It has been nine years since the incident at Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a prefectural facility in Sagamihara City’s Midori Ward, where 19 people with disabilities were killed and 26 others, including staff, were injured. Through the trial of last year’s murder case involving a former user of Nakai Yamayuri-en in Chiba Prefecture, investigative reports, and testimonies from those involved, we examine the current state of welfare for people with disabilities and the local community in Kanagawa.
“We should have listened more to the family’s concerns.”
A staff member at a support center in Odawara City, who had been assisting the second son (then 44) killed by his father (78), expressed regret during an interview.
At the time, they had worked tirelessly to find a care facility for the son, who had severe intellectual disabilities. However, no institutions had available space, leaving them at a dead end.
After negotiating with a group home operator in Sagamihara City, a trial stay was scheduled to begin in February 2024. But just a few days later, the operator said they could not provide adequate support, and the plan fell through.
Unable to Stop What Happened
Tsukui Yamayuri-en
Tsukui Yamayuri-en is a scenic park in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, famous for its stunning lilies (yuri) that bloom seasonally. Established in 1961, the park features over 500,000 lilies of various species, creating vibrant displays across its hillsides. It also includes walking trails, ponds, and seasonal events, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Sagamihara City’s Midori Ward
Sagamihara City’s Midori Ward is a vibrant residential and commercial area in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its green spaces and modern amenities. Established in 2010 as part of Sagamihara’s city reorganization, Midori Ward reflects the city’s growth and urbanization while retaining connections to its historical roots as a former military and agricultural region. Key attractions include the U.S. Army’s Camp Zama and lush parks like Sagamihara Park, blending contemporary life with nature.
Nakai Yamayuri-en
Nakai Yamayuri-en is a scenic garden in Nakai, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, famous for its stunning display of wild yamayuri (mountain lilies) that bloom in early summer. Established to preserve the natural beauty of the area, the garden features walking paths surrounded by thousands of lilies, creating a vibrant and fragrant landscape. The site highlights the region’s floral heritage and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Chiba Prefecture
Chiba Prefecture, located in the Kanto region of Japan, is known for its mix of urban development and natural beauty, including Tokyo Disney Resort and Narita International Airport. Historically, it was part of the ancient Shimōsa and Kazusa provinces and played a key role in feudal Japan. Today, it is a major economic hub with rich cultural sites like Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and the Boso Peninsula’s scenic coastlines.
Kanagawa
Kanagawa is a prefecture in Japan, located south of Tokyo, known for its mix of urban and natural attractions. It is home to Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, which played a key role in the country’s modernization after the 1854 opening of its port to foreign trade. The prefecture also features historic sites like Kamakura, the former political center of medieval Japan, and scenic spots such as Hakone, famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.
Odawara City
Odawara City, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a historic city best known for Odawara Castle, a key stronghold during the Sengoku period (15th–16th centuries). The city served as a strategic defense point for the Hojo clan and later became a post-station town on the Tokaido road during the Edo period. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, blending historical sites with hot springs and coastal attractions.
support center in Odawara City
The Support Center in Odawara City is a community facility designed to assist residents with social services, welfare programs, and daily needs. While specific historical details are limited, such centers are typically established to enhance local support networks, reflecting Odawara’s commitment to community welfare. The city, known for its historic Odawara Castle and coastal location, integrates modern assistance initiatives alongside its rich cultural heritage.
group home operator in Sagamihara City
Sagamihara City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, has been known for its social welfare initiatives, including group homes for individuals with disabilities. The city gained international attention in 2016 due to a tragic stabbing incident at a group home for disabled residents, which led to increased discussions about care standards and safety in such facilities. Today, group home operators in Sagamihara continue to provide support while emphasizing community integration and improved protections for vulnerable residents.
