Japan: Japan's Justice Ministry announced the execution of 58-year-old Sunao Takami, who was convicted of murder for setting a fire in a pachinko parlor in Osaka in 2009, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. This marks the first execution in the country since June 2025 when Takahiro Shiraishi was executed, and the first under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration, which began last October. Takami's execution took place at the Osaka Detention House, concluding a 17-year-long case.

According to Philippines News Agency, the crime was described as extremely serious, causing significant shock and fear within society. Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi stated during a press conference that the decision to proceed with the execution was made after thorough consideration. The execution order was signed by the minister on Tuesday, and as a result, the number of death-row inmates in Japan now totals 100.

The finalized ruling detailed that Takami set fire to the pachinko parlor in Osaka's Konohana Ward by spreading gasoline on the floor and igniting it. This tragic act led to the deaths of five people, including a staff member and four customers, and injured ten others. Despite the defense's argument that Takami was in a state of diminished capacity, the Osaka District Court sentenced him to death in October 2011, siding with public prosecutors. His appeal was dismissed by the Osaka High Court in July 2013, and the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence in February 2016 by rejecting his subsequent appeal.