Japan has executed a 39-year-old man who killed seven people in Tokyo in 2008 during a stabbing rampage, local media outlets have reported.
Tomohiro Kato committed one of the most shocking mass murders in the country's recent history.
He was 25 when he drove a truck into a lunch-time crowd of pedestrians at Akihabara shopping district, killing three people.
He stabbed passer-bys with a dagger, killing four and wounding eight.
He was apprehended by police at the scene and later admitted his crimes in his trial, saying he had been angered by online bullying.
His crime sparked much debate in Japanese society at the time over random killings, online influence and the failures in mental health support for young people.
On Tuesday, Japanese media reported that Kato, now 39, had been hanged in the Tokyo Detention Centre.
It is the country's first execution this year. It hanged three people last December and more than 100 prisoners remain on death row.
Laws on knife ownership were also tightened after Kato's killing spree.
The Tokyo District Court sentenced him to death in 2011 saying his brutal crime had not indicated "a shred of humanity".
He lost an appeal in 2015 to commute his death sentence.
Japan remains one of the few developed countries that still uses capital punishment amid broader criticism from international and local human rights groups.
Latest Stories
-
We may all resort to vote buying if electorates prioritise such over development – Asiedu Nketiah
12 mins -
NDF engages mineral extraction communities in advocacy and litigation resolution
17 mins -
Adabraka in community A/R unites to combat electoral violence
24 mins -
Forestry Commission cracks down on endangered bush meat trade
25 mins -
Global GDP could plunge by 24% by 2,100 without urgent climate action
26 mins -
High Court dismisses lecturer’s bid to block Deputy IGP’s appointment
34 mins -
MTN records 35.5% growth in profit to GH¢3.76bn in quarter 3, 2024
57 mins -
Deloitte to hold training on navigating customs and excise duty Obligations
60 mins -
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia should have prioritised National Peace Campaign launch – Mahama
60 mins -
AGI works to clamp down on substandard foreign mattresses penetrating Ghanaian markets
1 hour -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
1 hour -
Ace Medical Insurance makes its mark at Ghana Club 100 Awards
1 hour -
Dafeamekpor takes Speaker to High Court to affirm vacant seats ruling
1 hour -
Government is not funding GMX music streaming platform – Director of Marketing
1 hour -
Energy sector not advancing enough – ACEP
1 hour