Published: October 14, 2025, 21:45 EDT
A Japanese court has sentenced to death a man convicted of killing four people in a 2023 gun and knife attack, a rare instance of violent crime in the country known for its strict firearm laws.
Court Rejects Mental Illness Defense
A regional court in Nagano Prefecture handed down the death penalty to Masanori Aoki, 34, who fatally stabbed two women and later shot two police officers in the city of Nakano in May 2023.
Aoki’s defense team argued that he suffered from schizophrenia and had diminished mental capacity, claiming a life sentence would be more appropriate. However, prosecutors maintained that while Aoki may have experienced delusions, he was capable of distinguishing right from wrong and committed the acts in a fit of rage.
Attack Details and Police Response
According to local media reports, Aoki was dressed in camouflage clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and a mask when he attacked two women who were walking nearby. Authorities said he believed the victims were speaking ill of him, though it remains unclear whether he knew them personally.
When police officers responded to emergency calls, Aoki opened fire using a licensed hunting rifle, killing both officers. The suspect then barricaded himself inside his parents’ home, leading to a 12-hour standoff before his eventual surrender.
Rare Gun Violence in Japan
Gun-related crimes are extremely rare in Japan due to its stringent firearm regulations. Civilians are only permitted to own hunting rifles and airguns, subject to rigorous background checks, mental health assessments, and safety exams.
The Japan Times reported that prosecutors described Aoki’s actions as showing “exceptional cruelty and cold-bloodedness,” underscoring the severity of the case.
Community Lockdown and Public Shock
During the incident, local authorities urged residents to stay indoors, issuing alerts via email and neighborhood loudspeakers. Police went door to door to ensure community safety while the standoff continued.
Aoki’s father, Masamichi Aoki, serves as the speaker of Nakano City’s assembly, drawing additional public attention to the tragedy.
Tighter Gun Laws After the Attack
Following the 2023 killings, Japanese lawmakers tightened restrictions on “half-rifles,” a type of hunting weapon similar to the one Aoki used. The move came amid growing public concern after several high-profile acts of violence, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022.
Japan’s death penalty remains legal and is carried out by hanging, though executions are infrequent. The government has faced ongoing international debate over the use of capital punishment.
Sourcing and Attribution
Information for this report was compiled from Japan Times, The Mainichi, and Reuters, alongside official statements from Japanese authorities.
Source: BBC – Death penalty for Japan man who killed four in gun and knife attack
