In Dotonbori, a vibrant district in Osaka, a tragic incident occurred on the 14th when three youths were stabbed, resulting in the death of 17-year-old Ryuunosuke Kamata from Tawaramoto, Nara Prefecture. Kamata, the eldest of three siblings and the first grandson among his seven grandchildren, was cherished by his grandparents, who had aspirations for him to continue the family legacy on their farm. However, their dreams were shattered by this sudden act of violence, leaving them struggling to cope with their loss even a week later.

Kamata had a natural talent for sports, particularly soccer, which he started playing at a young age and showed great promise in. His grandparents were his staunch supporters, attending every game during his schooling years, including the strong Nara club team he joined in junior high. Despite facing challenges in adapting to the private school environment he enrolled in, where he eventually dropped out due to health issues, he continued to project a cheerful disposition to prevent his family from worrying, a trait that deeply touched his grandmother.

The incident has sparked a somber reflection within the community, with about 500 people attending his memorial service in Dotonbori, emphasizing the profound impact Kamata had during his short life. This tragic event raises concerns about youth violence and the safety of public spaces in Japan, provoking discussions about how communities can better protect their youth and address such tragic occurrences in the future.