Japan - Miyazawa family of 4 murdered, Setagaya, Tokyo, 30 Dec 2000

[Lubilu]

@FacelessPodcast

Hi! I’m new to the case and am listening to your podcast now and am really enjoying it.

Sorry if you already mentioned this/brought this up but I was wondering if you thought it could be possible that the perp was in Japan’s Air Force and participated in their exchange program with the Edwards Air Force base in California? Could that perhaps explain the sand found in the hip bag?

Strengthening Ties with Bilateral Exchange

For over 20 years, Yokota Air Base, Japan has participated in the Bilateral Exchange Program, in which Japan Air Self-Defense Force Airmen experience what it’s like to work as U.S. Air Force Airmen.

www.edwards.af.mil

I was wondering too if it is possible that the perp thought they had some type of diplomatic immunity, perhaps due to their parents’ work, and that is why they were unconcerned about leaving evidence behind? Along these lines, perhaps with immunity the perp already planned to leave the country, with or without family, further reducing their concern about leaving evidence?

I can’t help but wonder why instead of spending New Year’s Eve with their own family, the perp chose to horrifically slaughter another one. Did anyone notice the perp’s absence during the celebrations? Did the perp not feel welcomed or did not want to spend the holiday in their own home so they chose to invade another’s instead?

Re New Year's Eve, it was actually the day before that - December 30th

 

[AppleTreeGreen]

Re New Year's Eve, it was actually the day before that - December 30th

Thanks for the correction! It helped me realize I was reading the articles wrong when they said the crimes took place the night between December 30-31st.

 

[fridaybaker]

Nic, can you let us know the general time-frame for your next meeting with the chief? Maybe we can help with some of those questions you asked for.

Also, I’m curious as to whether you feel like you’ve made some good progress in tracking this killer down. As I’ve been reading on the thread here and listened to your Podcast, the theories are starting to get narrowed down for me vs. for a long time it seemed like every theory had an equal and opposite scenario.

I just wonder if you feel like you’ve been able to get things narrowed down enough that you’re making real headway?

 

[FacelessPodcast]

I was thinking about it. The Wikipedia says that the Japanese police thinks he is fast and impulsive, a risk-taker, but at the same time, sort of a planner given how he folded his clothes.

MOO. I wonder if his parents are very different people and maybe, the setup is the same as in Miyazawa’s family. I have seen some different photos of the family, and Mikio looks like most of our IT guys. And it would seem to me that according to the principle, “opposites attract”, he married a very vivacious, active, social woman with a strong character.

Yasuko was working. From what I understand, Mr. Miyazawa made decent money, and they had two young kids, but she had the cramming school, and she was the teacher, and many of them have some leadership traits. Who do you think wears the pants in the family? (And boy, was she fighting for her daughter’s life and her own, too. Amazing woman!)

Now if I could only imagine the murderer’s family, I’d guess his parents are of the same type, only way more polarized. The murderer has two sides to him. “A creature of habit”, a planner, he probably got from his dad, who may like routine and predictability. As to mom, I think she is very emotional, and maybe even more than that. But, dad has the place to escape, his work, and the kid stays at home with a strong, demanding mother.

Pure fantasy - I don’t know how, but I suspect via some connection, he was indirectly observing the Miyazawa’s family for a while. Rei, who is young and has some speech impairment (it is a hard moment in the life of any family, and the Miyazawas are proactive in treatment, but the stress on both patents is huge, and it is a difficult time for the family, no doubt). A very active, beautiful, vibrant mother, a quieter dad.

It could have been pure projection and transference. The perpetrator hates himself, but projects it onto the outside world, mainly, his parents. However, one cannot do anything with the parents. Maybe there was some quarrel between one of the Miyazawas and the bikers, and the perpetrator somehow snapped. Maybe he, indeed, blames his own mother more, or is a mere grievance collector. I don’t know if he has siblings or not, but if he does, he might be the younger of the two and maybe the older sibling is closer to the parents.

If I would take a guess, I think he dislikes both Mikio and Yasuko, each in his own way, and maybe he relishes in exerting control over the Miyazawa family. Lots of things he does in the house could be exactly what he is not allowed to do at home. Not flushing after himself, making a mess, eating more than one ice cream. I think he views Niina as a distinctive entity, as to Rei, he almost doesn’t see him, but if anything, associates Rei with himself. (“What’s the use of him growing up? He’d be like me”).

Covering Yasuko’s head means that maybe, he directed it more against the woman, but the obvious analogy with the matricide is scary for him and also, I think there is some shame because he saw how fiercely the mother protected her child.

He might be the middle child, too, and then Rei is the epitome of the younger sibling, whom he dislikes but doesn’t hate, and Niina, the older sibling.

All of it applies if he is an asexual/aromantic teenager. If he is 20 or over, lots of things may be changed depending on his sexual orientation, etc.

You've got such a capacity for picturing the killer based on small details, Charlot. Have you ever thought about writing crime novels?!

Taking your points in turn:

*His clothes were not folded. I am not sure where this detail came from. His clothes were just left in the front room except his jacket which was in the hall over Yasuko's body and his gloves, I believe, which were in the kitchen in the sink along with his broken knife and absolutely soaked in blood.

*Rei's speech impediment -- it's actually unclear if this is the case or if it was a severe developmental issue. I've read that he was non-vocal for example. I just don't know. As for how the killer views him versus Yasuko, male versus female, we just don't know that either. As for the killer's parents himself, I have no clue.

With regards to my POI, the impression I get is an extremely demanding father who was devoutly religious and who was adopted. The mother I have very little on. I can't really get into detail on that front. On the night of the murders, he was under 18 (but over 15).

 

[FacelessPodcast]

As unlikely as it is the killer could have entered through the bathroom window without leaving evidence, it's equally puzzling that the killer seems to have left no definitive evidence around *any* of the potential entrance or exit points.

Jason Bourne? Absolutely. A ghost who left evidence of everything they did *inside* the house, but no evidence of where they approached from, how they got in, how they got out, nor how they got away again.

We don't know if he left evidence in Rei's balcony. I would assume yes on the way out. But it's also possible he left the house via the front door if was able to get past Mikio without stepping in his blood. The killer, I believe, is intelligent enough to think about this. Or perhaps he simply used a puddle to clean his shoes after leaving. It's also possible he left via jumping out of the window. We don't know if the screen was cut out and pushed out or vice versa. It's ALSO possible he cut the screen out but then changed his mind. Ultimately, the point of entry has always been up for debate but my strong feeling is that Rei's window makes the most sense.

And as for Jason Bourne, I think this applies if he's still inside Japan, living off the grid. 23 years and counting. Possible, of course, but he'd have to be very good at this. If he simply went back to his base and left Japan, he could have just been an angry little kid who knew he was now untouchable. Not Jason Bourne. Same goes if he killed himself.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

Okay, I realize that much of this has been hashed out before, but since we’re sort of circling back, and considering the copious erroneous information that has been repeated over the years, a couple of questions:

At some point it was suggested that the killer could have used the fence in the back as leverage to get inside the very awkward window. Then I though I heard that it would have been too far away from the window. At any rate, the window entrance would have required considerable dexterity and strength, even he used the fence, wouldn’t it have? Like, A LOT. Agility, very thin physique, and strength.

Also, if the guy were quite small and the window frame without any sharp or rough areas, is it impossible to think that it wouldn’t have caught any fibers?

Also, was the window open or closed when LE arrived? Surely he wouldn’t stop, either coming or going, to close the window.

Nic, thanks for your patience in answering so many questions here, I’ve read over the entire thread a couple of times, but still forget some of it.

The way into that bathroom window is very tricky but not impossible. And the window itself is small. See pictures below. Gives you an idea about how he would've done it. Possible, like I say. But very challenging. And without leaving any kind of fibres or fingerprints? That suggests the window would've been his point of *entry* while his gloves were still on. Still, requires a lot of strength and determination. And, also, to not be heard by anyone. The window drops straight into the bath tub too which could've been noisy unless the lights were on in there and he was very nimble. From there, Rei's room is easily accessible. But so too is the kitchen and front room.

We don't know if the window was closed or open when the TMPD arrived. Just that there were footprints in the mud in the ground below it and broken twigs along with the screen.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

Hey @FacelessPodcast check this out - a place where one can buy the statue. I have never found a similar image of the statue before.

<Product information of Gasho jizo|japanese stone lanterns store sugita stonemasons for japanese garden>

This website is japanese stone lanterns store sugita stonemasons.Introduce details of Gasho jizo.We are making a stone products of authentic Japanese garden

www.sugitasekizai.jp

Edit: it is very slightly different but it is very close

The police have never identified where this came from. And I believe it was left around the anniversary or maybe birthday of Rei or one of the victims. On the TMPD website, for the case file page, they have a whole section on this statue. However, whether or not the killer left it, we just don't know.

My feeling is absolutely not. Seems hard to picture him being as callous as he was in the house to magically develop some contrition a year later. And if it was a gloating thing, why not leave something more obviously gloating?

Speaking with experts, it seems as if murderers are rarely "talking to" the police. They do these things for their own narratives and fantasies that include nobody else. My feeling is that the killer still thinks of this often, to this day. But has told no-one and never went back to the site. On google maps, maybe.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

@FacelessPodcast

Hi! I’m new to the case and am listening to your podcast now and am really enjoying it.

Sorry if you already mentioned this/brought this up but I was wondering if you thought it could be possible that the perp was in Japan’s Air Force and participated in their exchange program with the Edwards Air Force base in California? Could that perhaps explain the sand found in the hip bag?

Strengthening Ties with Bilateral Exchange

For over 20 years, Yokota Air Base, Japan has participated in the Bilateral Exchange Program, in which Japan Air Self-Defense Force Airmen experience what it’s like to work as U.S. Air Force Airmen.

www.edwards.af.mil

I was wondering too if it is possible that the perp thought they had some type of diplomatic immunity, perhaps due to their parents’ work, and that is why they were unconcerned about leaving evidence behind? Along these lines, perhaps with immunity the perp already planned to leave the country, with or without family, further reducing their concern about leaving evidence?

I can’t help but wonder why instead of spending New Year’s Eve with their own family, the perp chose to horrifically slaughter another one. Did anyone notice the perp’s absence during the celebrations? Did the perp not feel welcomed or did not want to spend the holiday in their own home so they chose to invade another’s instead?

Thank you very much for listening, Apple! So pleased to hear you're enjoying, too. I'm aware of this exchange, yes. And I think there's a possibility the killer was involved in such a movement between the two bases. Although I suspect it's his father who was actual USAF, the killer may well have had junior involvement / military studies. Because either way, that sound found its way into his bag somehow. And I cannot imagine a scenario where that credibly occurs to a Japanese tourist. We know it's almost impossible the killer was from the nation of South Korea (despite the solid possibility his DNA is from that region, this much is confirmed by the TMPD). So that, to me, says he got the sand from the area around the base. Maybe some kind aircraft flyover, he takes his camera out to take a picture, boom. Who knows. But it had to happen somehow to travel those thousands of miles.

As for the killer thinking he was protected -- yes, that's almost certainly true. Americans have almost always shielded their citizens from legal recourse even in arguably ridiculous circumstances. Let alone a military man (or son of). At most, the US military prefers to deal with wrongdoing internally versus allowing its personnel to be caught up in Japanese proceedings. I have various interviewees all telling me the same (disconnected to the Miyazawa case). So, it's not beyond the wit of man to imagine a scenario where the killer thought he could get away with it. One way or another, he did. As for his movements on the night, it was the night of the 30th. But even then, it occurred around 11pm, even on NYE, he could've said he would be with his girlfriend or friends to go see some fireworks. It wouldn't take a great deal of creativity to NOT have his absence noted. Teenagers tend to specialise in this.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

Nic, can you let us know the general time-frame for your next meeting with the chief? Maybe we can help with some of those questions you asked for.

Also, I’m curious as to whether you feel like you’ve made some good progress in tracking this killer down. As I’ve been reading on the thread here and listened to your Podcast, the theories are starting to get narrowed down for me vs. for a long time it seemed like every theory had an equal and opposite scenario.

I just wonder if you feel like you’ve been able to get things narrowed down enough that you’re making real headway?

Tricky for me to answer this in any detail, I'm afraid. I can tell you I know quite a fair amount about the POI. In learning this stuff, I constantly tried to pull him out of my theory. Tried to break it, or find some way he couldn't fit it. So far, I'm totally unsuccessful in doing that. But maybe the man is very, very unlucky.

Speaking with the Chief has to be done officially due to my Japanese (or lack thereof). I don't want to ask him little questions constantly, I want to come at him in several big sessions.

I will be in a place to pitch the podcast soon with Ryushi who will be my partner. Whether or not it will be Season 2 of Faceless or whether or not it will be a new podcast (due to legal / IP reasons, basically), we don't know. So, if any of you have any good ideas re: a new title, feel free to make your suggestions! (I will be paying no royalties beyond my gratitude).

 

[Frankie Hellis]

The police have never identified where this came from. And I believe it was left around the anniversary or maybe birthday of Rei or one of the victims. On the TMPD website, for the case file page, they have a whole section on this statue. However, whether or not the killer left it, we just don't know.

My feeling is absolutely not. Seems hard to picture him being as callous as he was in the house to magically develop some contrition a year later. And if it was a gloating thing, why not leave something more obviously gloating?

Speaking with experts, it seems as if murderers are rarely "talking to" the police. They do these things for their own narratives and fantasies that include nobody else. My feeling is that the killer still thinks of this often, to this day. But has told no-one and never went back to the site. On google maps, maybe.

I do agree it likely wasn’t left by the killer. I was just amazed at finding such a similar one, as I have searched high and low for such.
I have a question - genealogical dna is not permitted in Japan, but could the U.S. use the dna to see if it is a U.S. person? For that matter, has the U.S. run the killer’s dna and/or prints for hits?

 

[FacelessPodcast]

I do agree it likely wasn’t left by the killer. I was just amazed at finding such a similar one, as I have searched high and low for such.
I have a question - genealogical dna is not permitted in Japan, but could the U.S. use the dna to see if it is a U.S. person? For that matter, has the U.S. run the killer’s dna and/or prints for hits?

I very, very much doubt the TMPD will ever share the killer's DNA with anyone. It's a long answer as to why but basically, unlikely to happen any time soon.

The killer's fingerprints are lodged with Interpol, however. And yes, in theory it would be easy for the TMPD to shoot over the killer's print to match them against CODIS or whatever. Whether that's happened, we don't know. But it would require the killer to have re-offended in the US.

 

[Charlot123]

We don't know if he left evidence in Rei's balcony. I would assume yes on the way out. But it's also possible he left the house via the front door if was able to get past Mikio without stepping in his blood. The killer, I believe, is intelligent enough to think about this. Or perhaps he simply used a puddle to clean his shoes after leaving. It's also possible he left via jumping out of the window. We don't know if the screen was cut out and pushed out or vice versa. It's ALSO possible he cut the screen out but then changed his mind. Ultimately, the point of entry has always been up for debate but my strong feeling is that Rei's window makes the most sense.

And as for Jason Bourne, I think this applies if he's still inside Japan, living off the grid. 23 years and counting. Possible, of course, but he'd have to be very good at this. If he simply went back to his base and left Japan, he could have just been an angry little kid who knew he was now untouchable. Not Jason Bourne. Same goes if he killed himself.

@FacelessPodcast,

You probably know more about seasonal migrants into Japan. I am remembering the newspapers writing about the possibility of Chinese migrants (fish-cleaning industry) and a Filipino migrant (the knife folded into the handkerchief).
I read about the current work immigration into Japan. The laws are more lax, but in 2000 it was probably an issue. But, theoretically, leaving the country legally with parents in the military or diplomats is just one way. Returning to the old country and never coming back because you came as the seasonal migrant and didn't succeed in Japan, means, too, leaving forever. And being very angry with everything Japanese. Is that a possibility? Japan is an island, yet illegal immigration probably existed everywhere.

Another consideration - I read about people of mixed ethnicity in Japan and while there is discrimination, in movie industry or show business they are overrepresented because of their good looks. I thought, maybe theater, too? I remembered about Mikio's interest in theater. I don't even know what he specifically did there, masks or costumes? I trust that Tokyo police has explored it, but people don't always tell everything.

 

[AppleTreeGreen]

Thank you very much for listening, Apple! So pleased to hear you're enjoying, too. I'm aware of this exchange, yes. And I think there's a possibility the killer was involved in such a movement between the two bases. Although I suspect it's his father who was actual USAF, the killer may well have had junior involvement / military studies. Because either way, that sound found its way into his bag somehow. And I cannot imagine a scenario where that credibly occurs to a Japanese tourist. We know it's almost impossible the killer was from the nation of South Korea (despite the solid possibility his DNA is from that region, this much is confirmed by the TMPD). So that, to me, says he got the sand from the area around the base. Maybe some kind aircraft flyover, he takes his camera out to take a picture, boom. Who knows. But it had to happen somehow to travel those thousands of miles.

As for the killer thinking he was protected -- yes, that's almost certainly true. Americans have almost always shielded their citizens from legal recourse even in arguably ridiculous circumstances. Let alone a military man (or son of). At most, the US military prefers to deal with wrongdoing internally versus allowing its personnel to be caught up in Japanese proceedings. I have various interviewees all telling me the same (disconnected to the Miyazawa case). So, it's not beyond the wit of man to imagine a scenario where the killer thought he could get away with it. One way or another, he did. As for his movements on the night, it was the night of the 30th. But even then, it occurred around 11pm, even on NYE, he could've said he would be with his girlfriend or friends to go see some fireworks. It wouldn't take a great deal of creativity to NOT have his absence noted. Teenagers tend to specialise in this.

Thank you for such a thorough response! Sorry to bother you with more questions but I was wondering if I could ask you a few more based on the case and your POI?

Do you think it is possible in that case that the perp was a student of Yasuko? For example, perhaps the perp wasn’t doing well in school despite the tutoring and the parents or school were giving him a hard time? In turn, he projects his own anger or rage towards his tutor Yasuko and her family which leads to the horrific crimes he committed?

I was thinking along these lines because of the mention of comfort food and was wondering if the perp’s mom chose to feed that to her son because he was going through a period of emotional turmoil or stress? It also made me think of the tragic case of Nohema Graber, 66, who was a beloved Spanish teacher who was unjustly targeted and murdered by two of her students in retaliation for failing one of them.

Is there any information regarding how Yasuko was able to recruit or gain students? For example did she just rely on her school or did her family members also help recommend her services to their friends or associates who were looking for a tutor for their kids? Is there any information about Meiko having any connections to US or Japanese Air Force? I was wondering this because I wonder if the perp was looking through Meiko’s documents because he wanted to hide any evidence or information, like paystubs or letters, that could connect his family to the Miyazawas and thereby, give his identity away?

I was also wondering that in addition to the possibility that the sneakers he wore could have been ordered or mailed from the US if it is possible that one or both of the perp’s parents, particularly if they were in the USAF, had a friend at base in South Korea buy and mail the sneakers for them or if anyone you interview could remember using such chains or networks to buy and purchase good in markets in South Korea or other countries?

Sorry again for the bother!

 

[fridaybaker]

I very, very much doubt the TMPD will ever share the killer's DNA with anyone. It's a long answer as to why but basically, unlikely to happen any time soon.

The killer's fingerprints are lodged with Interpol, however. And yes, in theory it would be easy for the TMPD to shoot over the killer's print to match them against CODIS or whatever. Whether that's happened, we don't know. But it would require the killer to have re-offended in the US.

Wouldn’t it be nice to get the fingerprints and send them to TMPD? I guess there are legal issues with that, but it would at least confirm it was him.

 

[Charlot123]

You've got such a capacity for picturing the killer based on small details, Charlot. Have you ever thought about writing crime novels?!

Taking your points in turn:

*His clothes were not folded. I am not sure where this detail came from. His clothes were just left in the front room except his jacket which was in the hall over Yasuko's body and his gloves, I believe, which were in the kitchen in the sink along with his broken knife and absolutely soaked in blood.

*Rei's speech impediment -- it's actually unclear if this is the case or if it was a severe developmental issue. I've read that he was non-vocal for example. I just don't know. As for how the killer views him versus Yasuko, male versus female, we just don't know that either. As for the killer's parents himself, I have no clue.

With regards to my POI, the impression I get is an extremely demanding father who was devoutly religious and who was adopted. The mother I have very little on. I can't really get into detail on that front. On the night of the murders, he was under 18 (but over 15).

I enjoy reading crime novels, only i guess too soon. When I was young, I wanted to write a historic novel, but i am glad i invested into my profession instead.

* "Folded" is from Google translate. Maybe it was arranged, but if meticulous Japanese view the perp as having some planning traits, they are probably right.

* About Rei. I initially read that he was developmentally delayed, then, that his speech was behind but he was trying and very eager to please his parents. Somewhere else I read that both Mikio and Rei loved to read, and Rei was into dinosaurs, and even now, one of the grandmas cuts out pictures of dinosaurs from newspapers and "collects" them. As the memory of Rei. So, not sure where Rei was in terms of his speech and mostly, where, he'd be now, as his life was cut so short. Mikio's friends said all he spoke about were his kids. But then, I didn't read any articles that would detail Mikio's life outside of home, and i have questions there.

BTW, did Mikio ever visit the US?

About extremely demanding, rigid father, and hyperreligiosity, let me look for some articles showing what it correlates with. Very interesting, although scattered. But even historically, we know what traits religious reformers used to have. It must have been very difficult to live with such person, but past 30, close to 40, one can not blame anything on the parent. One has to face own humongous guilt. Including a child was not even given the chance to develop speech.

(How strong does one have to be to strangle anyone with his bare hands?)

When I looked through Japanese Wikipedia, I was amazed at the sheer amount of information the Japanese police has amassed. Maybe their hands are tied? Or maybe no one can see a pattern, just lots of scattered facts? Also, asking Interpol for help is great if all countries cooperate, but that's not always the case. And - I didn't view looking for the perp abroad as unwillingness to accept he could be Japanese. They were trying to use logic. There were no digital traces at that time, DNA was in its nascent state. The relationships in that part of Asia being so complex didn’t help either.

I wish they could find the way to deal with the DNA. Many countries of the world have made advances, not only US.

ETA: is there a chance Mikio was into photography? As I don't have a POI I can't shed the feeling that the perp came with a purpose, as he looked through torn papers, but one of the things I forgot is that people often take photos. Maybe it was a photo?

 

[Charlot123]

The way into that bathroom window is very tricky but not impossible. And the window itself is small. See pictures below. Gives you an idea about how he would've done it. Possible, like I say. But very challenging. And without leaving any kind of fibres or fingerprints? That suggests the window would've been his point of *entry* while his gloves were still on. Still, requires a lot of strength and determination. And, also, to not be heard by anyone. The window drops straight into the bath tub too which could've been noisy unless the lights were on in there and he was very nimble. From there, Rei's room is easily accessible. But so too is the kitchen and front room.

We don't know if the window was closed or open when the TMPD arrived. Just that there were footprints in the mud in the ground below it and broken twigs along with the screen.

View attachment 472684
View attachment 472685

You know, looking at this photo made me wonder, was the perp obsessed with ninjas? They are still popular, and there are more schools positioning themselves as "ninja schools" in the US than in Japan. Here is an interesting blog about them I have read. I don't think the perp was trained, but if he was interested in it, it could give him ideas about the point of entry.

Real Ninja Training

This post examines real ninja training - what we know about the shinobi from scrolls and a few other remaining sources. Ninja were not the black-masked assassins we imagine, but had much more in common with modern MI6 or CIA agents. This post explains all in comprehensive detail.

www.thebioneer.com

 

[Oakie]

3) that sand. I really don't know what to say - yet. Let me think.

About the sand:

I am not a forensic scientist, but I am a retired soil scientist, and have spent some time examining sand grains. I can say this: It is extremely rare to be able to tie some sand grains to a specific location. Efforts to do this are rather similar to hair analysis in the pre-DNA days; hair might be said to be consistent with the type associated with the suspect, but cannot be tied conclusively to an individual. The most that could be claimed was that the suspect couldn't be ruled out based on the hair sample. So the sand in question may be consistent with other sand samples from the Mojave Desert, but it possibly could have originated elswhere.

The only way a sand sample could be tied to a specific location would be if that location contained a crystalline mineral which occurred nowhere else in the world, and which appeared in the surficial sand fraction of local soil or aeolian deposits.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

About the sand:

I am not a forensic scientist, but I am a retired soil scientist, and have spent some time examining sand grains. I can say this: It is extremely rare to be able to tie some sand grains to a specific location. Efforts to do this are rather similar to hair analysis in the pre-DNA days; hair might be said to be consistent with the type associated with the suspect, but cannot be tied conclusively to an individual. The most that could be claimed was that the suspect couldn't be ruled out based on the hair sample. So the sand in question may be consistent with other sand samples from the Mojave Desert, but it possibly could have originated elswhere.

The only way a sand sample could be tied to a specific location would be if that location contained a crystalline mineral which occurred nowhere else in the world, and which appeared in the surficial sand fraction of local soil or aeolian deposits.

Thanks for the post, Oakie. I can't dispute any of it beyond saying that after long conversations with Lorna Dawson, it sounds as if it *is* possible. Certainly, she's been involved in 100s of criminal cases where she brings to bear her expertise in this field. She is adamant that the TMPD could tell the difference between soil from the Miura Peninsula and that found near Edwards in the Mojave.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

@FacelessPodcast,

You probably know more about seasonal migrants into Japan. I am remembering the newspapers writing about the possibility of Chinese migrants (fish-cleaning industry) and a Filipino migrant (the knife folded into the handkerchief).
I read about the current work immigration into Japan. The laws are more lax, but in 2000 it was probably an issue. But, theoretically, leaving the country legally with parents in the military or diplomats is just one way. Returning to the old country and never coming back because you came as the seasonal migrant and didn't succeed in Japan, means, too, leaving forever. And being very angry with everything Japanese. Is that a possibility? Japan is an island, yet illegal immigration probably existed everywhere.

Another consideration - I read about people of mixed ethnicity in Japan and while there is discrimination, in movie industry or show business they are overrepresented because of their good looks. I thought, maybe theater, too? I remembered about Mikio's interest in theater. I don't even know what he specifically did there, masks or costumes? I trust that Tokyo police has explored it, but people don't always tell everything.

Assuming you mean they were in Japan as a legal migrant, then the authorities would surely have those fingerprints. If the person was undocumented (very difficult to enter Japan that way), then obviously they wouldn't. But we would be talking about a person with the ability to get in and out of Japan at will without documentation. Who would that be describing? Someone involved in the underworld, perhaps? A poor person coming to Japan to make money wouldn't have such a power. Seems far more likely that access to a US sovereign airport at, say, Yokota would be able to do that.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

Thank you for such a thorough response! Sorry to bother you with more questions but I was wondering if I could ask you a few more based on the case and your POI?

Do you think it is possible in that case that the perp was a student of Yasuko? For example, perhaps the perp wasn’t doing well in school despite the tutoring and the parents or school were giving him a hard time? In turn, he projects his own anger or rage towards his tutor Yasuko and her family which leads to the horrific crimes he committed?

I was thinking along these lines because of the mention of comfort food and was wondering if the perp’s mom chose to feed that to her son because he was going through a period of emotional turmoil or stress? It also made me think of the tragic case of Nohema Graber, 66, who was a beloved Spanish teacher who was unjustly targeted and murdered by two of her students in retaliation for failing one of them.

Is there any information regarding how Yasuko was able to recruit or gain students? For example did she just rely on her school or did her family members also help recommend her services to their friends or associates who were looking for a tutor for their kids? Is there any information about Meiko having any connections to US or Japanese Air Force? I was wondering this because I wonder if the perp was looking through Meiko’s documents because he wanted to hide any evidence or information, like paystubs or letters, that could connect his family to the Miyazawas and thereby, give his identity away?

I was also wondering that in addition to the possibility that the sneakers he wore could have been ordered or mailed from the US if it is possible that one or both of the perp’s parents, particularly if they were in the USAF, had a friend at base in South Korea buy and mail the sneakers for them or if anyone you interview could remember using such chains or networks to buy and purchase good in markets in South Korea or other countries?

Sorry again for the bother!

No bother at all, Apple! Good questions. Your points in turn:
*Could it be that the murderer is a student of Yasuko's? Yes, entirely possible. But I would bet my bottom dollar the killer was not. The TMPD are not above error or overlooking. I just think this would have been one of, if not the first place they started looking. How could the killer hide his injuries there? I doubt Yasuko would keep a schedule without any kind of record written down, or telling family / friends. The killer would likely have been in an address book or invoices. As for how she got her clients, I have no idea, sadly. But if we could prove some kind of connection to the air base, then I would be confident enough to say my theory is on the money.
*It IS, of course, possible that the killer went about removing any traces of himself from their documents. No good argument against that. However, how would he know he got it all? Another wild risk (even though he seems fond of those so I guess par for the course).
*RE: the shoes, we spoke to Slazenger and they were unable to confirm or deny if those shoes were available ONLY in Korea or beyond. If the latter, then the point is moot. He could've bought them in the Los Angeles or Lagos or London. Though the TMPD suggest they WERE at least made in Korea. Where they were sold, we don't know.