Homicide patterns in the Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Homicides occurring in the Toyama prefecture, Japan, during the past 10 years were reviewed. Between 1985 and 1994, 56 offenders committed 63 homicides. The mean death rate for homicide was 0.55 per 100,000. The ratio of male to female victims was 1:1, while 82% of the assailants were male and 18% were female. The victim and the assailant had a close family relationship in 58.7% of the cases. Dyadic death (homicide followed by suicide) accounted for 27% of all victims. Twenty-nine per cent of the victims were murdered by mentally unstable offenders, and in almost half (44%) of the cases the offender was convicted. Homicides during robbery were rare (only two cases), and there was only one homicide during sexual assault. Death was caused by blunt instrument injury in 38.1% of cases, asphyxia in 31.7%, stabbing in 17.5%, burns in 9.5% and shooting in 3.2% (only two cases). The majority (80%) of homicides occurred at the residence of the victim(s). None of the victims had a history of drug abuse. Social conditions in Toyama prefecture, and their possible relevance to local homicide patterns, are discussed briefly.