“Nine years since the Tsukui Yamayuri-en massacre: Memorial service held for the 19 victims, with families praying for their souls”
At the memorial service, facility director Nagai (far left) and resident representative Shimada (second from left) offer a message of remembrance.
On the 26th, nine years after the 2016 incident at the Kanagawa Prefecture-operated Tsukui Yamayuri-en facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Sagamihara’s Midori Ward—where 45 residents were killed or injured—a memorial service was held for the 19 deceased. Eighty-five attendees, including bereaved family members, residents, and facility staff, gathered to pray for the victims and reaffirm their commitment to building an inclusive society where everyone is respected, ensuring such tragedy never recurs.
The ceremony featured bouquets of origami lilies in 19 colors and 19 paintings created by residents to honor the victims. Governor Kuroiwa Yuuji denounced the perpetrator, death-row inmate Satoshi Uematsu (35), and his belief that “people who cannot hold proper conversations have no reason to live,” calling it “selfish, absurd, and utterly wrong.” He emphasized the prefecture’s dedication to implementing the “Disability Welfare Promotion Ordinance,” enacted in April 2023, which prioritizes the perspectives of individuals with disabilities: “We will strive wholeheartedly to understand their feelings, cherish their voices, and create a society where they can live with security.”
The **Kanagawa Prefecture-operated Tsukui Yamayuri-en** is a scenic park in Kanagawa, Japan, renowned for its stunning displays of wild lilies (*yamayuri*). Established to preserve and showcase native flora, the facility features over 50,000 lilies that bloom seasonally, attracting visitors for their natural beauty. The park also serves as a conservation area and offers hiking trails, blending horticultural appreciation with outdoor recreation.
Sagamihara’s Midori Ward
Sagamihara’s Midori Ward is a vibrant district in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its blend of urban development and natural greenery. Historically part of Sagamihara City, it became an official ward in 2010 as part of a municipal reorganization. The area is home to parks like the Sagamihara Park and cultural sites, reflecting its growth from a postwar military base region to a modern residential and commercial hub.
origami lilies
Origami lilies are a traditional form of paper folding in Japanese culture, often symbolizing purity, renewal, and peace. The art of origami dates back to the 17th century in Japan, with lilies being a popular subject due to their elegant shape and cultural significance. Today, origami lilies are used in decorations, gifts, and even as symbols of remembrance in events like peace memorials.
Disability Welfare Promotion Ordinance
The **Disability Welfare Promotion Ordinance** is a legal framework established to promote the welfare and rights of people with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities and accessibility in society. It typically includes provisions for education, employment, healthcare, and social participation, reflecting broader efforts to advance disability rights, such as those seen in Japan’s **Act for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities** (1970) and later reforms. Such ordinances aim to eliminate discrimination and foster inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
