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Japan Executes Sunao Takami in Osaka Pachinko Arson Case

8/21/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi ordered the hanging of Sunao Takami for the 2009 Osaka pachinko arson.
It is the first hanging under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration.
Takami doused the Osaka venue with gasoline, killing five and injuring ten patrons.
A 2024 poll found 83 % of Japanese see the death penalty as unavoidable.
Japan and the United States are the only G7 countries still using capital punishment.

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Story summary

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi ordered the hanging of Sunao Takami for the 2009 Osaka pachinko arson.
It is the first hanging under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration.
Takami doused the Osaka venue with gasoline, killing five and injuring ten patrons.
A 2024 poll found 83 % of Japanese see the death penalty as unavoidable.
Japan and the United States are the only G7 countries still using capital punishment.