Society

Japanese Death Row Inmate Dies of Old Age

NAGOYA, May 04 (News On Japan) - Kazuhiko Matsumoto, a 70-year-old man on death row for killing two men in the Philippines for insurance money, has died of natural causes.

Matsumoto was convicted of murdering two men in Manila between 1994 and 1995 to collect life insurance payouts. His death sentence was finalized after trial proceedings confirmed his involvement in the crimes.

While receiving treatment for pneumonia, Matsumoto died of old age on May 1st.

Between 1994 and 1995, Matsumoto, along with his twin brother Akihiro and other accomplices, conspired to murder two male acquaintances in Manila. One of the victims was from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and had taken out a substantial insurance policy on his home prior to the incident. The motive behind these crimes was to fraudulently claim life insurance benefits.

Following his arrest and trial, Matsumoto's death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2007, solidifying his position on death row. His twin brother, Akihiro, who was also sentenced to death for his role in the murders, died of illness in 2016 while awaiting execution.

Matsumoto had been detained at the Nagoya Detention House and was hospitalized since November 2024 for pneumonia and other health issues. He passed away on May 1, 2025, due to hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood. With his death, the number of inmates on death row in Japan decreased to 106.

Source: FNN

Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

Lack of Sleep After Golden Week May Signal Sleep Disorder, Experts Warn

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues.

Hokkaido to Build Japan's Silicon Valley by 2050

The newly established Hokkaido Valley Vision Council aims to create a 'Hokkaido version of Silicon Valley' by promoting development around next-generation semiconductor firm Rapidus and transforming the region from Tomakomai to Ishikari into a hub for advanced technology.

Head Lice Are Spreading Again in Japan's Schools

Head lice, small parasitic insects that feed on blood from the scalp, are once again spreading among children in Japan as physical contact increases following the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sapporo, where outbreaks have been reported in schools, local officials are urging caution.

Wooden Church in Gifu Collapses Following Creaking Sounds

A wooden church in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture collapsed on Saturday evening, after years of delayed demolition plans due to financial constraints.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Why Are Chinese Migrants In Osaka Rapidly Increasing

With China's economy mired in a prolonged downturn and pressure from U.S. tariffs persisting since the Trump era, a growing number of Chinese citizens are seeking to leave their country. Among the favored destinations, Japan—and in particular, Osaka—is seeing a surge in Chinese immigrants. What lies behind this trend?

Woman Arrested for Throwing Bird Carcass in Neighbor’s Yard

A 61-year-old woman was arrested and sent to prosecutors on May 4th in Togo, Aichi Prefecture, for allegedly throwing a bird carcass into her neighbor’s yard, in what police say was part of a long-running neighborhood dispute. Security footage captured the entire incident.