Friends of Miyako Hiraoka attend her funeral on Sunday.

Funeral held for murdered Shimane University student

Monday 16th November, 09:23 AM JST

HIROSHIMA —

Around 350 close friends and family on Sunday attended the funeral of Miyako Hiraoka, the first year Shimane University student whose body parts were found in the mountains of Hiroshima Prefecture earlier this month, a week after she went missing.

At the service, which was held in Hiraoka’s native Kagawa Prefecture, her father opened the ceremony with a trembling voice, saying, “I never thought she would go before us.” As he stood before the altar decorated with a photo of Miyako’s smiling face and a string of 1,000 paper cranes, he said to the attendees, “Please live and be happy for my daughter’s sake as well.”

Sobs could be heard around the room, many from the 60 classmates who came from Shimane to attend the funeral.

University dean Yuichi Honda said, “The life of a student who was full of hope and promise has been stolen from us. We weren’t able to protect her.”

At the same time as the funeral, an offering of flowers was held at the university in Shimane’s Hamada City, attended by over 100 people. Yukihiro Kanayama, a 3rd year student, said, “She was loved by so many people, and we’ll never forget that she was alive here with us.”

A stand was covered with flower bouquets and stuffed animals, given by attendees in remembrance of Miyako. A fourth year student said with tears in his eyes, “She was always so cheerful. I hope the murderer gets the worst they can give him.”

Wire reports

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Latest 15 of 23 Total Comments Show All

Stillwater at 11:13 AM JST - 16th November

May your soul rest in peace Miyako.
airrunwesker at 12:31 PM JST - 16th November

The person that did this will be caught.
Shaolin7 at 12:45 PM JST - 16th November

So sickening and sad, and her poor family must deal with the devastation of not just her passing, but in such a violent and cruel way. She has such a bright smile in her picture too. May her family find strength in her memory, and may they find this individual responsible very soon.
kirakira25 at 12:46 PM JST - 16th November

I`m not a religious person generally, but in this case I make an exception - may God keep her safe and happy, help her friends and family to live with what has happened, and lead the people that are investigating this to the perpetrator before he strikes again.

I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine right now how her poor family must feel.
bobbafett at 02:53 PM JST - 16th November

RIP? she was all cut to pieces. No funeral can put her at rest and No funeral would satisfy my fury at her death. There are 350 people there that should hit the streets where she vanished and do the job of the useless cops.
southsakai at 02:57 PM JST - 16th November

Some Human beings can be so evil. I hope they sick nut is caught soon before he/she strikes again. I am worried as hell for my loved ones knowing some monster is out there who can commit such a barbaric crime. I really hope this person is caught and some form is justice is delivered. Once a life is stolen away, it can never be brought back again. Just shows life is so precious. RIP Miyako San. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
OneForAll at 03:09 PM JST - 16th November

RIP. Justice demands the existence of God. Her life restored and to hell with the killer.
ptolemy at 03:24 PM JST - 16th November

My heart felt condolences to Miyako's family. Also the wishes of Mrs. Ptolemy and our little Ptolemy.

RIP angel.
terebiko at 05:52 PM JST - 16th November

The police are doing their best, they don't have a lot to go on right now. You can't expect them to find the killer(s) that quickly. That being said, kick it in high gear guys. If you need more people, bring them in from other prefectures.
Makun at 07:44 PM JST - 16th November

I hope her soul can find peace through the hearts of family and friends. Protect what you cherish.
spudman at 10:14 PM JST - 16th November

I`m not a religious person generally, but in this case I make an exception - may God keep her safe

Obviously God didn't. Hope the killer is found soon so the the poor tortured girl's family and friends can get some closure on this tragic gruesome death. The media are loving it though.
chotto at 10:26 PM JST - 16th November

Good. Grief. I nearly cried just reading this.

It's like my stomach has been turned inside out after reading this article. I feel so sad for her loved ones and cannot even begin to imagine what her immediate family felt at the funeral.

Miyako, may your soul Rest In Peace.
Sarge at 10:37 PM JST - 16th November

"The person that did this will be caught."

I hope so. But it's possible this person will never be caught.
seeker1 at 11:14 PM JST - 16th November

The photo of her with her dog that was used was heartbreaking to look at. Really a tragic case. Now the snow is starting in the mountains, and it will be harder to find evidence. Keep digging officers, and find the person or people responsible.
ppayne at 05:19 PM JST - 17th November

And she was such a good person too, not working in a hostess bar or anything. Damn tragedy.