Authors: Emma Howard and Gracie Rosette 

Instagram: @grosettephotos

Description:  In this episode, we dive into the tragic case of the “Twitter Killer,” a 27 year old man from Japan that took the lives of nine people in 2017. We discuss the details of the case, how social media played a role in his crime, and how his death in 2025 sparked controversy in Japan regarding the death penalty. Through this story, we hope to raise awareness on mental health and honor the victims who lost their lives too soon. 

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, rape, suicide, and violent crime. We advise you to continue at your own risk.

Disclaimer: There are many Japanese names involved in this case. We apologize in advance for any mispronunciation and will do our best to say each name with care and respect.

Sources: https://www.npr.org/2020/12/15/946625736/japans-twitter-killer-sentenced-to-death-in-killing-of-9

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takahiro_Shiraishi

http://cnn.com/2025/06/26/asia/japan-takahiro-shiraishi-executed-intl-hnk

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y05dk2p92o

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-executes-twitter-killer-takahiro-shiraishi-serial-killer/

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15868722

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/26/asia/japan-takahiro-shiraishi-executed-intl-hnkhttps://people.com/twitter-killer-rape-murder-women-execution-hanging-japan-11762615

Link for Anonymous Mental Health Resources

https://www.crisistextline.org/

Song: Ghost

Composer: Tim Beek

Website: https://soundcloud.com/timbeek

License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

 Episode Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xARkRApqx92jgXjBCa6ri61tqzYT00OfrPfJljgtAUA/edit?tab=t.0