In a trial in Asahikawa City for a woman accused of causing a female high school student to fall from a bridge and killing her in 2024, the defendant’s questioning began on the afternoon of May 29. The woman stated that before the incident, she was “irritated” by the high school student’s attitude.
The defendant, Riko Uchida, is charged with murder and other crimes. In April 2024, she is alleged to have stripped a female high school student living in Rumoi City naked on the Kamui Ohashi Bridge in Asahikawa, made her sit on the bridge railing, and said things like “Fall off” and “Die,” causing her to fall into the river and die.
The trial entered its fifth day, with the defendant’s questioning taking place in the afternoon.
During questioning by the defense, regarding the high school student posting a photo of the defendant on social media without permission, Uchida stated, “I was anxious, thinking about what her real purpose might be,” and said she was “irritated” by the high school student’s attitude before the incident.
The defendant denies the murder and other charges. However, co-defendant Yuka Konishi, who has been sentenced, has testified that the defendant “pushed the high school student with both hands.” The key issues in the trial are whether the act of murder was actually carried out, whether there was intent to kill, and whether there was collusion with the co-defendant.
Kamui Ohashi Bridge
The Kamui Ohashi Bridge is a striking red steel arch bridge located in Hokkaido, Japan, spanning the gorge formed by the Shokotsu River. Completed in 1954, it was originally built to facilitate transportation and resource development in the remote, mountainous region, and its name derives from the Ainu word for “god” or “spirit,” reflecting the area’s sacred natural beauty. Today, the bridge is a popular tourist destination, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valley, particularly during the autumn foliage season.
Kamui Ohashi Bridge
Kamui Ohashi Bridge is a striking red steel arch bridge located in Hokkaido, Japan, spanning the deep gorge of the Kamuiwakka River. Completed in 1995, it was constructed to improve access to the scenic Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and waterfalls. The bridge’s name derives from the Ainu word “kamuy,” meaning “god” or “spirit,” reflecting the area’s sacred cultural significance to the indigenous Ainu people.
Kamui Ohashi Bridge
The Kamui Ohashi Bridge is a scenic arch bridge located in Hokkaido, Japan, spanning the deep gorge of the Shokambetsu River. Completed in 1969, it is known for its striking red color and dramatic setting within the Shokambetsu-Tezan Prefectural Natural Park. The bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests, and its name derives from the Ainu word “kamuy,” meaning “god” or “spirit,” reflecting the area’s cultural and natural significance.
Shiretoko Peninsula
The Shiretoko Peninsula, located in northeastern Hokkaido, Japan, is a remote and pristine wilderness known for its dramatic coastline, dense forests, and abundant wildlife, including brown bears and deer. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it
Kamui Ohashi Bridge
Kamui Ohashi Bridge is a striking red steel arch bridge located in Hokkaido, Japan, spanning the gorge of the Kamuiwakka River. Completed in 1998, it was built to improve access to the scenic Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its pristine wilderness. The bridge offers dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls, and its name derives from the Ainu word “kamuy,” meaning “god” or “spirit,” reflecting the area’s cultural and natural significance.
Shiretoko Peninsula
The Shiretoko Peninsula, located in northeastern Hokkaido, Japan, is a remote and rugged wilderness recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional biodiversity and pristine ecosystems. Its name derives from the Ainu word “sir etok,” meaning “the end of the Earth,” reflecting its isolated nature. Historically, the area was sparsely inhabited by the Ainu people and later saw limited Japanese settlement, but today it is protected as a national park, famous for its brown bears, drift ice, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
