimes are very rare in Japan. That's why even minor crimes like this make the national news. I think our culture can take a lot of credit for keeping the violent crime rate as low as it is.

HUH, you say slashing strangers on the street (kids at that) is a minor crime. Wow seriously you have some issues there. Im tipping the kids that where slashed and their families might differ in your theory on them being minor crimes. Oh and your statement that these crimes are rare, maybe you should go and count the number of these knife attacks that have happened in your superior culture in the past month.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Alas, the more we learn about the case the clearer it becomes that this problem will not be resolved. He will get a slap on the wrist as juvenile, but later on he will commit crimes. The beheading of small animals... all too familiar from similar cases.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I can’t believe this news, what’s happened to him? I watched other news that said that boy was bring cat’s head to his school. I was so scary and I thought it was started his murder. I’m interest that his judgment. What will he do? Go to jail?? But he is minor.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I see in today's news there have been more knife attacks and more sightings of a young man dressed in black.

Copycat?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@nandakandamanda, I heard the news, too. Yesterday morning, 20 year-old college student (female) was stabbed in front of her house. It happened in Kashiwa (near Matsudo and Misato). There have been some witnesses who saw a guy showing around a knife.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@TravisB, The girl in Matsudo told the police the guy looked younger and taller than her daddy. That could be teen to 30s.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

They actually caught him? woozah. Good news before he can do more damage. But since he is a minor, his penalty might be not so severe either im afraid.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Whatever his problems are, they should be irrelevant with regards to his punishment, since they're probably not unique.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There was one report that the teenager was always carrying knives. The boy was questioned by the police when he came out of his house. As he was carrying two knives, he was arrested for a violation of the Firearm Control Law. Then he admitted to attacking two girls. However, he denied the Kashiwa (near Matsudo) incident that a guy was carrying knives and showing them to some kids.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Readers, enough of this nonsense. Please focus your comments on the topic and not at each other.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Also wondering if the got the right guy, This morning news said he held a collapsible switch-blade not a cleaver.

So he admitted to 2 out of 3 slashings, fine and good. Still needs to be proven that he is the actual perp, had the opportunity, etc.

Was a long report about the incidents on the news yesterday with location shops/reports, etc. Rather Isolated areas so the perp would have stuck out.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"shops" should be "shots". Still sleepy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Luckily these crimes are very rare in Japan.

That's why even minor crimes like this make the national news.

I think our culture can take a lot of credit for keeping the violent crime rate as low as it is.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

BTW, most crimes involving knifes are done with standard household/kitchen knifes. Easy and legal to get hold of at any time. Just visit a 100yen store.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

After a bit of paperwork, he's gonna be turned back over to his mommy and walk free. That is the problem in this country, minors literally get away with murder.

How on earth do you come to that conclusion? Please provide examples.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Found this concerning juvenile crime in Japan (from 10 years ago): The new amendments now give crime victims more information about Family Court hearings – a generally welcomed change. More controversially, they've reduced the age at which teenagers can face criminal prosecution, from 16 to 14. And teenage murderers will now be sent to criminal courts

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Regardless if their the introverts or jock morons, teenagers are always up to something. Sometimes the little buggers - gals, too - are nuts and we have to hope to not be around them when they go off. Is the issue parenting? Most likely. But for the smidgen of you that think this case is just an insane person, I cannot disagree. He is definitely disturbed, but I fear his parents are the real scary ones.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am so happy to hear that this person have been apprehended. I think about all those children who travel home from school by themselves. By the way, I am very impressed to see this. Not many American kids have that kind of freedom.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Hey Ben: "Let's see, summing up the brilliant comments from the above posters: a boy with murderous thoughts ought to be executed; the boy had previously abused or killed animals (no doubt cats, right silly girl?); and he was thought to be a "good boy" by parents and teachers because he was quiet and introverted.

The quick to judge know-it-alls on this thread are truly mind-boggling. Would that us mortals were blessed with a mere 10% of their wisdom.

Can't wait to see what other ridiculous stereotypes and moronic comments follow."

Do you STILL think this story isn't news? I would love to know what DOES please you. A quick check on previous posts shows not much. Are you at least happy the perp was caught? Or does that anger you as well?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'm just glad that the J-cops arrest this psychotic murdering bastard, but just kept on wondering if this kid is just one of those miserable copy cats and the real nutcase is out there laughing. Have seen the news bout his obsessiveness on animal cruelty but still... this kid reminds me of the Kobe School Killer

0 ( +0 / -0 )

i hope that they found the "right" person, and that he gets a nice padded room for a while

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well I hope that he's the one that did the two attacks and just isn't delusional and is admitting to them. This reminds me slightly of the Kobe Killer of about 16 years ago. It seems that in these cases the attacks escalate in serverity. Hopefully people in Chiba can rest more easily.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Must be something in the water.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I can´t even comprehend how a 16 year old coward can do such a thing? A society free of these is a good society. That is what every society should strive towards. Not to become the wealthiest but to be a humane society where you do not have these lunatics wandering around.It makes me think, what to do with my kids when they start school here.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I am glad that they found perp. I am not glad that he is only 16, because that means: slap on the wrist, and soon on the loose again for a repeat.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

What is it with the Japanese obsession with stabbing people when things go bad, it seems to be happening a lot lately maybe time to do something about it?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

So now it's reported that the kid has abused and killed animals before, which means the slashing of people indicated he was stepping it up. The kid is clearly a sociopath -- one that does not see the wrong in what he's doing. There is no way the kid can be rehabilitated if that's truly the case. He should be put into a reformatory (at the very least) until he is of age, and if then a judge deems fit, put in prison or in a mental institution.

As more and more facts come to light it becomes harder and harder to use the 'he's only a kid' argument. A kid he may be, but a SICK kid who probably cannot be healed, and who is hell-bent on committing very adult crimes should we give him the chance.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Cricky

"Can't wait to see what other ridiculous stereotypes and moronic comments follow."

You do understand the concept of a discussion board then? If you don't like people expressing their opinions don't read them! Putting others down as you did does a disservice to yourself, notice you said nothing related to the story at all.

As usual the article invites speculation due to the lack of relevant information, thus it's all open to speculation. And this is why many of us post, to speculate and share opinions. Good and bad. If you get no joy from this hold your court elsewhere.

Whatever the circumstances behind the actions of this minor, you can be sure it's not pretty be it family or just mental issues. Breaking social norms is such a manner is not normal. Never advocate death myself, treatment in a secure location sure. Can't see "prison" helping, trapped, alone no one to talk to just the voices in your head just can't see that rehabilitating anyone particularly someone with mental issues.

Sorry perhaps another moronic post?

Thank you Cricky. About time someone stood up and said something about this ridiculous comment harassment. Why won't people grow up and stop posting nonsense towards other posters? Enough with the BS and post to yourself, forget about everybody else. This is a discussion board. Learn to disagree, differ and debate without using insults and offensive words. Grow up and get a life!

-2 ( +9 / -11 )

Sad. For sure this is a mental health issue. Attacks against women and girls is so common in our world, men need to figure out what is wrong with the male brain.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

@ThaiGirl

Sad. For sure this is a mental health issue. Attacks against women and girls is so common in our world, men need to figure out what is wrong with the male brain.

I respectfully DISAGREE with you. Women can be as calculating and cunning as MEN. It's a fact. In some instances, some Female Serial Killers' behavior and methods were outstanding compared to those committed by their Male counterparts. Murders, torture and mental anguish are committed by both women and men. The old theory that men are more likely to kill is long dead. Both sexes are capable of horror.

-2 ( +6 / -9 )

After a bit of paperwork, he's gonna be turned back over to his mommy and walk free. That is the problem in this country, minors literally get away with murder. The law needs to be amended. For serious crimes committed by juveniles, they need to be tried as adults.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I think JesusAndPeter is having a whale of a time provoking folk on this board. Love your new alias by the way...

A kid aged a mere 16 years, cycling round on his bike attacking children with knives and when detained by the police announces his lifelong ambition is 'To kill someone'. Yeah, makes this country look truly magnificent.

And I wonder how the families involved, people from your own great and beloved nation, would feel to hear you pass this off as a minor crime? A little empathy would go a long way.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

@gaijintraveller

I have been told that Yahoo News says he started out with cats and took a cat's head in to school to show to his classmates. A neighbour told police he had been abusing animals. No alarms bells rang as it was only animals and they don't matter. Now doesn't that remind one of the Kobe killer?

Exactly what I said in one of my previous posts, but instead I got like a million thumb downs, LOL!!

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Look for copycats in the coming days

-3 ( +2 / -6 )

Freakin mental cases all over the place. I certainly hope they look at the parents to see if they're mental because chances are that they are the source of the insanity. And I hope they put this kid away and not give him a suspended sentence just be cause he's a kid....but I guess I am asking for too much

-3 ( +2 / -6 )

Dame!! Yuuki-kun. Don't slash people. It isn't nice. Now you sit there and think about it. Would you like some Udon or Soba?

Yeah, he'll be out soon. You'll never know who he is. He'll just be there in YOUR neighborhood next, standing there with that puzzled look on his face, holding something in his hand, following you.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

It's Me~ Hope I never bump into you down a dark alley ...no disrespect intended!

Hatsoff~ I hear you. I feel quite safe waking around Tokyo or maybe I am just one scary looking woman. However, no country is perfect and I am allergic to folk who allude otherwise! Now we are hearing more on this, it most certainly sounds like he's been presenting disturbing behaivour for a while. I'd be interested to know how the parents and school have been handling this situation prior to the attacks. Unless he wants to be taxidermist, carrying dead animal parts around should have set off some big red flags. Plus the threats. Thanks for letting us know more details!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I just saw it on TBS. I'm perplexed at how these little guys can have such sick mentality, vicious and inhumane and go out with a knife and stab children. Why not stabbing one his size? What a coward. Hope he stays inside the juvenile prison for many years on end. What a Nutcase.

-4 ( +6 / -11 )

I know it is a cliche, but this kind of behaviour does not surprise me in one bit, in Japan. A combination of little to no mental health awareness, a desire by the schools to just ignore problem cases, as long as they pass exams, and the insanely brutal nature of the media; computer games (which young lads ALL have access to, don't let anyone tell you otherwise), manga etc.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Law enforcement is busy investigating crimes, do very little if anything for crime prevension. They could do a lot if they wanted to do.

-4 ( +0 / -3 )

riffraff: "I find it interesting that when the age/sex/status of the stabber was unknown, everyone was ready to burn the pervert at the stake, now that it turns out to be a 16 year old kid the consensus is to get him "help"."

Actually, a good majority of the posts are expressing the hope that the kid is put away, regardless of his age, and some are even saying the kid should hang (the other extreme). If I'm not mistaken I believe Japanese law was revised to allow for minors to be charged as adults when the crimes are 'serious'. While no one was ultimately killed, the boy has clearly expressed that that was his intent, and nonetheless the crimes ARE serious. I think he should be tried as an adult and locked up for a year or so just to show him what he's got waiting for him if he continues down the same road. He would probably need to be isolated, but still. At the very least I hope he goes to a reformatory for the rest of his youth.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

ThaiGirl: "They are not in control of their environments nor do we allow them control, so they deserve the chance to correct themselves."

To believe the folly that a 16 year old is not 'in control of their environment' is to invite further incidents like this and simply say, "shouganai, ne!" True, we do not allow them certain freedoms that adults enjoy, but again, this young man was in control of what he did, clearly, for he said he wanted to kill and that's what he set out to do, arming himself, etc.

"Japan, do not listen to Americans please. "

Oh, jeez, here we go again! It's a shame you had to drop this in there because your comment was rather decent until then, but now you're suggesting anyone who wants society to take this seriously is 'American'. True, the US justice system has its flaws, as does my nation, as does every other, but to suggest there are so many languishing in adult prisons with little or no hope for rehabilitation when the Japanese prison system doesn't even AIM for rehabilitation in the first place is a joke! Furthermore, please show me where you see all the teenage kids running around other nations stabbing people because, "(they) wanted to kill someone". Now, gunning schoolmates down is an issue that relates to gun control and is rare, but seriously these kids need to be dealt with strictly. I agree that young people have the best chance for change, but they're not going to do that by being coddled and suggesting their acts were beyond their own control.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

@Mirai Hayashi

The quick to judge know-it-alls on this thread are truly mind-boggling. Would that us mortals were blessed with a mere 10% of their wisdom

I agree with some of the over-reaction and the jumps to conclusions, but I think this stems from the fact that the Japanese justice systems is so flawed and corrupt that we can easily predict that this kid is going to be released without as much as a slap on the wrist and a "don't do it again" from the judge. Too much compassion and not enough action goes to people who do heinous crimes...especially the kids.

Interesting, but true. Reminds me a little of Kobe Child Killer 酒鬼薔薇 聖斗 Sakakibara Seito.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

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