Ian Robertson comments

You have to feel sorry for the entire family in this situation. Makes we wonder yet again, given all the incidents of family members murdering other family members or commiting suicide, about Japan's social service system and what support there is for parents - especially single ones - of children with physical and mental challenges.

Yet another example of Japan's # 1 problem - the refusal of those in power (government officials, employers, social services, education) to make any changes in the way things have always been. Until that mindset changes none of Japan's difficulties will ever reach a conclusion that benefits the average citizen.

"Put yourself in the victim's shoes" is a well-worn argument that can't be debated since the victims are dead and gone. As for the families of the victims, I wonder if they feel better knowing the criminal has been executed? I agree with what many have said, that in Japan justice seems more about revenge than anything else.

Let's hope he is dealt with appropriately on his return.

Fortunately, the United States form of government doesn't give the preident absolute power. Look at Obama and all the legislation he has attempted to introduce, only to be stymied by the republican senate. If Trump manages to secure the presidency, he may well be 'The Chief' but he will find his hair-brained schemes fall on deaf ears and amount to nothing more than rhetoric.

Why is it that so many people see killing innocent citizens as the only solution to their problems? Admittedly many people the world over are under oppression of some sort from their own government, but killing their fellow citizens never has and never will bring about a solution. Normally, it only brings more pressure from the government to make their lives even more difficult. My heart goes out to all those killed and injured in Ankara.

Excellent news; good to read that the innovation will spread to other stations that are difficult to navigate, such as Shibuya.

Typical, Borscht, typical!

So glad I don't live in the USA, where so many seem trigger happy.

Excellent news - well done Panasonic!

**Social services in this country are an absolute disgrace. How could the authorities possibly allow this girl to remain in the home after so many incidents of abuse? Yet another black mark for Japan in the world community with regard too how it continues to ignore family problems.

As a single man, I don't mind eating out by myself, although I don't do it frequently. Movies and concerts are totally different - I enjoy going to those events by myself, and do so on a weekly basis.

Here's to a speedy recovery.

Japanese culture mitigates against women beoming leaders. Women who do become leaders in any society are usually independent, strong and with ideas of their own. The old Japanese men who are currently in power are not ready to work alongside those kind of women, so there's no support for them.

Too many refugees and things would have to change ever so slightly, and that would never do.

What a first class idiot! Sounds like the neighbour near my local private school who complains regularly to the police about the students talking or singing as they leave the building to make their way home. A sad individual.

Dialogue if possible, although I'm doubtful about that. Keep all sanctions in place and don't keep telling the rest of the world what they're up to. The media are far too anxious to give all these idiotic regimes full publicity every time they make a move or a broadcast. Maybe if they were all totally ignored, they'd change their ways. If anything is going to happen, it has to happen from within.

I was raised to show good manners to others, regardless of their gender, and I don't believe good manners are ever outmoded. From what I read above, most people feel the same way.

Poor unloved young guys - gotta feel sorry for their sad existence.

“Allowing different surnames risks destroying social stability, the maintenance of public order and the basis for social welfare.” How so? Japan's ancient old lawmakers are so totally out of touch with modern life.

Japan's most serious problem is its unwillingness to drop the status quo in almost every area of life, and to allow the right wing old guys with no vision to continue running things the way they always have. It's not like their intrangience is doing the country much good. So sad for a country that was once on of the world's leaders in so many areas.

I'm not a Christian, but I thoroughly enjoy the season, especially all the musical concerts, the lights and the good feeling the holiday engenders. I enjoy doing what I can to help the less fortunate. I do say 'Merry Christmas', but I have no problem with people saying 'Happy Holidays' or a greeting they feel comfortable with.

Extremely odd statement from a university lecturer. As many people have said, mastery of a second or third language has many benefits.

More teens killed; how very sad.

Another example of Japan's unhealthy attitude towards sex, and relationships in general. Don't even know why this is news.

Do the members of the Japan Olympic Committee have any idea what they're doing. First the logo and then the stadium -- what a fiasco.

Why does this seem to be a regular occurence in Japan; maybe stronger screen are needed, or screens with better locks? Such a tragedy for the family.

Understand the need to trim the budget, but this sounds a bit cheesy, especially given the perks government officials have.

How very, very sad to read this result. It seems the killing of young people either by their peers or adults is becoming more and more common in Japan, making it no different from most of the rest of the world. I find this very upsetting. Condolences to their families and friends.

While it's true that the USA is number one in the world in many, many ways, and that the entire population shouldn't be judged on this latest incident, the ease with which anyone can buy a gun is alarming. Although mass shootings are not peculiar to the USA, the number of them is also alarming. It's definitely time for the governments in each state to take action and bring in stricter gun laws.