Fact Check: "Japan executes 'Twitter killer' in shocking first execution since 2022"
What We Know
On June 27, 2025, Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, a man convicted of murdering and dismembering nine people, in what is reported as the country's first execution since July 2022. Shiraishi, known as the "Twitter killer," was sentenced to death in December 2020 after pleading guilty to the murders, which he committed between August and October 2017. Most of his victims were young women who had expressed suicidal thoughts on social media, particularly on Twitter (now known as X) (AP News, CNN).
The execution took place at the Tokyo Detention House, and the Justice Ministry confirmed that it was carried out without prior public announcement, adhering to Japan's practice of secrecy regarding execution dates (NBC News). Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki justified the execution by citing public support for capital punishment, despite growing calls for its abolition (Al Jazeera).
Analysis
The claim that Japan executed the "Twitter killer" is substantiated by multiple reputable news sources, all reporting on the execution of Takahiro Shiraishi. The details surrounding his crimes are well-documented, including his method of luring victims through social media and the gruesome nature of the murders. Shiraishi's case has been a significant point of discussion in Japan, raising concerns about the influence of social media on vulnerable individuals (AP News, CNN).
The sources used in this fact-check are credible, including major news organizations like the Associated Press, CNN, NBC News, and Al Jazeera, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking practices. The consistency across these reports lends further credibility to the claim that the execution occurred as stated.
However, it is important to note that while public support for capital punishment remains high in Japan, there is an ongoing debate about its ethical implications and the need for transparency in the execution process (NBC News).
Conclusion
The claim that "Japan executes 'Twitter killer' in shocking first execution since 2022" is True. The execution of Takahiro Shiraishi has been confirmed by multiple reliable sources, detailing the circumstances of his crimes and the execution itself. The event marks a significant moment in Japan's capital punishment history, reflecting ongoing societal debates about the death penalty.
