Podcasts > Rotten Mango > #345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

#345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

By Stephanie Soo & Ramble

Dive into the dark narrative of a heinous crime from Japan’s past with hosts Stephanie Soo and Rui Qian on the "Rotten Mango" podcast. In an episode that retraces the chilling steps of Shinichiro, who terrorized a nation with the murder of a young boy, the hosts navigate through the episode's disturbing themes with careful analysis. Shinichiro’s path from torturing animals to taking a human life demonstrates the often-overlooked signs of a brewing storm of violence, offering a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression.

The podcast explores the stark influences that drove Shinichiro to not only commit an atrocious murder but also to seek infamy through emulation of other notorious killers, leaving a community in utter shock. Additionally, the episode touches upon the unsettling aftermath of the crime, including the killer's controversial decision to author and publish a memoir—a move that ignited a firestorm of public debate. Stephanie Soo and Rui Qian provide an engaging yet somber recounting of a case that questions the intersection of crime, notoriety, and literature.

#345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

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#345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

1-Page Summary

Shinichiro tortured and killed 11 year old Jun Hase in 1997

Shinichiro's violent tendencies began in childhood, starting with insects and progressing to animals. His history of cruelty escalated tragically when he lured 11-year-old Jun Hase to a mountain and brutally murdered him. After injuring Jun with a stony throw, Shinichiro strangled him using the boy's shoelaces and, in a visit on the following day, performed horrifying acts of mutilation. His confession to this atrocity was made to his mother during a visit in juvenile detention.

Sakakibara decapitated Hase and left his head at school with threatening note

Emulating notorious killers, Sakakibara decapitated Jun Hase and left his severed head at a school gate with a threatening note, drawing inspiration from the Zodiac Killer. Craving the acknowledgment he never received in life, he sought attention through this violent display, designing the crime and its public exhibition to shock and provoke fear. His handwriting in school essays helped investigators confirm his identity as the perpetrator, despite legal protections as a minor.

Sakakibara began killing cats and small animals as a teenager

Shinichiro's violent behavior started with the torture of a cat at nine years old, later escalating to other animals. He graduated from killing cats to fantasizing about murdering people, drawing pleasure and excitement from these heinous acts. These warning signs of future violence were missed or ignored, setting the stage for his later crimes.

Sakakibara influenced by notorious serial killers

Taking a morbid interest in notorious serial killers, Shinichiro meticulously studied their crimes, emulating the Zodiac Killer in his communications and adopting the gruesome practices of killers like Ed Kemper and Andrei Chikatilo. He decapitated his victim and drank his blood, believing he was absorbing the life force of his victim, showing the deep-seated influence these criminals had on his own actions.

Sakakibara released book about his experiences that was banned

Shinichiro penned a book "Zekka Boy A," which sparked widespread controversy and debate over its content and the author’s intent. Despite criticism that it was distasteful, the book experienced significant commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies and making Shinichiro a considerable sum of money.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shinichiro's early violent tendencies towards insects and animals are indicative of a behavior known as the "Macdonald Triad," which suggests that cruelty to animals in childhood can be a precursor to violent behavior towards humans. This pattern of behavior is often seen in individuals who later engage in serious acts of violence. It is a concerning red flag that can signal deeper psychological issues and potential future harm to others. Understanding this progression is crucial in identifying and addressing early signs of violent behavior in individuals.
  • Shinichiro Sakakibara emulated notorious killers like the Zodiac Killer by decapitating his victim and leaving the severed head in a public place with a threatening note. This act was a deliberate attempt to shock and provoke fear, seeking attention and recognition through a violent display. Sakakibara's actions were influenced by his fascination with infamous serial killers and their methods, leading him to replicate their behaviors in his own crimes. His choice to mimic the Zodiac Killer's style was a calculated decision to create a similar impact and notoriety.
  • Sakakibara sought attention and acknowledgment through a violent display by decapitating Jun Hase and leaving his head at a school gate with a threatening note. This act was designed to shock and provoke fear, drawing inspiration from notorious killers like the Zodiac Killer. By creating a public spectacle, Sakakibara aimed to gain recognition and notoriety for his actions. His desire for acknowledgment through this violent act reflects a deep-seated need for attention and validation.
  • Sakakibara's handwriting in school essays helped investigators confirm his identity as the perpetrator because it matched the handwriting on the threatening note left with the victim's severed head. This handwriting analysis provided a crucial link between Sakakibara and the crime, aiding in his identification despite legal protections as a minor. The consistency in handwriting style between the school essays and the note was a key piece of evidence in the investigation. This forensic analysis played a significant role in connecting Sakakibara to the gruesome crime he committed.
  • Shinichiro's book "Zekka Boy A" sparked controversy and debate due to its disturbing content and the author's intent, which raised ethical concerns. The book delved into Shinichiro's experiences and crimes, leading to discussions about the glorification of violence and the impact on society. Critics argued that the publication of such material could sensationalize and potentially inspire similar acts of violence. Despite the controversy, the book gained commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

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#345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

Shinichiro tortured and killed 11 year old Jun Hase in 1997

In a chilling case from 1997, Shinichiro committed a heinous crime against 11-year-old Jun Hase, which stirred nationwide horror and brought to light his disturbing past behavior.

Upbringing and childhood

Killed insects, small animals, and cats as a child

Shinichiro's violent tendencies appeared early in his childhood, starting with his fascination with the death of slugs, which he killed with salt or under a hot lamp. He then escalated to mutilating frogs, dissecting them alive or running them over with his bike, and eventually to killing pigeons and cats.

Had a close relationship with his grandmother

Shinichiro shared a deep bond with his grandmother, the only person he felt truly accepted and protected by. He valued a photograph of his childhood with her and frequently sought her presence for comfort. Their relationship was intimate, with experiences like taking baths together, although described as innocent in nature. In one instance, to seek her attention, Shinichiro climbed the tallest tree in a park, showing his desire to impress her. Upon realizing his grandmother's distress due to the dangerous stunt, Shinichiro found comfort in the fact that they were each other's entire world.

Felt invisible and ignored in school

In school, Shinichiro was the "invisible kid," unnoticed by his peers, whether he attended or not. He was regarded as a ghost, with no significant presence—a nameless extra among his classmates.

Shinichiro's downfall culminated when he lured Jun Hase to Tank Mountain under the false premise of seeing rare blue turtles. At the mountain’s summit, Shinichiro attacked J ...

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Shinichiro tortured and killed 11 year old Jun Hase in 1997

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shinichiro's disturbing past behavior included a pattern of escalating violence towards animals, starting with slugs and progressing to more significant creatures like frogs, pigeons, and cats. Additionally, his close relationship with his grandmother was a notable aspect of his upbringing, providing a sense of acceptance and protection. In school, Shinichiro was largely unnoticed by his peers, leading to feelings of invisibility and isolation. These factors contributed to the chilling crime he committed against 11-year-old Jun Hase in 1997.
  • Shinichiro shared a deep bond with his grandmother, finding solace and acceptance in her presence. Their relationship was intimate, with shared experiences like taking baths together, which Shinichiro sought for comfort. He valued a childhood photograph with her and often sought her attention to feel secure. Despite the closeness, his grandmother's distress over his risky behavior caused him to find comfort in their mutual reliance on each other.
  • ...

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#345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

Sakakibara decapitated Hase and left his head at school with threatening note

In a gruesome event mirroring the deeds of past notorious killers, Sakakibara decapitated an 11-year-old boy and displayed his head in a shocking public spectacle.

Note inspired by Zodiac Killer

The killer, referred to as "Saito Sakakibara", left a threatening letter with the boy's severed head, bearing a signature in bold red letters and accompanied by a windmill symbol reminiscent of that used by the Zodiac Killer in the U.S. The note, as disturbingly lengthy as that of the Zodiac's, was found stuffed into the victim Jun Hase's mouth, establishing a chilling connection with the infamous American murderer.

Wanted attention and to be acknowledged

Shinichiro, fashioning himself after Sakakibara, sought attention and acknowledgment through a dramatic act of violence. After decapitating Jun, he considered burying the head, but instead chose a more impactful statement, impaling it onto the metal spikes of the school gates and leaving signs of the brutal act clearly visible. Seemingly having a conversation with the head on his desk after mutilating it, he looked to silence the imagined complaints or arguments from the severed head.

The act itself was considered "enchanting" and "orgasmic" by the perpetrator, who took a moment to admire his work, further suggesting his need to provoke shock and fear rather than passively observing reactions from afar. Shinichiro's desire to be seen as a monster and to ...

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Sakakibara decapitated Hase and left his head at school with threatening note

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shinichiro, inspired by notorious killers, sought attention and acknowledgment through a dramatic act of violence. His actions were driven by a desire to be seen as a monster and provoke shock and fear. He found joy in being recognized for his brutality, viewing it as his "lifeline." Despite legal protections as a minor, his quest for infamy and notoriety was unmistakably public and clear.
  • The killer, Shinichiro, took pleasure and pride in his violent act, finding it "enchanting" and "orgasmic." He sought attention and acknowledgment through his gruesome actions, desiring to be seen as a monster and provoke shock and fear. Shinichiro's reflections reveal a deep-seated need for recognition and notoriety, even after his detention. His disturbing behavior and mindset illustrate a twisted sense of joy derived from the infamy he sought to create.
  • The investigator linked the handwriting on the threatening note to Shinichiro by comparing it to his school essays, noting similarities in the writing style and characteristics. This connection helped confirm Shinichiro's identity as the perpetrator of the gruesome act. By analyzing the handwriting patterns across different written materials, the investigator could establish a strong link between Shinichiro and the note left at the crime scene. This forensic analysis played a crucial role in identifying Shinichiro as the individual behind the disturbing incident. ...

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#345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

Sakakibara began killing cats and small animals as a teenager

At a young age, Shinichiro developed violent tendencies, starting with an incident involving a stray cat at the age of nine. The cat was eating food intended for Shinichiro's recently deceased dog, Sasuke, and in a fit of rage at what he viewed as a desecration of the sacredness of Sasuke's food, Shinichiro attempted to kill the cat with a concrete brick. Despite the cat's resistance, Shinichiro's anger only intensified, leading him to retrieve a box cutter from his house to continue his attack on the animal. He inflicted severe injuries, cutting its eyes and strangling it, before torturing it further with a branch and the box cutter.

This initial incident awakened a brutal and sadistic side of Shinichiro. He later expressed that he felt excitement and pleasure during the assault, and this disturbing satisfaction escalated as he proceeded to stomp on the cat with the brick until it no longer moved.

As Shinichiro progressed into middle school, his penchant for violence escalated; he found himself growing bored with the killing of cats. Starting with pigeons, he eventually moved on to cats, and then began to fantasize about murdering people. He reflected on the differences between killi ...

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Sakakibara began killing cats and small animals as a teenager

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shinichiro's behavior reflects early signs of psychopathy, characterized by a lack of empathy and enjoyment in inflicting harm. His escalating violence towards animals suggests a progression towards more severe acts. The distinction he makes between harming animals and humans indicates a disturbing shift in his mindset. Negligence in addressing his behavior allowed these tendencies to develop unchecked.
  • Shinichiro's progression from animal cruelty to human fantasies showcases a concerning escalation in his violent tendencies. This shift indicates a deepening level of aggression and a transition towards more extreme forms of violence. It highlights a dangerous pattern where the initial acts of cruelty towards animals served as a gateway to darker and more sinister thoughts of harming humans. This progression is often seen as a red flag for potential future violent behavior towards people.
  • Shinichiro' ...

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#345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

Sakakibara influenced by notorious serial killers

Shinichiro, a criminal with a chilling mindset, studied the methods of the world’s most twisted serial killers so thoroughly that he created a detailed spreadsheet to document their crimes. His goal was to amalgamate the unique strengths and approaches of these killers to craft an identity as both a notorious and seemingly invincible serial killer.

Modeled himself after Zodiac Killer, Ed Kemper, and Andrei Chikatilo

Sent taunting letters, decapitated victim, drank blood

Shinichiro drew particular inspiration from the Zodiac Killer, who was notorious for taunting police with letters and cryptic ciphers. The Zodiac’s approach influenced Shinichiro’s choice of name, "Seitōsekakibara," and his adoption of the windmill symbol beneath his letters, as a hallmark of his communication with authorities and the media.

This disturbing adulation did not stop at mere letters and symbols. Like Ed Kemper, Shinichiro held a dark fascination with decapitation and performed heino ...

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Sakakibara influenced by notorious serial killers

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#345: Severed Head Stabbed On Japanese School Fence With Note In Mouth - “Let’s Play A Game”

Sakakibara released book about his experiences that was banned

Stephanie Soo engages in a discussion about Shinichiro's controversial book "Zekka Boy A," exploring the author's reflections on whether his actions were influenced by genetics or environment. The book has been met with debate over its intentions and the manner in which it is written, with critics finding it annoying. Despite the controversy, Shinichi ...

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Sakakibara released book about his experiences that was banned

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Clarifications

  • The debate surrounding the book's intentions and writing style revolves around whether the author's portrayal of controversial themes was deliberate or unintentional, and if the writing effectively conveys the intended message to readers. Critics question the author's choices in presenting sensitive topics and the impact of the narrative on the audience's understanding and interpretation ...

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