Japan - Miyazawa family of 4 murdered, Setagaya, Tokyo, 30 Dec 2000 #4

[Lalalacasbah]

Would the base kids have part time jobs off base? I did see on base they have a main store, thrift store and such. On one of the high school sites IIRC, they had pics of kids with jobs ON base. Could they get jobs off base?

The Main Exchange looks to be a mash up of stores on base, I think okay to post the link here?

https://www.shopmyexchange.com/store-locator/yokota-main-exchange

 

[Incoherent]

Would the base kids have part time jobs off base? I did see on base they have a main store, thrift store and such. On one of the high school sites IIRC, they had pics of kids with jobs ON base. Could they get jobs off base?

The Main Exchange looks to be a mash up of stores on base, I think okay to post the link here?

https://www.shopmyexchange.com/store-locator/yokota-main-exchange

No, their status in Japan wouldn’t allow for them to work off base anywhere. On base wouldn’t be an issue however like you’ve seen.

Edit: actually this has reminded me. There was/is a hotel in Minato only about 10 minutes away from Mikio’s workplace that was specifically for military families only. I believe there was a way to work in there but I don’t remember the exact details right now, nor have the time to check this minute.

I will check later when I have time but if you’re interested it is The New Sanno Hotel in Minato, Tokyo.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

No, their status in Japan wouldn’t allow for them to work off base anywhere. On base wouldn’t be an issue however like you’ve seen.

Edit: actually this has reminded me. There was/is a hotel in Minato only about 10 minutes away from Mikio’s workplace that was specifically for military families only. I believe there was a way to work in there but I don’t remember the exact details right now, nor have the time to check this minute.

I will check later when I have time but if you’re interested it is The New Sanno Hotel in Minato, Tokyo.

Why does that ring a bell to me?!! I think I saw that somewhere in my searches. Argh, I might be getting mixed up. Will go check it out. Thanks!

 

[Incoherent]

Just had a quick look over the job application requirements and it seems those from on the base are not eligible for employment the hotel. Although bookings are only for US military families and it is a joint US-Japan controlled hotel, there is a visa requirement to be able to work in Japan needed for employment.

However if we look here at a map, the hotel is just a 7 minute walk from Mikio’s old workplace at Hiroo Plaza (I say old because Interbrand has moved office now).
Families from the base likely have stayed at the New Sanno and back then were just minutes away from Mikio’s workplace. It could potentially pinpoint a location that the killer and Mikio crossed paths.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

Just had a quick look over the job application requirements and it seems those from on the base are not eligible for employment the hotel. Although bookings are only for US military families and it is a joint US-Japan controlled hotel, there is a visa requirement to be able to work in Japan needed for employment.

However if we look here at a map, the hotel is just a 7 minute walk from Mikio’s old workplace at Hiroo Plaza (I say old because Interbrand has moved office now).
Families from the base likely have stayed at the New Sanno and back then were just minutes away from Mikio’s workplace. It could potentially pinpoint a location that the killer and Mikio crossed paths.

View attachment 557925

To add - I found a travel blog from a retired couple and one of their stops in a day was the New Sanno hotel for brunch and a stop to shop at Seiyu as they seem close by. I think they also went to the temple and Embassy they documented in their blog.

IIRC Seiyu is where it's thought the killer bought his cloths/props (correct me if I'm wrong)... I "think" I have the names/locations right but can easily be mistaken as you know So yeah, seems like everything is connected to that vicinity in a way.

 

[SteveL]

Just had a quick look over the job application requirements and it seems those from on the base are not eligible for employment the hotel. Although bookings are only for US military families and it is a joint US-Japan controlled hotel, there is a visa requirement to be able to work in Japan needed for employment.

However if we look here at a map, the hotel is just a 7 minute walk from Mikio’s old workplace at Hiroo Plaza (I say old because Interbrand has moved office now).
Families from the base likely have stayed at the New Sanno and back then were just minutes away from Mikio’s workplace. It could potentially pinpoint a location that the killer and Mikio crossed paths.

View attachment 557925

Thank you as always, Incoherent. Besides Nic, you've been the most amazing resource on this thread. I greatly appreciate your work.

I'm convinced the killer had several encounters with the family. Potential places are this hotel, the market, the skate park/tennis courts, Yokota AFB, in front of the Miyazawa home, and even Edwards AFB. All have evidentiary possibilities.

Where my speculation lies, is during these encounters, Mikio may have behaved "uncouth." Nothing worthy of murder, but enough to agitate the killer. And possibly Rei's reported vocal outbursts exacerbated the killer's thoughts.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

Thank you as always, Incoherent. Besides Nic, you've been the most amazing resource on this thread. I greatly appreciate your work.

I'm convinced the killer had several encounters with the family. Potential places are this hotel, the market, the skate park/tennis courts, Yokota AFB, in front of the Miyazawa home, and even Edwards AFB. All have evidentiary possibilities.

Where my speculation lies, is during these encounters, Mikio may have behaved "uncouth." Nothing worthy of murder, but enough to agitate the killer. And possibly Rei's reported vocal outbursts exacerbated the killer's thoughts.

I am curious your thoughts!

It sounds like the hotel had brunches and conferences but sounds like mostly military demographic and not many locals or public would go there? Are you thinking the car parked out front of the house was the killer as well?

And of course, curious the connection to Edwards. Do you think any or all of the family even went there? If you don't want to post, feel free to PM your ideas and thoughts

 

[Incoherent]

To add - I found a travel blog from a retired couple and one of their stops in a day was the New Sanno hotel for brunch and a stop to shop at Seiyu as they seem close by. I think they also went to the temple and Embassy they documented in their blog.

IIRC Seiyu is where it's thought the killer bought his cloths/props (correct me if I'm wrong)... I "think" I have the names/locations right but can easily be mistaken as you know So yeah, seems like everything is connected to that vicinity in a way.

Seiyu is where he bought the knife yes.

The rest of his outfit and accessories were from different places, however almost all of those were grouped together in the same building in Ogikubo in Suginami, Tokyo.

That might be where you’re thinking of.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

I wonder if the killer has any concern or inkling about this case getting discussed online.

I also wonder if he is aware of Webslueths at all and nervous at all about Nic’s focused POI?

Nic/ @FacelessPodcast , would love to see your work featured and made into a Netflix series and get some global (particularly US) media attention.

The Toronto Star journalist who knows the Honey and Barry Sherman murders inside and out wrote a book and IIRC recently has a Netflix series (I have only watched a bit). True crime docs seem popular on Netflix!

 

[FacelessPodcast]

I wonder if the killer has any concern or inkling about this case getting discussed online.

I also wonder if he is aware of Webslueths at all and nervous at all about Nic’s focused POI?

RSBM: It's very possible, if he's still alive, he follows the case. Then again, from the interviews I've done, it's equally possible that he's simply consigned it to the distant past -- almost cut it out of his being. The capacity for detachment can be surprisingly powerful.

Either way, if he IS aware and, on the off chance that I'm right, then I hope he's feeling very uncomfortable.

Nic/ @FacelessPodcast , would love to see your work featured and made into a Netflix series and get some global (particularly US) media attention.

The Toronto Star journalist who knows the Honey and Barry Sherman murders inside and out wrote a book and IIRC recently has a Netflix series (I have only watched a bit). True crime docs seem popular on Netflix!

If it's the journalist I'm thinking of, I've actually chatted with them in the past. But yes, here's hoping my recent meetings come to fruition and 2025 is the year.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

RSBM: It's very possible, if he's still alive, he follows the case. Then again, from the interviews I've done, it's equally possible that he's simply consigned it to the distant past -- almost cut it out of his being. The capacity for detachment can be surprisingly powerful.

Either way, if he IS aware and, on the off chance that I'm right, then I hope he's feeling very uncomfortable.

If it's the journalist I'm thinking of, I've actually chatted with them in the past. But yes, here's hoping my recent meetings come to fruition and 2025 is the year.

Yes, he might have compartmentalized that part of his life as if "it wasn't him", be in denial and see it as another person that was a murderer (I am reminded of OJ for some reason)....

Really rooting for you to get some major exposure on this, especially American audiences who might take a second look at their neighbors or acquaintances. Maybe a tip would roll in from someone in the US and somehow US LE could action on something if a warranted and legal concern.

This would make the killer squirm I would hope, especially if he's created a cookie-cutter Beaver Cleaver life for himself. He cannot run and hide forever. Some form of public attention might make him nervous and I hope so.

Journalist is Kevin Donovan from Toronto Star. Glad you got to meet him, he has worked diligently on the Honey and Barry Sherman murder as you know. Another doozy of an unsolved case here in Canada that I wish would get solved (that and Lindsay Buziak!)

 

[Incoherent]

Going back and watching again I’ve noticed two more instances that a sock/barefoot print is in blood in addition to the one rounding the corner to the kitchen/living room previously discussed as possibly Yasuko’s heading for the first aid kit.
Here is that one with number 33.

Pictured first with number 38 is all the way in the second floor living room next to the sofa in the direction heading back towards the kitchen and landing.

Pictured second with number 3 is on the ground floor close to the front door in the direction heading out.

Number 3 seems potentially debatable to me if it is a shoe or sock print, but judging by the top it seems to show the toes. Number 38 is most definitely a sock print.

Either they are Haruko’s and she went all the way into the living and then back down the stairs and out the door, which contradicts the currently understood series of events, or the killer seems to have had his shoes off at some point.

If the killer did have his shoes off in the house it opens up more speculation to his method of entry and manner of moving around the house and explains how he seemingly moved so silently IMO.

 

[Kitsey]

As far as similar cases go, I see some links with the murders of Bill and Peggy Stephenson in 2011. The killer(s) are believed to have stayed in the home for several hours after the murders and every room in the home was staged.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

As far as similar cases go, I see some links with the murders of Bill and Peggy Stephenson in 2011. The killer(s) are believed to have stayed in the home for several hours after the murders and every room in the home was staged.

Very sad story. Interesting LE think killer was known to the couple. I still think that may be true with the Miyazawa's although I know most on here think not.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

Very sad story. Interesting LE think killer was known to the couple. I still think that may be true with the Miyazawa's although I know most on here think not.

For sure. I would also add: there is zero in this case that concretely says the killer staged anything. Of course, the argument could be made that he did. But just as easily it could be countered.

I can't tell you with total certainty but the vibe I got in my previous discussions with LE was that they were skeptical of the notion of this killer staging much of anything. How much stock folks put in that, I'm not sure...

 

[Kitsey]

The investigators in the Stephenson case have been super tight lipped on what the “staging” entailed! But assuming there was a clear message with the staging, then yes, a big difference.

 

[FacelessPodcast]

The investigators in the Stephenson case have been super tight lipped on what the “staging” entailed! But assuming there was a clear message with the staging, then yes, a big difference.

How curious. Admittedly, I know only the barest of details about the Stephenson case.

I just assumed staging meant: intentionally making things look a particular way within the crime scene with the goal of leading LE to a particular conclusion -- away from the culprit.

 

[Incoherent]

Re: staging, they touch on this very briefly in the documentary.

They point out that the drawers on the cabinet in the living room are all open fully and that to be able to search all of them without closing and re-opening he’d need to open them from the bottom and work his way up, but that none of their contents were particularly rifled through. They say this indicates he’s opening all the drawers in quick succession but not actually looking in them.
Of course there are two pulled out entirely, one from 1F, with their contents dumped in the bath and on the sofa.
Rei’s bedroom also has drawers open. Yasuko’s handbags are in the toilet room. Is he looking for something? Just doing it for the sake of it? Or staging? What could be in a 6 year old boy’s bedroom drawers?

They don’t say much more on it besides that, but it does raise their eyebrows.

 

[Kitsey]

Re: staging, they touch on this very briefly in the documentary.

They point out that the drawers on the cabinet in the living room are all open fully and that to be able to search all of them without closing and re-opening he’d need to open them from the bottom and work his way up, but that none of their contents were particularly rifled through. They say this indicates he’s opening all the drawers in quick succession but not actually looking in them.
Of course there are two pulled out entirely, one from 1F, with their contents dumped in the bath and on the sofa.
Rei’s bedroom also has drawers open. Yasuko’s handbags are in the toilet room. Is he looking for something? Just doing it for the sake of it? Or staging? What could be in a 6 year old boy’s bedroom drawers?

They don’t say much more on it besides that, but it does raise their eyebrows.

I think of staging as a clarification of the message the perpetrator is sending through the crime. The engraved bullets that Luigi Mangione (allegedly) used to assassinate Bryan Thompson would be a form of staging. Staging could also entail non-essential actions that heighten sexual arousal or release. Attempts to hinder identification or hide the crime wouldn’t be staging.

I definitely think the unflushed bowel movement is staging.

 

[Incoherent]

I think of staging as a clarification of the message the perpetrator is sending through the crime. The engraved bullets that Luigi Mangione (allegedly) used to assassinate Bryan Thompson would be a form of staging. Staging could also entail non-essential actions that heighten sexual arousal or release. Attempts to hinder identification or hide the crime wouldn’t be staging.

I definitely think the unflushed bowel movement is staging.

The bowel movement was flushed, there were just small remains in the bowl.