Syrian National Arrested in Shiga Body Abandonment Case; Public Raises Concerns Over Immigration

A joint investigative task force from the Shiga and Gifu prefectural police on the 18th arrested Mohamed Hamood, a 22-year-old unemployed Syrian national residing in Shimazato 2-chome, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, on suspicion of abandoning a body. This arrest is connected to the discovery of a woman's body in a thicket in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, last April. Hamood is believed to possess knowledge regarding the woman's murder, and the police are expanding their investigation to include potential murder charges.

The deceased has been identified as Mayumi Kiriyama, who was 64 years old at the time and a resident of Maibara City. She had been reported missing since March of last year. Her body was discovered wrapped in a futon within the thicket, and signs of compression were found on her neck, leading police to suspect strangulation as the cause of death.

The incident has garnered significant attention on social media. While many expressed relief with comments like "Finally caught," the suspect's Syrian nationality has ignited widespread concern regarding Japan's immigration policies and the perceived rise in crimes committed by foreign nationals. Comments such as "Another foreigner?" and "We strongly oppose de facto immigration policies" have surfaced. There are also calls questioning "Why are dangerous individuals allowed into the country?" and advocating for stricter restrictions on naturalization and the entry of general foreign nationals into Japan. Furthermore, questions have been raised about the specific type of visa under which the suspect was residing in Japan.

Police are continuing their investigation into Hamood's statements and the intricate details of the incident. The full elucidation of the case is eagerly awaited.

The context

Japan has traditionally maintained relatively strict immigration policies compared to many Western countries. While the government has recently been exploring ways to accept more foreign workers to address its aging population and labor shortages, public discourse surrounding immigration remains sensitive. Incidents involving foreign nationals, particularly those related to serious crimes, often draw intense media scrutiny and spark debates on national security, public safety, and the efficacy of immigration controls. The term "de facto immigration policy" (事実上の移民政策) reflects a sentiment among some Japanese citizens who believe that the increasing presence of foreign residents, even if not formally termed "immigration" by the government, constitutes a significant demographic shift that warrants greater public discussion and stricter regulation. This case, involving a Syrian national, has brought these underlying societal tensions and policy debates to the forefront on social media platforms in Japan.