On August 20, 2025, a 24‑year‑old woman in Kobe was fatally stabbed by a man she did not know. He followed her simply because she was his “type.” Notably, the suspect was on probation for prior stalking and violent behavior, raising critical questions about risk monitoring and early intervention.
This case stands out not only for its brutality but also for its chilling implications: a woman targeted—and killed—because of her gender and perceived attractiveness.
Daily Fear vs. Misunderstanding
Voices on social media reflected a painful divide: many women shared how they routinely check behind them, avoid strangers in elevators, and take precautions simply to feel safe. This vigilance is embedded in their daily lives—not paranoia, but necessity.
In contrast, some men expressed frustration, stating, “If women avoid me, it feels like I’m treated like a criminal.” This reaction underscores an uncomfortable imbalance: for women, self-defense is a matter of survival; for some men, it’s perceived as an affront to dignity.
The Missing Concept: Femicide
Japan has witnessed numerous cases where women were killed for no more reason than being women. Yet the term femicide—the intentional killing of females because of their gender—is rarely used in Japanese public discourse. Instead, such crimes are framed as isolated or gender-neutral incidents.
In most Western countries, men account for about 70–80% of homicide victims, while women are a minority, often killed by partners or family members.
Japan, however, is an outlier. Despite having one of the lowest homicide rates in the world, women make up more than half of all homicide victims—a pattern rarely seen elsewhere.
Why This Matters
- Statistical context: Japan has one of the lowest overall homicide rates globally—around 0.3 per 100,000 people. Yet, over half of these homicides are committed against women.
- Lack of awareness: Without the term “femicide,” these patterns remain invisible in policy-making and social awareness.
- Systemic factors: Stalking laws, probation oversight, and cultural expectations all contribute to an environment where violence against women is under-recognized until it’s too late.
A Call for Recognition and Change
The Kobe incident is not an aberration. It echoes a broader pattern of gender-based violence too often ignored. Recognizing it as femicide is not about assigning blame to all men; it’s about naming the phenomenon accurately and responding with urgency.
Hidden Truths Japan 