Key Facts
• July 2018: Incident occurred in Kawasaki Town, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Victim: 11-month-old daughter, Eno Matsumoto, suffered fatal head injuries.
• Cause of death: Acute subdural hematoma and diffuse brain swelling.
• Mother, Arisa Matsumoto (29), denies charges of intentional assault.
• 911 call revealed: Mother reported hearing a “bang” before finding Eno unresponsive.
• Prosecution claims: Stress from parenting and implausibility of accidental fall.
• Defense argues: Possible accident due to mother’s medical condition.
• 50+ medical experts consulted; police arrested mother for suspected assault.
• Trial opened November 11, 2025; verdict expected March 2026.
• Recent trend: Courts increasingly issue not-guilty verdicts in similar infant cases.
Summary
The trial of Arisa Matsumoto, accused of fatally assaulting her 11-month-old daughter Eno in 2018, began in Fukuoka District Court. Matsumoto denies the charges, claiming the death was accidental. The prosecution argues she was stressed by parenting and that Eno’s injuries could not result from a fall. The defense suggests a medical episode caused the incident. A 911 call from the day of the event was presented in court, where Matsumoto described finding Eno unresponsive. The case highlights a growing trend of acquittals in similar cases involving infant deaths, often due to unresolved medical debates. The verdict is expected in March 2026.
