When we first came to Japan five years ago, I thought that Japan’s crime was quaint and retro, a restrospective of 1950s America: people with knives robbing stores; domestic violence; bribery; extortion; government scandals and coverups.
But now it all seems terrible and truly violent. 8 children slaughtered at a school in Ikeda, a girl held captive for 11 years, a family of four stabbed to death in their home, a hostage held at knifepoint. Plus the neverending bribery, extortion and scandal. Crime reports seem more frequent and too often have grimmer endings.
What’s changed? Is Japan entering a period of rage? Or have I become more aware of what’s been around me all along?
