Category: Mental Health

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 16, 2024 Number of comments0
Crime Japan Mental Health

Manhunt continues after McDonald’s stabbings leave teen dead in Japan

Police continued their search on Monday for a man believed responsible for the stabbing death of a 15-year-old junior high school girl two days ago at a McDonald’s restaurant in southwestern Japan.

The man, described by witnesses as being around 40 years old, also stabbed a male student who was waiting in line with the female victim, Saaya Nakashima, at the fast-food restaurant in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. The 15-year-old boy, who police did not name, survived but suffered serious injuries.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 12, 2024 Number of comments0
2024 Paris Summer Olympics Japan Mental Health Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Mental Health Experts to Join Japan Delegation at Paris Olympics

The Japanese delegation to the Paris Olympics, which begin later this month, will include four mental health experts to help create a better environment for Japanese athletes. It will be the first Summer Olympics where such experts, called “welfare officers,” will accompany Japanese athletes. Previously, mental health services for Japanese athletes were provided online. But Dohi said it is “easier for athletes to talk” to accompanying experts.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 20, 2024 1
Assassination of Shinzo Abe Crime Japan Mental Health

Psychiatric exam finds ex-Japan PM Abe shooter mentally fit

A psychiatric evaluation of the man accused of fatally shooting former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has determined him mentally fit to be held criminally responsible for his actions, sources close to the matter said Wednesday.

The defense for Tetsuya Yamagami did not contest the results of the evaluation, which had been conducted at the request of prosecutors, and effectively deferred a request for another evaluation, the sources said.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 24, 2024 Number of comments0
Crime Disability Japan Mental Health

Nagano Murder Hearings Not in Sight 1 Year after Incident

Despite Saturday marking a full year since a fatal stabbing and shooting incident in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, it remains uncertain when hearings will begin in the trial. According to his lawyer, Aoki has accepted visits but has shown little interest in most things, remaining silent about the incident, in which four people were killed. He is being held at a facility in Nagano, after he was indicted last November following three months of detention for psychiatric evaluation.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 15, 2024 Number of comments0
Disasters Earthquake Elderly Japan Mental Health

13 Years After Major Earthquake Miyagi Governor Stresses Need for Psychological Care

The governor of Miyagi, one of the northeastern Japan prefectures hit hard by a massive earthquake and tsunami 13 years ago, emphasized the need for psychological care for those affected by the disaster.

The number of people experiencing mental issues has gone up due to changes in their environment following the March 11, 2011, disaster, Murai said, adding that the number of elderly residents living alone has increased as well.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 29, 2024 Number of comments0
Crime Disability Japan Mental Health Police

Ex-Police Chief Inspector Charged over Death in Custody of Man with Schizophrenia and Diabetes

A former chief inspector at the Aichi prefectural police received a summary indictment Wednesday over the death of a man in police custody in the central Japan prefecture.

The former chief inspector allegedly left the victim unattended while knowing that he was unable to eat or drink by himself and had difficulties communicating with others.

The police arrested the victim on suspicion of obstructing official duties and put him into the observation cell handcuffed and bound with rope after he acted violently at the police station. The victim had schizophrenia and diabetes.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 21, 2024 1
Crime Disability Intellectual disabilities Japan Mental Health Sex

Disabled woman forced to sell body sentenced for killing client

A mentally disabled woman who was forced into prostitution was given a six-year prison term for fatally stabbing an elderly client she was trying to steal from at a Tokyo love hotel.

The Tokyo District Court on Feb. 20 convicted Haruka Fujii, 26, of injury resulting in the death of the 82-year-old customer in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district in 2022.

Prosecutors had sought a nine-year prison sentence, but the court took into account Fujii’s mental condition that made her vulnerable to exploitation and prone to involuntary criminal activity.