A memorial service was held on Saturday to mark 10 years since a fatal stabbing rampage at a care home for the mentally disabled in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture.
The memorial service, held at the Sagamihara City Ajisai Hall, was attended by about 180 people, including bereaved families, facility staff, Kanagawa Prefecture Governor Yuji Kuroiwa and Health and Welfare Minister Kenichiro Ueno. They observed a moment of silence for the victims.
On July 26, 2016, former care worker Satoshi Uematsu, now 36, fatally stabbed 19 residents and injured 26 others, including two employees, at the Tsukui Yamayuri En care home for disabled people. During his trial, he consistently made discriminatory remarks against people with disabilities. He was sentenced to death and has been on death row since 2023.
Governor Kuroiwa said in his address, "Such a tragic incident must never be repeated. We will continue to work with all our might to realize a society where everyone can live in peace without discrimination or abuse."