Suspect held over rape and murder of Japanese woman in Romania

Crime Aug. 23, 2012 - 02:45PM JST ( 38 )

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38 Comments

8

mikihouseAug. 23, 2012 - 07:18AM JST

Why do Japanese especially women so naive when going out of the country? If a stranger offered you a ride in the middle of the night in Tokyo, would you take it? I bet most japanese women if not all will not take the ride. Why would they do it in a foreign country?

She is dead, poor lady but she should have known otherwise. Geez...
14

CrazyJoeAug. 23, 2012 - 07:34AM JST

A member of the organization that sent her there should have picked her up.
-6

SilvafanAug. 23, 2012 - 07:49AM JST

Why do Japanese especially women so naive when going out of the country? If a stranger offered you a ride in the middle of the night in Tokyo, would you take it? I bet most japanese women if not all will not take the ride. Why would they do it in a foreign country?

She is dead, poor lady but she should have known otherwise. Geez... >

I would say the biggest reason is because the suspect is Caucasian in a "European country". Even if does have a slight tan being from Romania. The idea of "Charisma Man" still exist here in Japan. Like, you said the common sense that is usually displayed is commonly thrown out the window. Visiting places they really have no clue about other than what is shown in movies. They are probably safer when visiting countries they view as more dangerous simply because they are more attentive during the trip.

I actually suspect that Japanese are more victims of crime in so called "Western countries" on average based on the number of travelers and simple carelessness.
-15
mikihouseAug. 23, 2012 - 07:55AM JST

She is to teach in another part of the country. She arrived late. She wants to take a night train to Craiova and need to go to Bucharest Station. The guy offered to take her there. She wrote in her twitter before being killed that Romanian are so nice because they are so helpful before boarding the taxi...yeah right gullible naive lady.
- ModeratorAug. 23, 2012 - 08:01AM JST
  
  Readers, please do not insult this woman by calling her gullible or naive. A terrible crime has occurred and if you are incapable of showing compassion, then do not post here.
6

jojo_in_japanAug. 23, 2012 - 08:26AM JST

Watch Liam Neeson's movie "Taken". You'll never let your kids out of your sight again.
1

KariHarukaAug. 23, 2012 - 09:27AM JST

Watch Liam Neeson's movie "Taken". You'll never let your kids out of your sight again.

I was just thinking about that movie as well while reading this article.

RIP to this poor woman though. Sadly people won't learn from this mistake and will still trust a total stranger. Its not to say that everyone who offers to help is a murderer but its just not worth the risk.
-3

Ch1n4SailorAug. 23, 2012 - 10:01AM JST

So Sad and Tragic, But so preventable...

WHY in the world do these YOUNG Japanese Girls just have to travel around the world... ALONE...? Unbelievable...

Japan NEEDS to start teaching Common-Sense lessons to it's people... The world IS NOT SAFE like Japan...

Nobody in their right mind goes galvanization around the world ALONE, especially young women...
0

letsberealisticAug. 23, 2012 - 10:47AM JST

Ch1n4SailorAUG. 23, 2012 - 10:01AM JST So Sad and Tragic, But so preventable... WHY in the world do these YOUNG Japanese Girls just have to travel around the world... ALONE...? Unbelievable... Japan NEEDS to start teaching Common-Sense lessons to it's people... The world IS NOT SAFE like Japan... Nobody in their right mind goes galvanization around the world ALONE, especially young women...

For women, Japan is hardly any safer than most other countries. Agree that women do need better advise on how to protect themselves both while here in Japan and when travelling overseas.
4

WilliBAug. 23, 2012 - 12:25PM JST

Ch1n4Sailor:

" WHY in the world do these YOUNG Japanese Girls just have to travel around the world... ALONE...? "

So what do you suggest? Women be registered on their owners (fathers, brother, or husbands) passport, and always under male guardianship, Saudi-Arabia style? Really?

Wouldn´t it be better to teach everybody (Japanese males included, who are also preferred victims of e.g. robbery) some common sense safety rules for travellers?
6

southsakaiAug. 23, 2012 - 01:59PM JST

I was following this story for the past several days. It's extremely sad and tragic what has happened to this young lady. What a horrible sad time for her family and close friends.

Sadly this could have been avoided in many ways. The organization that sent her AISEC Japan should have arranged for a local representative to pick her up when she arrived in Romania. Big fail on their part to let a young woman go to a strange far away country without much local knowledge or knowing anyone.

Of course she should never have a gotten into a taxi with a complete stranger. What Silvafan said above is true, the "Charisma Man" takes over and is a trusted figure.

I worked at the Airport back home in Fiji for a few years shuttling tourists to nearby hotels. I must admit that Japanese tourists were the most easily swayed and led. They will pretty much do just about anything you tell them.

Basically what I'm saying is that they'll put 100% total trust in a stranger. It's unreal! They really need to start educating young and old Japanese travelling overseas that the world is not all pretty and sweet.

The news media keeps mentioning that this happened late at night which made it worse, very true - but this type of thing can happen to anyone day or night.

Too bad there's no death penalty in Romania. The guy who did this, he showed no mercy and totally abused her trust, betrayed her and took her young precious life away. He raped her, stole from her and killed her. He's also destroyed the lives of her family.

How low can a scum go? Yes they can go lower. They'll deny doing this type of horrible crime even with scientific evidence, and if convicted and sentenced, they'll even attempt to make future appeals so they can get out, and be free in society again one day - so they have zero remorse.

What one does to others, the same should be done to them. They should be treated in the same manner. People always defend criminals saying human rights, what about victims rights? Laws are too soft. In Romanian news outlets, local people are already saying he can be out in 25!

I always tell my family and close friends "Trust Nobody" and that means Nobody. Trust only your Mama and Papa.

The baddest guys with pure evil intent usually come dressed up all nice looking like a good mannered, helpful, friendly and lost innocent guy. Remember that!

R.I.P Yurika Masuno san
-3

JapanGalAug. 23, 2012 - 02:21PM JST

I am glad they know about DNA there, but how did they get the test results back so quickly? That never happens here or in America. only on tv
2

House AtreidesAug. 23, 2012 - 02:39PM JST

Nicolae Vlad was a suspect in several other crimes. Here's a photo of the suspect -> http://www.evz.ro/detalii/stiri/UCIGAUL-JAPONEZEI-suspectat-n-mai-multe-cazuri-de-omor-997319.html
6

lucabrasiAug. 23, 2012 - 02:44PM JST

I am glad they know about DNA there

Why, yes they do JapanGal. They also know about flush toilets, hospitals and computers. They also have a Nobel Prize winner honoured for his work into, guess what...? Intra-cellular structures.

Sheesh, talk about casually putting down a whole nation....
1

Thunderbird2Aug. 23, 2012 - 03:48PM JST

I hope they lock this murdering scumbag away for the rest of his misbegotten, hateful life.
-1

AlternateUniverseAug. 23, 2012 - 03:50PM JST

The perp should be locked up for the rest of his natural days.
-1

AlternateUniverseAug. 23, 2012 - 03:52PM JST

So what do you suggest? Women be registered on their owners (fathers, brother, or husbands) passport, and always under male guardianship, Saudi-Arabia style? Really?

Travel with friends and family. Hire a body guard. Refuse to travel for an org than cannot provide an escort upon arrival. There are actually lots of options short of Saudi Arabia.
1

AlternateUniverseAug. 23, 2012 - 03:55PM JST

For women, Japan is hardly any safer than most other countries.

Safer against rape? That is debatable.

Safer against murder? There is no debate.

Japan is safer than most other countries on the whole. Its an undeniable fact. And Japanese need to be aware of that when traveling abroad.
1

Ah_soAug. 23, 2012 - 04:21PM JST

This is a tragic story. I feel so sorry for this girl who never even got as far as her new school. Yes, Japanese can be a little naive in comparison to Westerners, but that is often becase there is less need to be - they have not had trust kicked out of them.

Trust is something that still exists, but the messge on this site is that trust is a weakness, something to be pitied, and that those who suffer trust are in some way deserving of their Darwinian fate.
0

nemurenaijinAug. 23, 2012 - 05:00PM JST

RIP, Japanese girls are over cautious here in Japan, they run away Even if you just ask them directions, they don’t talk on coffee shops if you start a nice conversation but when they’re in a different country they just easily Go with anybody, I remember when I went to Bali, there so many Japanese girls Flirting and hanging out with random local Bali men who they don’t know. Hmmm strange..
1

AlternateUniverseAug. 23, 2012 - 05:44PM JST

Japanese girls are over cautious here in Japan,

I got news for you, but Japanese girls are all different. The only thing strange is your belief that typical girls here and the ones who go abroad must be about the same since they were born in the same country. The adventurous ones tend to go abroad, but even they are individuals with individual personalities.

Plus its not so far fetched to assume a foreigner came to this country with a motive in mind, but someone in his own country is just there cause he lives there. Not the smartest mode of thought, but its common.
-1

AlternateUniverseAug. 23, 2012 - 05:47PM JST

but the messge on this site is that trust is a weakness

Blind trust of total strangers, yes.

those who suffer trust are in some way deserving of their Darwinian fate.

Absolutely not and how rude of you to assume that of JT members. You made a leap there and there is plenty in between pointing out how she should have been more cautious and suggesting she deserved it. Those two are worlds apart.
-3

m6bobAug. 23, 2012 - 08:16PM JST

I am a great admirer of Japan & it's people due to the culture and the characteristics of Japanese. They're polite to a fault, honest & trusting. This is so especially amongst young Japanese women. They live in a society in which people are kind and trusting to each other so much so that when they travel to other countries, sometimes they forget themselves. NHK TV does a daily travel advisory on it's evening news program and I'm not sure some of these young travelers pay attention to what is reported before their trip abroad.
0

Tom DeMickeAug. 23, 2012 - 08:31PM JST

Wow...this is just terrible. Never even made it to her destination. Sad days for Japan again...so many deaths of Japanese lately.
5

SpeedAug. 23, 2012 - 08:41PM JST

WHY in the world do these YOUNG Japanese Girls just have to travel around the world... ALONE...? Unbelievable...

I have to disagree with the notion that adult women shouldn't travel alone. I know dozens of women who travel alone. I don't think I could ever tell an American woman not to travel alone. I'd be labeled a sexist and bigot.

Also, you'd have to try to dissuade thousands of women who travel alone on business trips. It's just not feasible.

Unfortunately this woman believed whatever this murderer said to her about sharing a cab and paid the ultimate price. Rest her soul. But to condemn her and half the world's population for traveling alone is a bit much.
1

yasukuniAug. 23, 2012 - 09:04PM JST

Readers, please do not insult this woman by calling her gullible or naive. A terrible crime has occurred and if you are incapable of showing compassion, then do not post here.**

Good call.
0

Ebo KinAug. 23, 2012 - 09:08PM JST

Am not so happy at all,, its just unpalatable! No matter what its been said, Japanese remained the most trusted people on earth today.. take me word for it...I have traveled and I can say the above with all honesty
3

Josho Adrian CirleaAug. 23, 2012 - 10:34PM JST

Dear friends, I am a Romanian who traveled to Japan and has important links with Japan through Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. So, here is my advice to Japanese who travel to Romania:

Try to avoid taxi from airport to the town, or carefully chose the companies that are recommended by the airport, but especially DO NOT travel by taxi between towns. Day time or night time, DO NOT travel by taxi between towns!

It’s better and safer to use buses from airport to the town. They are very cheap and safe. Use public transport as much as possible, and especially use trains, no matter that sometimes they have delays; at least they are safer. And try to travel by day, but if you must travel by night, do not chose the cheapest train. Here, you can afford a higher price which might be too much for average Romanians but it will not be too much for you.

Do not be naive and do not trust in private persons who offer to guide you or help you! Japanese or Asiatic women might be looked upon as targets by perverts. I am not saying that Romania is more dangerous than other European countries, but it’s better to be careful.

If you or some relatives & friends of yours happen to travel to Romania and land in Henry Coanda (Otopeni) airport near Bucharest, it’s better to please let me know.

As a Romanian I am deeply ashamed that such a horrible thing happens in my country and I pray to Amida Buddha for the victim and her family. Romania has many beautiful things to offer, so please do not stop visiting us, just keep an eye open and stay safe. The Japanese who visited me once will always keep a good memory of my country and its people.

Namo Amida Butsu,

Josho Adrian Cirlea
0

PsyopsAug. 24, 2012 - 12:03AM JST

I noticed the same thing of the Japanese tourists visiting in Korea. Sadly some people need to learn the hard way. I study everything about whatever country I go to, best to be well armed with knowledge. If that fails I also carry a pair of knives with me (I also carry them at home while in the US not just overseas)
0

alessia1983Aug. 24, 2012 - 06:04AM JST

First of all, I would like to say that I am Romanian and I would like to say I am sorry for all that happened. I know it might seem strange but in a way I feel quilty for that because in Romania there are not more drastically penalties or that the police do their job only after a crime happens. Don't judge the poor girl because you don't know what happened.

Yet, I would like to advice you, the Japenese people or government to take a very firm position about this situation. What you might not know, but it is written in the Romanian newspapers is that this criminal has killed another 2 at least women before this tragedy but he was left alone because the Police didn't have money for the ADN test. This is OUTRAGEOUS! Even if there wasn't a ADN test, there were other evidence that that man was the suspect, he shouldn't have been free!

Do something, because, as it seams, the Romanian people cannot change that. We don't live like you. We are always in guard, alert, suspicious, for us it 's somehow a way of living but it's not ok.

Accuse the Romanian state of neglicence, maybe this way something will change. I
0

ebisenAug. 24, 2012 - 01:17PM JST

RIP poor girl, she didn´t last more than 30 minutes in Romania.

Having had a lot of experience with AIESEC in East European countries, it´s no wonder to me they didn`t pick her up. Without exception, they are just a bunch of kids, with absolutely no common sense knowledge about the world they are living in. AIESEC Craiova should be disbandled for allowing a complete ignorant about Romania alone..
0

darknutsAug. 25, 2012 - 01:06AM JST

what a gruesome crime.... Romania...you barbarous country.. In Japan,this is a capital felony..unforgivable...Romania...

You pointed out yourself that the same thing happened in Japan so if Romania is a barborous country, so is Japan. This is not a capital crime in Japan. If it was, Blackmans murderer would have gotten the death penalty. This is a tragic story and I understand anger but please let's not use this sad situation to promote ethnic hatred.
0

Matthew SimonAug. 25, 2012 - 02:01AM JST

A sobering lesson in protecting yourself when you travel to a new place. R.I.P. young lady.
0

Gabe SAug. 25, 2012 - 03:45AM JST

Hi all, I was born and lived all my youth in Romania. I work for a Japanese company in US and I have a 5 year old girl. I still read Romanian news online and I was so sad by reading about the horrific happening in Bucharest. I became instantaneously inner overwhelmed - I felt the need to say how sorry I am to all Japanese parents. I felt the urge to yell and scream to Romanian authorities that are not able to keep the public space safe, clean of crooks and criminals. I wanted to be able to turn the time back and warn her or send somebody to pick her up and safely drive her to Craiova - City that I lived in for many years. Mostly I wanted to apologize to her family. I never felt so sorry being romanian. I am so sorry Yurika Masuno for what my first country did to you! Gabe
0

FlorisAug. 25, 2012 - 11:59AM JST

As a Romanian I am really sorry and ashamed of what happened to Miss Yurika.She was not naive,she was just an educated human being.I consider responsible for this terrible fact,not only that useless,serial killer,illiterate romanian gipsy,but also the romanian authorities and the entire airport management.It is unbelievable,how in an European international airport,there are these illegal taxi drivers and many gipsies who are disturbing the passengers.Everytime I used this airport,I was disturbed by this useless people.I believe it is happening just in Bucharest airport,because I used also some airports in the west and in the north part of the country,but nothing similar to Bucharest airport.I really hope something will change,even if the price to be paid was very high.My respectfull condoleances to her family and my sincere wishes to the Japanese people.ごめん　なさい。
-2

univermanAug. 25, 2012 - 01:35PM JST

This is coroner's report...

http://www.ziarulring.ro/stiri/45648/este-asasinul-studentei-japoneze-un-nou-rimaru-al-romaniei http://admin.ziarulring.com/images/image/crima%204/referat-mare.jpg http://admin.ziarulring.com/images/image/crima%204/pagina-2-mare.jpg http://admin.ziarulring.com/images/image/crima%204/pagina-3-mare.jpg

http://m.libertatea.ro/n/409987 When the man realized that actually urinate on a corpse covered with leaves, tossed in four to five meters from the road, **

what a gruesome crime.Romania... In Japan,this is a capital felony.. Japanese people must not go alone to third world,very dangerous country like Romania..
3

Ciuc DragosAug. 26, 2012 - 05:57AM JST

I am romanian, male 23 years old. ,

I saw this tragic case in romanian press. At one point I saw a comment from a japanese dude, colleague of the victim quoted in our press. He wanted to denigrate us by saying that Romania is uncivilized and very bad.

All I want to say is: If you really have a brain you don´t jugde a nation for a stupid criminal.

What about Norway´s criminal Breivik? We shoud never visit Norway?

I don expect high IQ´s for everybody in Japan. It´s natural.

I´m really sorry for this young beautiful girl. Extremely sorry. I saw on TV her family in Bucharest... if I could be there and hug them and say how sorry I am for their lost...