crime

Mother murders her 2 children; then tries to kill herself

76 Comments

A woman fatally stabbed her two children and then tried to kill herself at their home in Kayam, Niigata Prerecture, on Thursday, police said.

Police said they discovered two children bleeding from multiple stab wounds to their heads, chests and backs at their home after receiving an emergency call from the mother just after 6 a.m.

The children, a girl aged 12, and and a boy, 15, were rushed to hospital where they later died. Their 47-year-old mother had also sustained cuts to her chest and wrists.

She was quoted by police as saying: "I did it," but did not give any motive.

According to police, the boy was found near the front door and his sister was found on her futon in her room. There was evidence of extensive bleeding and a kitchen knife had been dropped. All three were found in their pajamas.

Their father, 56-year-old company employee, had not yet returned home from a night shift.

© News reports

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76 Comments
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How absolutely awful. When will people learn that there are other solutions to their problems? My condolences to this poor family.

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This mentally instable person probably has Münchausen syndrome. Its sad.

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When are politicians and beaurorats going to wake up the world over to this problem. Social services are stretched to the limit,they quote lack of funds,guidence from government.People always tend to blame social services,where as the problem lies with all of us.We have become so selfish that we don't see or don't want see or get involved with those around us. The media doesn't help,they dramatise just to sell print instead of highlighting these problems and how can they help.The media is a powerful tool,but sadly is misused for monetary gain. These are tragic cases,happening all over the world and nobody cares. Whats the answer,I don't know.But living in this consumer driven society ,social problems seem to come bottom of the list.

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Sick, this society need sserious help, Obviously no one saw the signs..

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Gees! I thought to myself this morning, "It's Friday and I haven't read article about a parent killing their kids this week." But, obviously, I thought to soon. - The safety country: You are safe outdoors or at a pub, but staying home could be a killer.

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Münchausen syndrome

Possible, but unlikely. It's a shame nobody could intervene to stop this - I wonder if there were any warning signs.

Also of note is that these types of family murders seem to increase in times of economic instability, the theory being "I don't want my family to suffer the shame of being poor, so we're going away together." Whatever the reason, it's a tragedy.

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I still think education and awareness are keys to solving these problems.

I would like to add the following 3 subjects to the national curriculum in order to better prepare young adults for the life that awaits them...

1 - How to deal and cope with life and family matters (with a section dedicated to coping with stress and where to go for support)...

2 - How to deal and cope with work and business ((with a section dedicated to coping with stress and where to go for support)...

3 - How to deal and cope with Parenting - The do's and don'ts and where to go to seek support)

Correct if I am wrong, but none of these are taught within the current curriculum. What worries me, is that in most cases you are just left to figure it all out for yourself. Which unfortunately for some the stress and strain of everyday life just becomes to great to cope with..

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You selfish weak woman! I hate this stuff!

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So we teach the kids where to go with a problem! Where's that? These are the issues here a lack of support and monitoring for people with difficulties.

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Give her a knife and tell her to finish what she started (herself)!! Sadly we will read another story like this again and again and again. Communication sadly lacks these days and people have no idea how to handle their problems without snapping and flying off into a mental rage. Too bad we don't know the full story!!! Did she snap because she told the kids to get up out of bed one too many times???? So terribly indeed.

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Sigh... here we go again. I was JUST talking to someone last night about how there are not enough services in Japan to deal with stressed out kids/parents/business people as well as those with suicidal or violent thoughts, depression, or what have you. They need more 24 hour hotlines, and counsellors, and to eliminate the stigma attached to talking to someone.

Of COURSE the woman gave no motive -- she didn't have one save that she was probably unhappy. I just wish that, if there is absolutely no help for these people and they are bent on committing suicide, that they would stop taking OTHERS' lives with them.

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Japan's epic failure in mental health services costing $32 billion...and counting.

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This is a total sad thing that happened. When will Japan`s government wake do something about these kings by offering social help to the needy. This women should have been put into a psycho ward a very long time ago. I feel so bad for the kids because they should have not have to been killed if thee was a social worker looking into situations like this one.

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"Tries" is the operative word. If she were genuinely suicidal, she wouldn't have "tried"; she would have done it. She's a murderer.

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too bad she is still alive!!!!

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why did she fail to kill herself?! unbelievable! poor kids...rip.

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People, people...Why are you crying? Don't you get it! This country won't go for help! How often do we see that they won't ask questions, they won't share opinions, they won't exercise their rights in public.... I have to agree with you "ratpack" - it's a broken record with no end in sight!!! IT will happen again, again, again, and again, again, again....

All I have to say is - Where is the father role in all this? These Japanese men don't care what happens to their love ones...oh, sorry - love ones is overrated for them!! He's probably laughing his ass off to the bank (I don't mean to sound rude to the victims), but lets face it, these men are useless when it comes to family quality and values. I have seen it and experienced it. My wife is Japanese and my kids are just about to enter their teens. I have seen her act kind of wacky with our kids, but when she losses her temper, I keep cool. I intervene with comments such as: "Hon, you're right, but you need to sweeten your tone. Let me deal with the kids." People, it's that easy!!! My family is the reason of my existence.

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the boy was found near the front door and his sister was found on her futon in her room. All three were found in their pajamas.

Perhaps hearing the sound, the boy came to the room, and noticed the scene. He tried to stopped her but when she turned chasing after him, he ran for help and caught by the doorway.

Such a terrible tragedy, especialy early in the morning and by their own mother.

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May the children rest in peace.

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i dont get this.. she stubbed her children to try and kill her, then also cut herself to try to kill herself, then called the police and told them that the kids are hurt???????????

the boy was found near the front door tells me that hs tried to run away.. it hurts to imagine.

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palanteaburicua: "All I have to say is - Where is the father role in all this?"

Read the article. The man was at work at the time -- had yet to return from his shift. Now, if you mean 'where was he' in a less literal sense, as in the rearing of the children and listening to his wife and what not, well, we have no idea about the family history. My guess, admitting I know nothing about the case aside from what's written above, is that they weren't the closest of families and the couple were probably not the most 'love-love' of them all. I'm quite sure that he did not think he would return to find a blood bath and his children dead at the hands of his lunatic wife, though.

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@palanteboricua.....

wow! what is it like to be a superior human to the Japanese? Please tell us what it is like. Tell us how to raise the perfect family.

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May the souls of these innocent two children rest in peace! May the mother burn in hell for eternity after she spends the rest of her pathetic life rotting in prison!

I agree with the other posts that this will happen again and again with no end in sight! Japan has made a human life an utterly worthless commodity!

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Sick, sick, sick. I refuse to buy that this is just about saving face. It's about pure selfishness. And cowardice. It's about "I want to die, so I'm taking everyone else with me-- oh oops, it's not so easy when I have to kill MYSELF". Stories like this, worldwide, make me ill. Rest in peace, little ones. You didn't deserve to die.

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@palanteboricua.....

One thing though, has anyone notice this doesn't occur with interracial families!!! Hmmm....one must wonder.

It hasn't happened…yet. There are few of us in comparison and we are sane for most part. But when it does happen it will be all over the news. And every interracial relationship will be scrutinized, hell will break loose

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Remember when feeling suicidal and you are think of taking your family please start with yourself. This way other have a choose.

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Take your own life and spare the others please, lady.

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Again and again, whats the matter with the people here? Yep! If anyone feel looser or abandoned blame yourself, others have no concern so keep them away from your grudged shadow. Really the govt. have to take very initial steps to stop this kinda sad happenings.

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I love it how when such an event occurs people instantly blame the person who committed the acts and dont bother to look any deeper.

Do you think she was born evil? Seriously if you live in Japan you may fathom how ridiculously hard life can be if you have no support networks, friends, income etc..Its easy to judge from your own perspective. Poor woman must have been going through hell. my deepest sympathies for the children who had their whole lives in front of them....

In my eyes the underlying issue is that LIFE IS HARD IN JAPAN, Lack of government, social institutions to assist people, financially, socially, and so on...Overdriven competition etc...these are all factors...dont be too quick to blame an individual for society's conditions.

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Awful. Tragic happening. Feel terrible for the father and children.

I still don't see why most of the people on this board choose to use these stories as an excuse for Japan-bashing though. Nutcases exist in every country, and you're in Japan through choice, and probably partly becuase it's safer than your home country.

Give Japan a break - you don't know what caused this, and mental breakdowns happen the world over.

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@IronBeard

Very well said, but unlikely to go down too well on this site.

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Again and again, whats the matter with the people here?

Ignorant comment. These tragedies happen daily around the globe. Please read more than just JT.

This woman has a pychiatric disorder. She may have supressed it to where nobody could detect it. Blaming it on society pressure or Japan is not accurate. She needed help, that is for sure but who knew. Its a common tragedy because when the human brain is wired wrong, watch out. The neurological issue is deeper than the average stress related issues ordinary people deal with. Putting general logic on her crime is not appropriate.

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wow! what is it like to be a superior human to the Japanese? Please tell us what it is like. Tell us how to raise the perfect family.

LOL

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She should have started with herself and then tried to kill her children. Things would have worked out better for all concerned.

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Darkichi and cactus. I see you were thinking the same thing. I would say that 12 and 15 is old enough to let them get on with their lives.

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Yes, this happens around the globe, but these kind of family murders happen here all too often. The lack of social support systems in Japan is criminal. We pay taxes, and get no services.

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RIP. Assailants always survive, but victims always die.

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So who called the police?

Did she call after a change of heart, XXX that, a change of mind?

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The most disturbing thing here is the netwits who reflexively blame a culture or a country (and it's government) for social ills that are found in humans everywhere throughout time and locale. Japanese culture may be different than where you come from, but take an honest look at your own nest before condemning an entire country. And, Governments, regardless of laws or social services, there will still be incidents outside the norm. Someone once said that you cannot legislate morality. Neither can you legislate good behavior.

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These kids had their whole lives ahead of them and this woman took it away and very selfishly i might add.

RIP

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This was a horrible, horrible murder. They shouldn't even bother with the 'then tries to kill herself' part. It's a complete insult to the children who lost their lives. This woman is either a cold-blooded killer, mentally deranged or completely psychotic.

RIP to the kids and condolences to the father.

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Sorry but more mothers kill their children here than anywhere else and seem to feel no remorse whatsoever. Not sure why and I am not even going to speculate but something is obviously wrong. Its just not right for children to be murdered by their mothers at such an alarming rate. That said 99.9999999 percent of Japanese mothers are brilliant and probably better than there Western counterparts. Its not Japan bashing its just observing a fact.

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Sorry but more mothers kill their children here than anywhere else and seem to feel no remorse whatsoever...........its just observing a fact.

Where did you get your data, statistics & facts? It sounds like your opinion.

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@masterkun

Its not Japan bashing its just observing a fact.

There are no facts whatsoever in your post.

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Do I think she was born evil............well no. Absolutely not. Most women have a genetic instinct to preserve the life of their child at all costs........even at the cost of their own life. She had a bad copy of this gene like most of the other mothers that do the same thing all over the world. I am thoroughly convinced it is a genetic problem. A mothers natural instinct will always override social and cultural pressures and problems. However now she must pay for her crimes and serve her 3 months prison sentence.

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Mothers murdering children is a problem here. Every second day its reported on this site. Its not a question of whether other countries are just as bad. If they are does that solve the problem. Their is a problem here or anywhere if mothers kill their children at this rate. Its a problem that has to be addressed and dealt with.

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Here we go again. A woman murders her three children and people here are angry with the government, the husband, Japanese society and Munchausen syndrome.

Cold, stingy Japanese government! Horrible uncaring husband. Who can blame this poor, poor woman? She really had no other choice did she?

No doubt this is a strange sentiment for some of you, but I feel sorry for the three kids, and the police and medical people who had to deal with the carnage this woman caused.

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Uff! this disgusting news is going to be more regular day by day.

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yasukuni, of course the individual must be held accountable. But if you look into the studies and do some research beyond the story, "murishinju" and murder-suicides are far more prevalent in Japan than in any other country. I, and probably you too, read these stories on JT on a weekly basis whereas we rarely (but not never) see similar stories in the Western media. Are the Japanese just nuts? Perhaps. But it is logical to conclude the society and the Japanese government are not handling it as effectively as other nations. How many Japanese do you know have ever been to a therapist? Probably ZERO. Pretty insane for a country as crowded as this with as many problems as this.

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There is no excuse for murder fullstop. I really am shocked at the way people are coming to the mothers defence. If she murdered a stranger on the street would you come to her defence with the same voracity. No you wouldnt. Yet she took two innocent lives. She took a combined 160 years of living away in one fell swoop.Two totally innocent victims with their whole lives ahead of them. Yes lets address the problem because their is a problem but defend her.....I think not.

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How many Japanese do you know have ever been to a therapist? Probably ZERO.

Actually I do know people. Relatives, co-workers, etc. One thing I do know is that if you go to the reception of the mental health section of a big hospital, it will be packed.

Another thing I know is that it's not so easy to get a person committed without their consent.

Having been on the receiving end of threats from a person diagnosed as being "mentally ill", I have a personal dislike of too much excusing of violence and murder because of mental illness and society etc.

I know enough about Japan to know that if someone feels depressed or mentally ill in any way, there are places you can go for help. There is no excuse for killing people. The problem is less the government than some people just don't go for help.

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Society any society can only help people so much. The individual must be responsible for their actions in the end. Murder is a crossed the line offence in my opinion. After that you no longer welcome in society as a human.

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Its the economy.

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@Masterkun, in one post you claim that, "more mothers kill their children here than anywhere else", and then three hours later you state that, "Its not a question of whether other countries are just as bad". How convienient! "Take my claim at face value, but don't actually try and check my claim against the facts."

Your first claim GENERATES the question of whether other countries are just as bad.

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I was more thinking about saving innocent lives than rampant commercialism and capatalitic abuse. Why dont you holiday students just realise what you actually are for once. Holiday students.

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the poor father! his life is hell now. Why would she do this?

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It's hard to find adequate words to describe one's feelings when this happens, especially as a parent.

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Does anyone know what really happened yet? Maybe one of the kids went insane~

What would you say (ie 'confess' as the mother allegedly has) if you had to kill one of your kids who was attacking you and the other kid?

Seriously, the facts are not in yet and y'all have decided to lay blame. Blame Japan, blame Niigata, blame the neighbours~

Just blame yourselves - yes... you! You in the lynch mob, holding the pitch fork. And you with the noose.

This is a tragedy. Show some frigging (self-)respect.

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Japan is still a relatively safe country. -As long as they continue to keep it in the family.

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Will Japan change? Never! This sort of news will go on forever.....:(

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My wife and child are Japanese but it doesnt abrogate the pain I feel for the death of innocent children.

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Judges of Japan, please don't let her go with a suspended sentence.

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Sick woman.

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We can make it change. It will change and it has to change. Stand up againt violence towards children. These deaths will not be invain.

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Sadly, these deaths will be in vain. Chances are more deaths will follow in the future. Sad story.

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@jiandaren yes we know two innocent children were brutaly murdered by their mother. Do you really need to know more.

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yer ok Sansan nice. Dolce and Banana. We are ctually talking about JAPNESE MOTHERS KILLING THIER CHILDREN HER THOUGH.

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How can they possibly be evil if there crime is caused by a genetic flaw? They'd have no possible control of their genes?

We don't know the family background. We know nothing of the family. Only the few lines written above. Everything that has been said in the 'comments' speculating on motives/reasons etc. is wasted energy.

No point in guessing as to the reasons - just feel sorry for the kids/husband and surrounding family and friends.

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Do they even have social workers in Japan? I have never heard of any. I hear about local government offices but not about social workers themselves.

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Why didn't she just kill herself first! "Tries to kill herself". What bad joke. Adept at murdering 2-innocent children (her own nonetheless), but not capable of offing herself. Sounds way too bizzar. Is there any scenerio that can be envisioned here? And why didn't the woman die? Because her self-inflicted wounds weren't made with enough conviction?

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Ever try to trip yourself? It's way harder than trying to trip someone else. It seems to happen fairly often that someone survives after murdering others and trying to commit suicide. Probably because apart from a gun (this is Japan) or hanging (which takes a bit of planning), you're left with something like cutting your wrists. Which is slow and not a surefire way to die. And at some point, the self-preservation instinct sets in.

The boy is 15, so perhaps she stabbed him in bed and he still had enough power to get up and try to run. A 15-year-old boy is almost an adult, so I would suspect he would take longer to die than the 12-year-old girl. That may explain why they were found as they were, but that's just a guess.

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There's a difference between trying to commit suicide (and failing), and making a "suicidal gesture". People who try to commit suicide usually succeed. Suicidal gestures are meant to gain attention or as a call for help.

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When will this stop?? How can a man be certain that his Japanese wife won't turn to this in the future? I think many of these are copycat killings, especially in light that they are never given serious punishment. I fear for the kids!!!

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Not a behavior exclusive to Japanese people, or Japanese women. It happens everywhere, and those trying for a Japanese witch hunt are simply way off the mark. This is not evidence of the flaws of Japanese society or people, it is evidence of one of the flaws of humanity in general.

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