6-6-2024 (SAPPORO) The unsettling dynamics of a Japanese family came to light this week during the trial of a headless corpse discovered in a Hokkaido hotel in 2023.
In court on June 4, 61-year-old Hiroko Tamura testified about finding a man’s severed head in the bathroom of the home she shared with her husband Osamu, 60, and their daughter Runa, 30, in Sapporo.
The head belonged to Hitoshi Ura, 62, whose headless body was discovered in July 2023 at Hotel Let’s in Sapporo’s Susukino entertainment district. Investigations led to the arrest of Runa, accused of stabbing Mr Ura. Her father, a doctor, was also arrested for allegedly helping to sever Mr Ura’s head to cover up the crime. Authorities revealed that a saw was used for the decapitation, and the head was smuggled out in a suitcase. Hiroko was arrested for her role in the cover-up.
In her testimony, Hiroko described the shocking moment she saw Mr Ura’s head in the bathroom, saying it was “so out of the ordinary.” She admitted she couldn’t judge her daughter’s actions, neither condemning nor accepting them. Hiroko also testified that she was asked to take photos of the severed head but refused.
Court records and police investigations depict a family that excessively doted on Runa, who suffered from severe mental health issues. Hiroko and Osamu’s lives revolved around their daughter, whom they called “ojosan,” meaning “young lady” or “miss.” In turn, Runa referred to her father as “Mr Driver” and her mother as “kanojo,” or “she.”
The parents indulged Runa’s every whim, purchasing whatever she desired and structuring their lives to keep her happy. They were constantly mindful of Runa’s erratic behaviour, and Osamu frequently asked Hiroko to monitor her activities. They never disciplined her, creating what prosecutors described as a “Runa-first” family dynamic.
Defence lawyers focused on Runa’s deteriorating mental health to explain her actions. One lawyer stated that during episodes of instability, Runa would scream nonsensically, damage their home, self-harm, and attempt suicide. The lawyer argued that Hiroko and Osamu, not knowing how else to cope, tried to fulfil Runa’s desires as best they could, resulting in an unusual parent-child relationship.
