In a trial in Asahikawa City, a woman is accused of causing a female high school student to fall from a bridge and killing her in 2024. The defense’s questioning of the defendant began on the afternoon of May 29.
The defendant claimed about the situation on the bridge at the time: “I did not see her fall.”
The defendant, charged with murder and other crimes, is accused of stripping a female high school student from Rumoi City naked on the Kamui Bridge in Asahikawa in April 2024, making her sit on the bridge railing, saying “Fall,” “Die,” and pushing her into the river, resulting in her death.
On the fifth day of the trial, during the defense’s questioning of the defendant, the defendant stated about the situation on the bridge: “We said we were going home, left the phone and 4,000 yen there, and returned to the car.” She added, “The convicted co-defendant said, ‘Riko-san, let’s go now.'”
The defendant also testified that 5 to 6 seconds after starting to run toward the parking lot, she heard a “scream” and a “thud,” explaining, “I didn’t see her fall. I didn’t know if the thud after the scream was the sound of hitting rocks or stones, so I thought I would wait for her.”
Regarding her state of mind before meeting the high school student, she said she was “irritated.” About the student posting a photo of the defendant on social media without permission, she stated, “I was anxious, thinking about what the real purpose might be.”
The high school student reportedly only apologized, saying “I’m sorry.”
In previous court proceedings, a co-defendant who has been sentenced testified: “The defendant pushed her with both hands around the shoulder blades.”
During her initial hearing on May 25, the defendant denied charges of murder, saying, “I had no intent to kill, and I did not push her off the bridge.” The key issues are whether the act of murder occurred, whether there was intent to kill, and whether there was collusion with the accomplice.
The prosecution’s questioning of the defendant is scheduled for June 3.
Kamui Bridge
Kamui Bridge is a scenic arched bridge located in Hokkaido, Japan, spanning the gorge of the Shiribetsu River. Built in 1954, it offers stunning views of the surrounding forested valley and is named after the Ainu word “kamuy,” meaning spirit or deity, reflecting the area’s cultural significance. The bridge has become a popular tourist spot for its picturesque setting, especially during autumn when the foliage changes color.
Kamui Bridge
Kamui Bridge, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is a striking red iron bridge that spans the gorge of the Shizunai River. Its name derives from the Ainu word “kamuy,” meaning god or spirit, reflecting the area’s deep spiritual significance to the indigenous Ainu people. Built in the 1950s, the bridge offers dramatic views of the surrounding forest and river, especially during autumn foliage season.
Kamui Bridge
Kamui Bridge is a striking red steel arch bridge located in Hokkaido, Japan, spanning the deep gorge of the Shokotsu River. Built in 1954, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forested valley and is named after the Ainu word “kamuy,” meaning “god” or “spirit,” reflecting the area’s sacred significance in indigenous culture. The bridge is a popular scenic spot, especially during autumn when the foliage creates a vibrant contrast with its crimson structure.
Asahikawa City
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido, Japan, known as the “City of Sculpture” due to its many public art installations. Its history began as a settlement for Tondenhei (pioneer farmers) during the Meiji era, and it grew rapidly as a key transportation and industrial hub. Today, it is famous for the Asahikawa Winter Festival, its ramen, and being the gateway to the Daisetsuzan National Park.
Rumoi City
Rumoi City is a coastal city located in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its scenic views of the Sea of Japan and its historical role as a port for the herring fishing industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The city’s development was closely tied to the fishing boom, which brought prosperity and shaped its local culture, though the industry later declined. Today, Rumoi is recognized for its natural beauty, including the Rumoi coastline and nearby mountains, and retains historical landmarks that reflect its maritime heritage.
Kamui Bridge
Kamui Bridge is a striking red iron bridge located in the Shakotan Peninsula of Hokkaido, Japan. Built in 1956, it spans a deep, narrow gorge and offers dramatic views of the surrounding rugged coastline and the Sea of Japan. The bridge’s name, “Kamui,” means “god” or “spirit” in the Ainu language, reflecting the sacred, mystical aura of the natural landscape it crosses.
