Man Sentenced to Indefinite Prison Term for Murder of Probation Officer in Japan

Indefinite Prison Term Handed Down in Shiga Murder Case

A Japanese court on Monday, March 2, 2026, sentenced Kohei Iitsuka, a 36-year-old unemployed man, to an indefinite prison term for the murder of volunteer probation officer Hiroshi Shinjo, 60, in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. The ruling by the Otsu District Court aligns with the prosecution's demand for an indefinite sentence, a term in Japan that allows for the possibility of parole after several decades of good behavior.

Details of the Crime and Investigation

The murder occurred on May 24, 2024, at Shinjo's home during an interview. According to the indictment, Iitsuka fatally stabbed and slashed Shinjo multiple times in the chest and neck with a knife and an ax, leading to Shinjo's death from hemorrhagic shock. Prosecutors argued that Iitsuka's actions were premeditated, noting that he had scouted the crime scene area in advance and selected suitable weapons.

Motive and Trial Proceedings

During the trial, prosecutors presented a motive rooted in Iitsuka's resentment towards the government. Having faced difficulties in maintaining stable employment, Iitsuka reportedly blamed the government for his troubles and sought revenge by targeting the probation system through Shinjo. He viewed the murder as an 'attack on the country's probation system.' Iitsuka pleaded guilty at the onset of his trial in February, stating, 'I did it (the murder), following the voice of my guardian deity.' He later apologized to the victim's family, calling the incident 'the biggest mistake of my life.'

A central focus of the lay-judge trial was Iitsuka's capacity to bear criminal responsibility. The defense contended that Iitsuka was not mentally competent or had diminished capacity, arguing for rehabilitation through proper treatment. However, prosecutors maintained that while Iitsuka showed tendencies toward autism spectrum disorder, its impact on his competency was limited. Presiding Judge Maki Taniguchi stated that Iitsuka 'made light of life remarkably' and that 'the maliciousness of the crime is comparable to that of indiscriminate murder,' ultimately recognizing his full criminal responsibility.

Implications for Probation Officers

The case has ignited discussions regarding the safety of volunteer probation officers in Japan. These officers are unpaid, part-time national public servants who assist in the rehabilitation of offenders and juvenile delinquents, often conducting interviews at their own homes. A Justice Ministry survey conducted after Shinjo's murder revealed that approximately 10% of volunteer probation officers felt anxious about their safety, leading some to resign or decline new cases.