After shocking an entire nation due to his gruesome crimes, the infamous criminal known as the “Twitter killer” has finally met his demise.
Japan has delivered swift justice following the bombshell execution of Takahiro Shiraishi for viciously killing nine victims, mostly young women with suicidal thoughts.
Japan joins the United States in maintaining this ultimate consequence for the most depraved criminals.
The execution by hanging sends a powerful message that predators who target vulnerable individuals will face the ultimate punishment.
The 34-year-old man’s execution marks Japan’s first use of capital punishment since 2022.
Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki confirmed the execution, stating that Shiraishi committed his crimes “for the genuinely selfish reason of satisfying his own sexual and financial desires” and had “caused great shock and anxiety to society.”
The serial killer’s murderous spree was discovered in October 2017 when police found nine dismembered bodies in his apartment in Zama, near Tokyo.
Authorities described the scene as a “house of horrors.” Shiraishi had methodically targeted victims aged 15 to 26 on Twitter (now X), where he sought out “mentally fragile” individuals who had expressed suicidal thoughts.
Unlike many nations that have abandoned the death penalty, Japan maintains this ultimate punishment for the most heinous crimes.
Japan executes man dubbed the "Twitter killer," convicted serial killer who murdered and dismembered 9 people pic.twitter.com/iTyNs8de1s
— Network Axis Group (@NetAxisGroup) June 27, 2025
Japan and the United States stand as the only G7 nations that still employ capital punishment, reflecting their commitment to justice for victims and their families.
The European Union criticized the execution, continuing its pattern of opposing strong consequences for violent criminals.
Shiraishi’s crimes were particularly calculating and depraved. After identifying vulnerable young women online, he would offer to “help” them die, sometimes claiming he would join them in suicide.
Once they arrived at his apartment, he strangled, dismembered, and in the case of his eight female victims, sexually assaulted them. He also murdered the boyfriend of one victim to avoid detection.
The Twitter killer’s defense team initially tried to argue that his victims had consented to be killed, claiming “murder with consent,” which carries a lighter sentence.
Shiraishi himself later contradicted this defense, admitting he had killed without consent.
In December 2020, he was sentenced to death in a verdict hearing attended by hundreds, demonstrating the public’s demand for justice.
This case highlights the dangers that lurk on social media platforms, where predators can easily target vulnerable individuals.
Following the revelations about Shiraishi’s methods, Twitter changed its rules to prohibit promoting or encouraging suicide or self-harm.
Executions in Japan are conducted by hanging, and prisoners are typically not informed until the day of their execution.
