How Japan's Most Notorious Murder Case Reshaped Society
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In the serene neighborhood of Kamisoshigaya, Tokyo, the year 2000 marked the onset of one of Japan's most enigmatic murder cases. This tranquil area, celebrated for its familial atmosphere, was abruptly disrupted on December 30, 2000, when the Setagaya family was horrifically slain in their home.
The Night of Horror
On that fateful night, the Setagaya family—Mikio Miyazawa, aged 44, his 41-year-old wife Yasuko, and their two children, Niina, 8, and Rei, 6—were preparing for New Year celebrations, a cherished tradition among Japanese families. Their day unfolded like any other, marked by shopping excursions near Chitose Karasuyama Station.
Upon returning home, they enjoyed a quiet evening, unaware of the impending horror. As night fell, an unknown intruder stealthily approached their residence via an adjacent park.
Utilizing a back fence for access, the assailant entered through an unsecured bathroom window on the secon