Japan executes arsonist responsible for fatal pachinko parlor fire

Japan has executed 58-year-old Sunao Takami for an arson attack that occurred in July 2009. Takami was convicted of setting fire to a pachinko parlor near his home in Osaka, an incident that resulted in the deaths of four visitors and one employee, and injured ten others.

Following Japanese protocol, Takami was notified of his execution on the morning of the event to prevent unnecessary emotional distress or instability. This marks the first execution in the country since the death of Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the ‘Twitter killer’, in June 2025.

Japan and the United States remain the only G7 nations that continue to utilize the death penalty. While government polls indicate high public support for capital punishment, there is ongoing debate within society and human rights circles regarding the prison system and the conditions of death row inmates.