Tsutomu Miyazaki, also known as the "Otaku Murderer" or "The Little Girl Murderer," was a Japanese serial killer, cannibal, and necrophile who abducted and murdered four young girls in the Saitama and Tokyo Prefectures between August 1988 and June 1989. His crimes, which shocked and horrified Japan, brought significant attention to the issue of mental illness and the treatment of criminals in the country.

Early Life and Background

Tsutomu Miyazaki was born on August 21, 1962, in Itsukaichi, Tokyo, Japan. He was born with a congenital deformity, resulting in his hands being fused directly to his wrists, which led to bullying during his childhood. Despite this, Miyazaki performed well academically. However, he was reported to have had a troubled relationship with his family, particularly his father.

Miyazaki's isolation grew during his adolescence, and he developed an interest in anime and horror films, some of which contained violent and sexual themes. This interest, later on, spiraled into an obsession, which played a role in his subsequent crimes.

The Crimes

Between 1988 and 1989, Miyazaki abducted and murdered four girls aged between four and seven years old. His modus operandi involved luring the children into his car, assaulting them, and then murdering them. After the killings, he engaged in acts of necrophilia and cannibalism. Additionally, he sent taunting postcards to the families of his victims, describing the details of his crimes.

The nature of these crimes caused a moral panic in Japan, particularly around issues of mental health, social isolation, and the consumption of explicit materials. Miyazaki's interest in anime and horror films was widely reported in the media, leading to public outcry against otaku culture, which was unfairly stigmatized as a result.

Arrest and Trial

Miyazaki was arrested on July 23, 1989, when he was caught attempting to photograph a young girl. Upon his arrest, police found evidence in his home linking him to the murders. During his trial, Miyazaki showed no remorse for his crimes. The defense argued that he had a personality disorder and was not mentally competent to stand trial. However, after a lengthy legal process, he was found guilty and sentenced to death.