Tokyo police have arrested a 45-year-old sales manager on suspicion of murdering the 44-year-old president of an audio equipment company in Ota Ward. The suspect, reportedly dissatisfied with the victim's attitude, confessed to spraying insecticide and stabbing him multiple times. The victim suffered over 10 stab wounds and defensive injuries on his hands.
On January 8, Akihiro Kawashima, the 44-year-old president of an audio equipment company, was found stabbed to death in his apartment in Tokyo's Ota Ward. The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Masahiro Yamanaka, 45, the company's sales manager, on murder charges. During questioning, Yamanaka admitted to the killing, stating he was unhappy with Kawashima's attitude. He said, 'I sprayed insecticide from the entrance into his face, and when he faltered, I stabbed his thigh and neck with a fruit knife I had brought to threaten him.' He added, 'Then, I chased him and stabbed him from behind.'
Security footage captured Yamanaka leaving his home around 5 p.m., entering the building at 5:40 p.m., and departing about 50 minutes after Kawashima returned at 6:40 p.m. Bloodstained footprints trailed through the apartment and emergency stairs. Over 10 stab wounds marred Kawashima's neck, stomach, and thigh, with defensive cuts on his fingers indicating a struggle. Bloodstains appeared in the dining area, kitchen, hallway, bathroom, and dressing room, suggesting Yamanaka washed off after the attack. He changed into a white jacket and different sneakers before entering, then switched back before leaving at 7:30 p.m., and locked the door with a key left near the entrance before posting it through the mail slot to delay discovery.
Kawashima's body was discovered on Thursday, January 9, leading to Yamanaka's arrest the next morning at Tokyo Station as he headed for a Shinkansen platform. Police searched his home on Saturday, seizing around 30 items including clothes, a computer, and company documents to probe premeditation. Yamanaka's 72-year-old mother apologized, saying her son had committed 'something irreparable' and questioning why she couldn't stop him. She noted they were high school classmates who remained close; Kawashima had attended Yamanaka's wedding eight years ago, tearing up with joy. Describing her son as cheerful and non-violent in youth, she added, 'If he had work issues, he should have quit. Kawashima's life won't return, but I hope my son reflects and atones.'