Former Akihabara Murderer’s Friend Thwarts New Mass-Murder Plot

On 11 July 2026 Toyama Prefectural police entered an apartment in Namerikawa and arrested a 53-year-old resident for plotting a multi-person killing in Tokyo. Investigators found a bus reservation to Tokyo and a knife hidden in the suspect’s backpack. During questioning the man said the rising cost of living had driven him to “die” and that he intended to carry out a killing spree hoping police would shoot him or that he would receive the death penalty. The arrest followed a tip received earlier that day from Shuitsu Otomo, who alerted both Toyama and Tokyo police.

Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer

Shuitsu Otomo was a close friend and co-worker of Tomohiro Kato, the driver who in 2008 rammed a rental truck into the crowded Akihabara district, killing seven and injuring 11 before attacking people with a knife. Kato was sentenced to death and executed in 2022. Since the incident, Otomo has spoken publicly about his relationship with Kato and has worked as a volunteer probation officer, engaging with former violent offenders to understand the motives behind mass-violence.

Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer

Police confirmed that the suspect’s plan was halted after Otomo reported the threat, describing his decision as “an emergency” based on 15 years of similar interactions. Otomo said he asked the suspect directly whether he intended to act; the suspect’s refusal to answer prompted the report. Otomo also invited the man to dinner in an effort to shift his focus, but the suspect dismissed the offer and continued discussing the Tokyo trip.

Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer

Online commentary ranged from admiration for Otomo’s “selfless work” to concern that economic insecurity fuels such plots. Some commenters argued that merely reporting “snitches” does little to address the underlying isolation of potential attackers, while others emphasized the need for stable income and social security to prevent future incidents.

Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer

• “ ? “These interactions usually start with an email from the other person, so in my first reply, I let them know that any matter involving the risk of life will be reported.” — Shuitsu Otomo, Twitter/@hogotaro

Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer

• “???????????????????????????????????????????????????15???????????????????????????????? — ???? (@hogotaro) July 13, 2026 This not being the first time Otomo received such a message, he knew to neither dismiss nor confront the poster.” — Shuitsu Otomo

Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer

• “Otomo invited the man to dinner as a way to get his mind off such thoughts, but the man shrugged off discussion about the meal and continued to talk about going to Tokyo.” — Shuitsu Otomo

Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer

• “He said that he feels he did little more than act as a “snitch” and denied this man his desire to die, adding that the matter may only be momentarily postponed rather than resolved.” — Shuitsu Otomo

Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer