The latest news on Japan. On Friday, Japan has carried out its first execution in years, putting to death Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the "Twitter killer," for the murder and dismemberment of nine people he lured through social media.
Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki defended the decision, citing the disturbing nature of the crimes and their impact on public safety. "It is not appropriate to abolish the death penalty while these violent crimes are still being committed."
Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki, who authorised Shiraishi's hanging, told a press conference. This marks the first application of the death penalty in the country in nearly three years. There are currently 105 death row inmates in Japan, he added.