Japan Executes Notorious 'Twitter Killer' Amid Ongoing Discussion on Online Safety

The execution marks Japan's first use of the death penalty since 2022, and continues the conversation on how online platforms can impact vulnerable individuals.

Japan has carried out the execution of Takahiro Shiraishi, a former law student known as the "Twitter killer," who in 2017 murdered nine individuals, mostly young women seeking help. This marks the first execution in Japan since 2022.

Shiraishi corresponded with his victims via the platform now known as X (formerly Twitter) and lured them to his apartment by offering to assist them with their suicidal thoughts. His chilling plea for connection included an invitation to "DM me anytime," and he often claimed he would accompany them in death.

The horrific events came to light when police discovered dismembered bodies concealed in coolers and toolboxes in his Zama apartment, dubbed a "house of horrors" by the media. After his arrest, Shiraishi confessed to murdering all nine, but his defense team argued for a lesser charge of "murder with consent," citing that the victims had supposedly agreed to their fate. Despite their claims of mental state evaluation, Shiraishi later retracted this assertion, acknowledging he killed without consent.

His trial attracted significant public attention, culminating in a crowded verdict hearing in December 2020, where he was sentenced to death. The murders sparked a wider societal debate regarding the role of social media in risk factors leading to suicide, prompting Twitter to amend its usage policies to prohibit the promotion of self-harm.

In response to the case, mental health advocacy has grown, and resources for those in emotional distress have been emphasized to prevent tragedies. If you are experiencing distress, various organizations offer support; in the UK, you can call 0800 066 066 for assistance, and in Japan, dedicated help services are available.