In the trial of a woman accused of pushing a high school girl off a bridge in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, resulting in her death, a boy who was on a video call with her at the time of the incident testified in court. He stated that after the assault, he heard the defendant say, “Let’s go quickly.”
During the witness examination on May 28, a boy who had been involved in the confinement and received a protective custody order to a juvenile training school appeared.
According to the boy, after returning home, he was on a video call with the defendant, Uchida, and others who were on the bridge.
The boy testified that after his phone screen went dark, he heard the defendant Uchida say, “Let’s go quickly,” followed by the sound of footsteps.
He also stated that he did not hear any screams or banging noises.
On May 29, the defendant Uchida is scheduled to be questioned. It will be closely watched to see what she says.
Asahikawa
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its cold winters and as the gateway to the Daisetsuzan National Park. Its history dates back to the late 19th century when it developed as a key transportation and industrial hub, particularly for lumber and furniture production. Today, the city is famous for attractions like the Asahiyama Zoo and the annual Asahikawa Winter Festival.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, was historically known as Ezo and was primarily inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people before large-scale Japanese colonization began in the late 19th century. It was officially renamed Hokkaido in 1869 during the Meiji Restoration, when the government actively promoted settlement and development. Today, Hokkaido is famous for its natural landscapes, national parks, ski resorts, and a distinct culture that blends Japanese traditions with Ainu heritage.
bridge
A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles like rivers, valleys, or roads, providing passage over them. Historically, bridges date back to ancient times, with early examples like the Arkadiko Bridge in Greece (c. 1300 BCE) being among the oldest known. They have since evolved from simple logs and stone arches to modern engineering marvels, symbolizing connection and progress across cultures.
Asahikawa
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its cold winters and as a gateway to the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Historically, it developed as a key center for the timber and paper industries in the early 20th century, and it is home to the famous Asahiyama Zoo, which opened in 1967. The city also features the Asahikawa Ramen Village, celebrating the region’s distinctive soy sauce-based noodle soup.
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Asahikawa
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its cold winters and as a gateway to the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Historically, it developed as a key transport and industrial hub in the late 19th century, centered around the Asahikawa Shrine and the city’s famous ramen culture. Today, it is also renowned for the Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most popular zoos, and its annual Winter Festival featuring giant snow sculptures.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, was historically inhabited by the Ainu people before large-scale Japanese colonization began in the late 19th century. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, hot springs, and ski resorts, the region developed rapidly through agriculture and industry. Today, Hokkaido is famous for its distinct culture, fresh seafood, and annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsuzan National Park, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is the country’s largest national park, established in 1934. Known as the “roof of Hokkaido,” it features a rugged landscape of volcanic peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine forests, with Mount Asahidake as its highest point. The park is ecologically significant, serving as a habitat for diverse wildlife like brown bears and pikas, and its name derives from the Ainu language, meaning “great snowy mountain.”
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s most popular zoos, renowned for its innovative behavioral exhibits that allow visitors to observe animals in dynamic, naturalistic settings. Originally opened in 1967, it gained fame in the 2000s for unique enclosures like the penguin walk and the seal’s vertical tunnel, which showcase the animals’ natural behaviors. The zoo’s focus on education and conservation has made it a beloved destination, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Asahikawa Winter Festival
The Asahikawa Winter Festival is an annual event held in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan, typically in February. It began in 1960 as a small local snow festival and has since grown into a major winter attraction, famous for its massive snow sculptures, ice statues, and illuminated displays. The festival showcases the region’s cold climate and artistic craftsmanship, drawing visitors from across Japan and abroad.
Asahikawa Ramen Village
Asahikawa Ramen Village is a popular food-themed attraction in Hokkaido, Japan, that brings together eight of the city’s most famous ramen shops under one roof. It was established in 1996 to celebrate and preserve Asahikawa’s signature soy sauce-based tonkotsu ramen, which originated in the post-World War II era. The village allows visitors to sample and compare different local styles in a single location, making it a cultural hub for ramen enthusiasts.
