Fact Check: Japan Executes 'Twitter Killer' for Murdering and Dismembering Nine Victims
What We Know
On June 27, 2025, Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, a man convicted of murdering and dismembering nine victims, earning him the moniker "Twitter killer" due to his method of luring victims through social media. Shiraishi was sentenced to death in December 2020 for his crimes committed in 2017, where he targeted individuals who had expressed suicidal thoughts online. Most of his victims were young women, including girls aged 15 and 17, whom he approached via Twitter, offering assistance with their suicidal intentions (AP News, Washington Post).
The execution took place at the Tokyo Detention House, and it was carried out in secrecy, a common practice in Japan regarding capital punishment. Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki stated that the execution was a response to the "extremely grave" nature of Shiraishi's crimes, which had caused significant societal shock and anxiety (NPR, BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Japan executed the "Twitter killer" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The execution marks the first use of the death penalty in Japan since 2022, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on capital punishment, which is supported by a majority of the public according to government polls (BBC, CNN).
Shiraishi's case has been widely reported, with consistent details across various reputable outlets, including the Associated Press, Washington Post, and NPR. Each source corroborates the key facts: the nature of the crimes, the method of execution, and the societal impact of Shiraishi's actions. The sources are reliable, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity.
However, it is important to note that while public opinion in Japan largely supports capital punishment, there is an ongoing debate about its ethical implications and the need for reform in the criminal justice system. This context is crucial for understanding the societal backdrop against which Shiraishi's execution occurred (CNN, Washington Post).
Conclusion
The claim that Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the "Twitter killer," for murdering and dismembering nine victims is True. The execution was carried out following a death sentence imposed in 2020, and it reflects both the severity of Shiraishi's crimes and the prevailing attitudes toward capital punishment in Japan. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the details of the execution and the context surrounding it.
