The trial has commenced for Kohei Iizuka, a 36-year-old unemployed man charged with the murder of Hiroshi Shinjo, a 60-year-old rehabilitation support worker, in Otsu City in May 2024. In the initial court session at Otsu District Court, presided over by Judge Maki Taniguchi, the defendant admitted to the charges stating, "There is no mistake." Even though the defense did not dispute the facts of the incident, they argued that Iizuka's ability to control his actions was diminished at the time of the crime.

The prosecution's case is built on the assertion that Iizuka, who was on probation after receiving a suspended sentence, attacked Shinjo at his residence with a knife and a hatchet during a meeting intended to offer rehabilitation support. The incident is said to have occurred on May 24, 2024, shortly before 7 PM. Shinjo had been aiding Iizuka's reintegration into society, reflecting the tragic circumstances that can arise in rehabilitation efforts when individuals struggle with mental health or behavioral issues.

The Otsu District Public Prosecutors Office is currently assessing Iizuka's mental state at the time of the incident, which may influence the severity of the charges he faces. This case raises critical questions about the challenges faced by rehabilitation workers and the complex dynamics involved in supporting individuals with a history of criminal behavior, particularly concerning mental health resources and community safety.