Key Facts
• In February 2024, a man fatally stabbed a 40-year-old employee in Sapporo.
• Two other store clerks were seriously injured in the attack.
• The defendant, Hirotaka Miyanishi, is charged with murder and other crimes.
• Miyanishi claimed he acted out of anger after hearing a ‘voice.’
• The trial focuses on his criminal responsibility due to schizophrenia.
• Prosecutors argue he was in a ‘diminished capacity’ state.
• Defense claims he was in a ‘complete loss of capacity’ state, seeking acquittal.
• On June 24, Miyanishi apologized to victims’ families, expressing remorse.
• He admitted hesitation about harming others but proceeded with the attack.
• A psychiatric expert will testify on June 25 regarding Miyanishi’s mental state.
Summary
In February 2024, Hirotaka Miyanishi fatally stabbed a 40-year-old employee and injured two others at a convenience store in Sapporo. During his trial, Miyanishi explained that he acted out of anger after hearing a ‘voice’ and expressed remorse to the victims’ families. The case centers on his criminal responsibility, with prosecutors arguing he was in a ‘diminished capacity’ state due to schizophrenia, while the defense claims he was in a ‘complete loss of capacity’ state, seeking acquittal. A psychiatric expert is set to testify on June 25.
